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Telenor Velocity, Invest2Innovate collaborate to transform Pakistan’s startup landscape

By
Ali Ali
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 23 (APP):In a strategic move to bolster Pakistan’s growing startup ecosystem, Telenor Velocity, Telenor Pakistan’s premier startup accelerator, forged a powerful alliance with Invest2Innovate (i2i).
According to news release by combining Telenor Pakistan’s market reach, technological infrastructure, and industry expertise with i2i’s proven track record in nurturing entrepreneurs, this partnership aims to empower startups to scale rapidly and compete on a global stage.
Pakistan’s youthful demographic, with 64% of the population under 30, presents an immense opportunity for innovation. With a population of nearly 240 million and 80% teledensity, the country boasts a vibrant startup ecosystem. However, despite this potential, 70% of startups face scaling challenges. In 2023, Pakistani startups secured $81.116 million in venture capital across 39 deals, highlighting a significant funding gap compared to regional counterparts.
Telenor Pakistan and i2i are determined to address these challenges by creating a robust ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship at every stage. Through this collaboration, Telenor Pakistan will offer i2i’s portfolio companies an array of invaluable resources. From tapping into Telenor Pakistan’s vast customer base of 44 million to gaining access to cutting-edge technology platforms, startups will receive the support needed to transform their ideas into thriving businesses.
 Moreover, mentorship from seasoned industry experts, comprehensive branding and marketing assistance, data-driven insights, and technological development support will equip entrepreneurs with the tools to succeed.
Areej Khan, Chief People Officer at Telenor Pakistan stated, “Pakistan is on the cusp of a digital revolution, and Telenor Pakistan is committed to being at its forefront. By joining forces with Invest2Innovate, we’re not just supporting startups; we’re investing in the future of our nation. Together, we’re creating a fertile ground for innovation to flourish, empowering young entrepreneurs to turn their dreams into reality and compete on the global stage.”
Sarah Munir, CEO of Invest2Innovate, added, “We are extremely excited to partner with Telenor Pakistan to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs. Community and collaboration are at the heart of this venture, and we are committed to providing our startups with an enabling environment and the support they require to succeed and grow.”
By combining their strengths, Telenor Pakistan and Invest2Innovate are poised to create a lasting impact on Pakistan’s startup landscape, promoting a culture of entrepreneurship and driving economic growth. This strategic alliance underscores Telenor Pakistan’s commitment to nurturing the startup ecosystem.
Building upon the success of initiatives like the Startup Mentor’s Network and the partnership with GSMA’s Innovation Fund, Telenor Pakistan reaffirms its position as a catalyst for innovation in the country.

Interior Minister determines to take action against attackers

By
Ali Ali
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 23 (APP):Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has pledged to take stern action against the attackers who killed 12 police personnel in the Kacha area of Rahim Yar Khan.
Presiding over a high-level meeting at Rahim Yar Khan Airport on Friday, Naqvi emphasized the need for robust security measures and instructed authorities to equip operational forces with modern weapons and safety equipment.
Naqvi described the incident as a “sad tragedy” and directed all necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
He ordered a coordinated operation against the perpetrators, stating that they would be dealt with “iron hands.”
Earlier, Naqvi attended the funeral prayers of the martyred policemen at Police Lines Rahim Yar Khan, paying tribute to their sacrifice.
He also visited injured police personnel at Sheikh Zayed Hospital, inquiring about their welfare and instructing hospital authorities to provide the best treatment facilities.
Naqvi announced that the martyred police personnel would be awarded the Shujaat medal and warned the attackers of a “terrible and bad end.” He termed the incident a “big tragedy for Pakistan” and assured continued federal government support.
The meeting was attended by high-ranking officials, including the Inspector General Police Punjab, DG Rangers Punjab, and Secretary Interior Punjab.

Comprehensive security plan for Chehlum & Data Darbar urs

By
Ali Ali
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0
LAHORE, Aug 23 (APP):Capital City Police Officer Bilal Siddique Kamyana presided over a meeting here on Friday to review security arrangements for the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and the Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh. Senior police officers briefed the CCPO on the planned security measures.
During the briefing, it was informed that for the Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh, as many as 6 SPs, 22 DSPs, 79 SHOs, 297 upper subordinates and more than 3,800 police personnel will be deployed for security duties. Similarly, for the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) as many as 10 SPs, 25 DSPs, 85 SHOs, 407 upper subordinates and over 4,000 police personnel will be on duty.
The meeting was informed that 72 Majalis and 34 mourning processions will take place on the eve of  Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS). Special security arrangements have been made for the main procession, including 6 Elite teams, 12 Police Response Unit (PRU) teams and 17 Dolphin teams for patrolling at the 11 entry points. Lady police officials will be deployed for the security of women mourners and visitors. A three-tiered checking mechanism will be in place to thoroughly screen mourners and visitors before allowing them into the procession and shrine areas. Additionally, snipers will be stationed on buildings along the procession routes and around the shrine and the surrounding streets will be completely sealed off.
Addressing the meeting, CCPO Lahore emphasized that foolproof security arrangements have been made for both the Chehlum processions and the Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh. He instructed the use of walk-through gates, metal detectors, barriers and barbed wire to ensure thorough checking and security. Senior police officers were directed to maintain continuous contact with the organizers of the Chehlum processions and the Data Darbar shrine and to personally review the security arrangements at the Imam Bargahs along the procession routes.
The CCPO stressed the importance of proper lighting arrangements around the Chehlum processions, majalis sites and the vicinity of Data Darbar. Continuous monitoring of security through cameras operated by the Punjab Safe Cities Authority and district administration was emphasized. The CCPO warned that any incidents of aerial firing, display of weapons, dissemination of hate material or incitement to violence would be met with immediate legal action. He further urged the citizens of Lahore to cooperate with the police to ensure a safe environment.

Three gangs busted

By
Ali Ali
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0
Sargodha
MULTAN, Aug 23 (APP):Seetal Mari police claimed on Friday to have busted three criminal
gangs and recovered valuables from their possession.
Addressing a press conference, City Police Officer (CPO) Sadiq Ali Dogar said, the Seetal Mari police during a crackdown, arrested seven outlaws of Saeed gang, Adnan gang and Omer aka Omeri gang and recovered valuables worth over Rs 2.5 million including 15 motorcycles and cash from the gangsters.
Further investigation was underway.

SNGPL disconnects eight more connections

By
Ali Ali
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0
LODHRAN, Aug 23 (APP):Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) UFG Control Task Force cut off eight more connections including one commercial besides removing six extensions.
Giving details, SNGPL sources said a consumer was found using a compressor to suck gas, and his connection was severed.
In Gaggu Mandi, a consumer was found using a domestic meter for commercial purposes, and his meter was also removed.
In Multan, the task force also cut off a gas connection of a defaulter.
The task force disconnected meters of two more consumers due to non-payment of dues, while three customers in Shujabad had their meters disconnected due to  tampering.
All disconnected meters have been sent to the laboratory for further departmental action.
A special recovery team of the Task Force recovered Rs 132,000 from defaulters.
Furthermore, six consumers had their extensions removed for supplying gas to multiple homes.

Anti-polio measures discussed

By
Ali Ali
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0
FAISALABAD, Aug 23 (APP):The polio teams will administer anti-polio drops to more than 1.6 million children under five years of age in the district from September 9.
As many as 5,000 fixed, transit and mobile polio teams have been constituted to achieve the goal.
Presiding over a district polio eradication committee meeting here Friday, the Deputy Commissioner Capt (retd) Nadeem Nasir took a briefing on the micro plan of anti-polio campaign which is going to start next month.
The DC directed for chalking out an effective micro plan for the upcoming polio campaign to achieve 100 percent children’s vaccination target.
He directed for the proper training of the staff on most modern lines for complete eradication of the polio disease from the country and asked the Ulema to spread the message of polio vaccination in Friday sermons.
He further directed for utilizing all means of publicity about the polio campaign.

7 drug-traffickers arrested

By
Ali Ali
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0
arrested
FAISALABAD, Aug 23 (APP):The district police, during a crackdown on drug-traffickers, arrested seven accused and seized over 11kg hashish from their possession during the last 24 hours.
A police report said here Friday that Ghulam Muhammad Abad police held a drug-peddler Ramzan red-handed with 2.5kg hashish from Saeedabad in Sidhupura area.
Nishatabad police nabbed Sarfraz from Pull Dingru; 2.5kg hashish was seized from his possession.
Khurrianwala police conducted a raid in Chak No 102-RB and recovered 1.75kg hashish from Abu Bakar and 1.25kg hashish from Ali Rehan from Chak No 562-GB.
Jaranwala city police arrested a narcotics supplier Farman Ali with .25kg hashish.
Meanwhile, Jaranwala Saddar police held two drug-peddlers Munir and Mohsin from Chak No 68-GB and 64-GB and seized 2.75kg hashish from their hideouts.
All the accused have been locked in police stations concerned after registration.

Gold rates up by Rs.200 per tola to Rs.262,000

By
NNPS Desk
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0
GOLD

ISLAMABAD, Aug 23 (APP): The per tola price of 24 karat gold increased by Rs.200 and was sold at Rs.262,000 on Friday compared to its sale at Rs.261,800 on last trading day.

The price of 10 grams of 24 karat gold also increased by Rs.172 to Rs. 224,623 from Rs. 224,451 whereas the price of 10 gram 22 karat gold went up to Rs.205,904 from Rs.205,747, the All Sindh Sarafa Jewellers Association reported.

The price of per tola and ten gram silver remained unchanged at Rs.2,950 and Rs.2,529.14, respectively.

The price of gold in the international market decreased by $12 to 2,492 from $2,504, the Association reported.

Short-term inflation eases by 0.10%

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Aug 23 (APP): The weekly inflation, measured by the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI), witnessed a decrease of 0.10 percent for the combined consumption groups during the week ended on August 22, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported on Friday.

According to the PBS data, the SPI for the week under review in the above-mentioned group was recorded at 321.72 points as compared to 322.03 points during the past week.

As compared to the corresponding week of last year, the SPI for the combined consumption group in the week under review witnessed an increase of 16.69 per cent.

The weekly SPI with the base year 2015-16 =100 covers 17 urban centres and 51 essential items for all expenditure groups.

Likewise, SPI for the lowest consumption group of up to Rs 17,732, witnessed decrease of 0.24 per cent and went down to 310.29 points from last week’s 311.04 points.

The SPI for the consumption groups of Rs 17,732-22,888 ; Rs 22,889-29,517; Rs 29,518-44,175 and above Rs 44,175 decreased by 0.22 percent, 0.15; 0.12 percent and 0.05 percent respectively.

During the week, out of 51 items, prices of 21 (41.18%) items increased, 9 (17.64%) items decreased and 21 (41.18%) items remained stable.

The items, which recorded major decrease in their average prices on a week-on-week basis included tomatoes (21.96%), wheat flour (2.77%), bananas (2.08%), onions (1.70%), sugar (1.43%), chicken (1.25%), pulse masoor (1.00%) and bread (0.61%).

The commodities which recorded major increase in their average prices on week-on-week basis included eggs (6.10%), pulse gram (6.05%), potatoes (2.41%), cooked daal (0.89%), cooked beef (0.74%), mustard oil (0.63%), beef (0.47%), shirting (0.43%), milk fresh (0.39%) and LPG (0.16%).

On-year basis, the commodities that witnessed decrease included wheat flour (36.12%), chilies powder (17.78%), electricity charges for q1 (16.91%), cooking oil 5 litre (10.50%), petrol (10.07%), sugar (9.62%), diesel (9.22%), rice basmati broken (8.88%), vegetable ghee 2.5 kg (7.63%), vegetable ghee 1 kg (6.51%) and mustard oil (4.00%).

The commodities which recorded an increase in their average prices on year-on-year basis included gas charges for q1 (570.00%), onions (79.51%), pulse gram (51.34%), tomatoes (28.10%), powered milk (26.14%), gents sandal (25.01%), beef (23.89%), pulse moong (23.88%), shirting (23.61%), garlic (22.84%), salt powder (21.36%) and georgette (15.18%).

Four killed in a road accident near Sukkur

By
Ali Ali
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0
accident
SUKKUR, Aug 23 (APP):At least four people, including a woman, were killed in a truck-car collision on the M5 Motorway in Pano Aqil area, Sukkur district, on Friday.
According to rescue officials, a car was going from Sukkur to Multan when it collided with the truck coming from the opposite side.
Soon after the incident was reported, the rescue teams reached the site and shifted bodies and injured people to the Taluka headquarters hospital for medico-legal proceedings.
It is to be mentioned here that at least eight people have been killed and ten others have received injuries as a result of the collision between a passenger bus and trailer truck on the Sukkur-Multan motorway this week.
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