Akram Zaki sets good precedent at 9th CA Awards

J. Choudhry, Editor Corporate Ambassador/ISLAMABAD

Mr Akram Zaki, former Senator and Chairman of the Senate’s Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs set a good precedent on Saturday (April 29, 2017) at the 9th Corporate Ambassador Awards that was organised at OAK Hall of the Hotel Crown Plaza.

Mr Akram Zaki was the Chief Guest of the awards ceremony. He reached the hotel on time, at 4pm. Dr Murtaza Mughal, President of Pakistan Economy Watch, Chairman of Nazriya-e-Pakistan Center and myself received Akram Zaki at the lobby of the hotel. He sat down on sofa and said “For the last few days I am not feeling well, but I did not like to refuse to participate in the 9th Corporate Ambassador Awards for two reasons _ first it will be damaging for your awards programme today and secondly it will damage my perception as well. Had I refused to attend this function today as Chief Guest as I was not feeling well, you might have not believed it”.

“So despite my illness, I am here to honour my commitment of joining this awards programme as Chief Guest”, he said.

After hearing these words, we all (including Chief Guest) entered the lift of the hotel to reach the Mezannine floor where the OAK Hall of the hotel was located. Mr Zaki started vomiting badly inside the lift and he was immediately taken to wash-room.

A few minutes later, he moved towards the function hall and participated in the awards ceremony as Chief Guest with heavy heart as he still was not feeling comfortable. I, Dr Murtaza Mughal and one of our important guests Dr Imdad Hussain (who reached here from Bali, Indonesia), asked Akram Zaki sahib to take rest and also offered him to take him to the doctor, but Mr Zaki said that he would like to participate in the awards ceremony to encourage the organisers and the participants.

The 9th Corporate Ambassador Awards ceremony was started with recitation from holy Quran as per its schedule. Ms Afsheen Zeeshan, Political Analyst/Social Activist & Philanthropist in Islamabad and Visiting Faculty Member of the National Defence University was the Guest of Honour and she was the first speaker of the awards ceremony, followed by Dr Murtaza Mughal and Akram Zaki.

Zaki sahib did very brief speech, appreciated the awards ceremony that was aimed at encouraging the high-achievers and motivating others to follow the path of those who are doing excellent work in their life and career in the society.

He ended his speech by saying that he wanted to speak a lot, but he was not well to address the ceremony properly. Consequently, the organisers started the awards distribution. Soon after handing over second award, Mr Akram Zaki again started vomiting and he finally accepted the advice of Dr Murtaza Mughal, myself and Dr Imdad Hussain to take rest and leave the remaining part of the awards ceremony.

“Zaki sahib left the venue by saying that I was not in a position to come today to attend the ceremony, but I thought that if I refused to go today, your awards ceremony will be disturbed because I am your Chief Guest. So I have fulfilled my commitment by attending the function and I hope the organisers and participants would not mind about my illness that upset me and your function today.”

(Mr Akram Zaki is presenting “Showbiz & Culture Ambassador Award) to Hina Durrani, Journalist of Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad). From Right-2-Left: Dr Rubina Bhatti, Ms Afsheen Zeeshan, Dr Imdad Hussain and Javed Mahmood are also seen in this picture

Every one in the hall appreciated the commitment and the spirit of Zaki sahib and said that it must be a lesson for our people who do not take their commitments seriously.

The driver of Zaki sahib was called in the lobby of the hotel and Dr Imdad Hussain escorted him to the car as Zaki sahib wanted to go home to take rest instead of going to the hospital.

“Let us take it as an example and fulfill our commitment if we make with anyone,” said Dr Murtaza Mughal and Dr Imdad Hussain.

Later on, Ms Afsheen Zeeshan (Guest of Honour); Dr Murtaza Mughal, President of Pakistan Economy Watch; Dr Rubina Hussain, a Social Worker, who arrived here from Bali, Indonesia, distributed remaining awards among the winners.

Speaking at awards ceremony, Ms Afsheen Zeeshan said the appreciation of good work is essential and that the culture of leg-pulling must be discouraged. She appreciated the Editor of Corporate Ambassador Javed Mahmood for promoting the culture of appreciation of those who are doing good work and have notable achievements to their credit.

Dr Murtaza Mughal, President of Pakistan Economy Watch; World Columnists Club, Karachi and Senior Executive Director of the United International Group (UIG) also exhorted the need to appreciate those organisations, professionals and students who are doing excellent work.

Group photo of the awards winners at the 9th Corporate Ambassador Awards organised in Islamabad on April 29, 2017 at Hotel Crown Plaza.

Ms Afsheen Zeeshan, Political Analyst/Social Activist and Philanthropist is receiving Pride For Pakistan Award from Dr Murtaza Mughal. Javed Mahmood, Editor Corporate Ambassador is also seen in this photo. In the picture below, Ms Afsheen is receiving SHIELD for being the GUEST of Honour of 9th Awards

Giya, Biya (daughters of Afsheen Zeeshan at the awards ceremony.  Dr Imdad Hussain is also see in this picture.

Zoya Nazir, an MBA from London and Host of 9th CA Awards, receiving her shield from Dr Rubina Bhatti, our guest from Bali, Indonesia. Ms Afsheen and Dr Murtaza are also seen in this picture.

Zoya Nazir wonderfully managed the hosting of 9th awards.

Marufjon Abdur-Rehmanov, Cultural and Economic Counselor of the Tajikistan Embassy, Islamabad, also attended the awards ceremony.

Dr Murtaza Mughal presenting flower bouquet to a guest

Dr Rubina Bhatti, who came here from Bali, Indonesia and attended the 9th Corporate Ambassador Awards ceremony in Islamabad.

AWARDS Winners

Young Ambassador for Change Award was presented to Nadir Ali Khan, a very energetic Social Activist. He is Founder/CEO of Youth Initiative for Development, Youth Ambassador at Teach for Pakistan; Member of Peace Youth Assembly, KPK and Volunteer Coordinator at International Human Rights Commission.

Hina Durrani is a very talented female journalist working with Pakistan’s largest state-run news agency, Associated Press of Pakistan in Islamabad. She is promoting showbiz and Pakistani culture through journalism. She was honoured with Showbiz & Culture Ambassador Award. Plz receive your award

Osama Nadeem Qureshi (extreme left) was honoured with Youth Leadership Award. He is President of National Youth Parliament, KPK and member of other social organisations that are  promoting social development.

Farhan Wilayat Butt (in center with a female guest) is a Lahore-based journalist. He writings are promoting peace, tolerance and also highlighting issues relating to poverty and social development. Mr Butt has arrived here especially from Lahore to participate in this awards ceremony.

 

Zoha Khalid (in center with Zoya Nazir and Afsheen Zeeshan is a young and brilliant event planner and a good team player. Zoha Khalid was given Best Team Player and Event Planner Award

Ahmed Raza Khan Kirmani (right) is Founder-President of Youth Agricultural Development Commission. He is using this platform to motivate youth to work for the development of agriculture in the country. In our last awards program in Islamabad, he was honoured with award. (Extreme left in picture below).

 

Shamim Mahmood, a professional journalist with diverse work experience from humanitarian to journalism.  He has worked with leading Urdu and English print and electronic media organisations in Pakistan and with BBC as Stringer. At present he is working as Editor with monthly magazine FIRE. He is being honoured with Minorities Voice Ambassador Award.  Shamim Mahmood (sitting in center in front row)

From Right-2-Left: Shamim Mahmood, Javed Mahmood, Dr Murtaza Mughal and Raza Mumtaz Rao.

Munsif Arif Gill (Right) is Founder-Director of Human Prosperity Life Foundation, a Lahore-based NGO doing social welfare of needy people. He has also travelled from Lahore to Islamabad to attend this prestigious awards program.

Raza Mumtaz Rao is a senior marketing person currently working for Urdu-1 TV, Horizon Media Limited, Islamabad as Corporate Manager. He is a brilliant media marketing person and hard-working as well. He is also Member of National Youth Assembly, Association Alumni of National Security Workshop Course, National Defence University, Islamabad. Raza Mumtaz Rao, second from right, is sitting on stage.

Another Corporate Pride for Pakistan Award goes to Sajjad Kazmi (in center below), one of the top-performers of TIENS Pakistan. China’s TIENS group is offering diversified products, like health food, health care/skincare applications, house-hold products. TIENS are creating a high quality life for more than 20 million families around the world.

Now I invite Faiz-ur-Rehman, who is working with Norwegian Embassy in Islamabad, to receive his award. He is very talented person in the field of Accounting and Finance.

Mehmood Arif (2nd from right below) is a young and energetic person engaged in marketing, advertising and branding. He is being honoured with Young Brand Ambassador Award. 

Ms Afsheen Zeeshan is a Political Analyst, Social Activist, Philanthropist and Finalist for UNDP’s N-Peace Awards-2015 in category of untold stories. Today she has graced this event as Guest of Honour for which we are very thankful to her. She is requested to receive her Pride For Pakistan Award and a Shield for being Guest of Honour. Her Pride For Pakistan Award was announced in our last program organized in Islamabad in February this year, but award could not be delivered because of shortage of time.

Dr Murtaza Mughal is President of Pakistan Economy Watch, World Columnists Club, Karachi, philanthropist, Social Activist and Senior Executive Director of United International Group. He was honoured with Pride for Pakistan Award

Mian M.A. Shahid, Chairman of Apna Micro-Finance Bank and United International Group is being honoured with Pride For Pakistan Award for his key contributions for development of financial sector, economy and employment. He could not reach Islamabad because of Board of Directors meeting of his group in Lahore today. His representative received the award and bouqet on behalf of Mian MA Shahid.

 

 Zoya Nazir, today’s wonderful host is requested to receive Shield for hosting this awards ceremony in a majestic style. She is an MBA from London and very talented person. We wish her best of luck in her life and career in future.

Pride For Pakistan Award was awarded to Chief Guest Mr Akram Zaki. He is former Chairman of the Senate’s Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, former Ambassador of Pakistan to China, Nigeria, Philippines and the United States of America. He is also Chairman of Islamabad-based security think-tank, Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies. Dr Murtaza Mughal received Akram Zaki sahib’s award

Below are more glimpses of 9th Corporate Ambassador Awards

9th Awards bouqet is being presented to Dr Imdad Hussain, a businessman from Bali, Indonesia.

Dr Murtaza Mughal, Zoya Nazir, Dr Rubina Bhatti and Mehwish Nazir. Mehwish Nazir came from London to attend this awards ceremony

Dr Imdad Hussain is sitting with Akram Zaki, former Senator/Ambassador and now Chairman of Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, Islamabad

Shamim Mahmood, senior journalist (below) receiving “Minorities Voice Ambassador Award” from the eminent guests.

World’s powerful bomb hits world’s notorious terror outfit in Afghanistan

Fire that emerged immediately after US bomb attack in Afghanistanagain Daesh

Aerial view of smoke arising after US attack on Daesh’s hideouts in Afghanistan

J. Choudhry/ISLAMABAD

The United States of America blew up the hideouts of the world’s most notorious terror out, Daesh in Afghanistan by blowing up the world’s most powerful bomb, A GBU-43/B, the largest and non-nuclear satellite guided bomb. The United States developed this mightiest bomb, after nuclear bomb, at the start of the Iraq war in 2003. The GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb (MOAB) weighs 21,000-pounds and is a GPS-guided munition. It is nicknamed as the ‘Mother of All Bombs’.

This unexpected and the mightiest attack on the caves (the strongest hideouts) of the Daesh in Afghanistan on the one  hand gives the impression that the United States is going to crush terrorism in Afghanistan while on the other, we can say that the countdown has begun for the world’s most infamous terror outfits having safe havens in the land-locked war-torn country, neighbouring Pakistan, India, Iran and China.

The exact number of casualties of Daesh in this most surprising attack is yet not available, but one thing is crystal clear now, the terrorist-oufits in Afghanistan will face a tough action in the days ahead.

A couple of months back, Pakistan Army has attacked twice the hideouts of Jamaat-al-Ahrar and TTP, soon after a series of terrorist attacks in Pakistan in the Feb 2017. Now the US’s entry in this war on terror with the most furious attack would lead to elimination of militants in Afghanistan and same will happen in Pakistan as our military had already launched new operation “Radd-ul-Fasaad” operation.

The meeting of the US Ambassador in Pakistan David Hale with the Chief of Army Staff Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa, two days before this mightiest attack, also indicates that the US government had shared the non-nuclear bomb attack on Daesh in Afghanistan.

The US military on April 13 claimed to have deployed the weapon for the first time in combat against caves used by the militant Islamic State in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province.

The 30 feet long MOAB is an improved replacement for the unguided 15,000-pound BLU-82 Daisy Cutter bomb which was widely used in previous conflicts, most notably the Vietnam War.

The weapon produces a tremendous explosion which is effective against hard-target entrances, soft-to-medium surface targets, clearing tunnels and caves and anti-personnel purposes.

Due to the size of the explosion, it can be deployed for clearing Landing Zones (LZ) for air assault forces and clearing mine and beach obstacles.

The massive blast radius is also suitable for performing psychological operations on enemy forces.

The bomb, owing to its massive size and weight, is dropped from a C-130 cargo aircraft, specifically the MC-130 Talon operated by the US Air Force Special Operations Command.

For deployment, the GBU-43/B is pulled out of the aircraft’s open cargo ramp with the aid of a drogue parachute while in flight.

After being pulled out of the aircraft, the weapon is quickly released to maintain maximum forward momentum. Grid fins attached to the bomb then open up and guide the weapon to target.

The bomb was designed and fielded in just nine months, in time for the Iraq War of 2003.

The Russian military in 2007 also claimed to have developed a similar weapon. Russia said the bomb was four times as powerful when compared to the US MOAB.

Two Iranian war-ships reach Karachi for training

By J. Choudhry/KARACHI

Iranian Naval War-Ships NAGHDI and TONB arrived in Karachi today (April 8, 2017) for good-will cum training visit at a time when some circles are trying to create gulft and disharmony in Pakistan-Iran’s diplomatic and brotherly relationship over China-Pak Economic Corridor, appointment of ex-Army Chief Gen. Raheel Sharif as chief of Saudi-led 52 Islamic countries military coalition and Iran-India-Pakistan relationship.

The visiting ships were accorded a warm welcome during an impressive reception ceremony and received by officials of Pakistan Navy and Iranian Diplomats.

The visit is aimed at strengthening mutual collaboration and enhancing interoperability between two navies through table top discussions and exercise at sea. During the stay at Karachi, the officers and men of the ship will hold professional discussion and interaction with counterparts from Pakistan Navy on the subjects of mutual interest.

Moreover, operational training activities, exchange of visits by naval personnel and sports activities are also planned. At the end of the visit, a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) will be conducted at sea to enhance interoperability between two navies.

In line with Government policies, the current visit will help promote peace and security in the region and enhance maritime collaboration between the two countries.

 

Appreciation is must for social development, says Rozina

By J. Choudhry/KARACHI

Famous astrologist Ms Rozina Jalal said that appreciation is must to promote social development in Pakistan and encourage best performing organizations and individuals to achieve more milestones of success in future.

This could motivate our people to follow the foot-steps of the high-achievers in the society, she aid.

Rozina Jalal was speaking as Chairperson at the 8^th Corporate Ambassador Awards organized in Karachi at the state-of-the-art auditorium of the Society for Training and Development in DHA Phase-5 Karachi on April 7, 2017.

Ms Rozina said that very few people in our society appreciate and acknowledge the achievements of others.

“If our people promote the culture of appreciation, I am sure it would double the efficiency, performance and achievements of the organizations and individuals that would ultimately boost the social and economic development in the country,” she said.

(From Right-2-Left: Javed Mahmood, Chief Editor Corporate Ambassador; Mehrin Elahi, CEO Majmua Art Gallery & Chairperson of FPCCI Awards Committee on Art n Culture; Madiha Gohar, Pakistan’s famous Fashion Designer; Rozina Jalal, Chairperson of 8th Awards and renowned Astrologist, Mubasher Mir, Resident Editor Daily Pakistan and Syed Turab Shah, Regional Chief of daily Ausaf in Karachi are sitting on stage).

Rozina Jalal appreciated Javed Mahmood, Chief Editor of Corporate Ambassador for organizing 8^th Awards in Karach and urged others to come forward to make appreciation a national culture.

Mehrin Elahi, CEO of Majmua Art Gallery and Chairperson of FPCCI Committee on Art and Culture said businesswomen should be motivated and facilitated to start their own business. She said the women can launch business of their choice to play their role in the national social and economic uplift in the country.

Mehrin said the government and other organizations must evolve a framework to ensure that a maximum number of women start their own business.

She said that being Chairperson of FPCCI Committee she would try her best to promote art and culture in Karachi and abroad.

(Fashion Designer Madiha Gohar receiving Pride For Pakistan Award)

Security Chief of Citibank Col. (Retd) Sabahuddin Chaudhary is receiving his award

Pakistan famous fashion designer Madiha Gohar, VP National Bank Ibne Hasan, Security Chief of Citibank Col. (Retd) Sabahuddin Chaudhary, senior journalist/analyst Mubasher Mir and Syed Turab Shah of daily Ausaf attended the awards as Guests of Honour.

Following persons were given awards for their notable achievements: Fashion Designer Madiha Gohar, Yasmeen Mirza anchor of Metro TV, Hira Zainab, student of BBA Honour/President of students-run NGO, the First Hand Foundation; Dr Shujaat Mubarik, who had done Ph.D from Malaysia in shortest-time of the Malaya University; Mohammed Arifeen, very senior journalist and head of the Editorial Department of The Financial Daily, the second largest English language financial daily in Karachi; Muttahir Ahmad Khan, a multi-talented person. He is a senior educationist, Author of books, TV Host, Analyst and Freelance Writer; Afzal Baloch, a senior journalist, TV analyst and elected member of Governing Body of the Federal Executive Council  (FEC) who secured the highest number of votes —195 out of 249; Qaseem Jaffri, Country Director of the German company _ DS Concept in Karachi. Mr Jaffri and his company are promoting trade and investment between Pakistan and Germany; Colonel (Retired) Sabahuddin Chaudhary, the chief of security of Citibank in Karachi, Pakistan. He is responsible for security of all the Citibank branches, offices, staff and other immovable assets in Pakistan;

Yasmeen Mirza, a very talented and famous TV anchor in Karachi. She is currently working with Metro TV in Karachi as senior Anchorperson. Yasmeen receiving her award

Afzal Baloch, a senior journalist, TV analyst and elected member of Governing Body of the Federal Executive Council  (FEC) who secured the highest number of votes —195 out of 249, receiving his Media Leader Award. Afzal Baloch also received award of Rahim Bukhsh Baloch, Director Administration, HR, Legal & Land, SITE Industries Limited, Karachi.

Dr Murtaza Mughal, senior executive director of the United International Group in Pakistan, has played a very important role in economic and financial development in the country. He is also President of Pakistan Economy Watch, a think-tank of economy based in Islamabad. He is also promoting philanthropy in Pakistan. Chief Editor Corporate Ambassador Javed Mahmood presented Corporate Pride For Pakistan Award to Dr Murtaza Mughal in Islamabad on April 12, 2017, as Dr Murtaza could not reach Karachi to participate in the 8th awards ceremony because of his urgent engagements in Islamabad.

In picture below, a colleague of Dr Murtaza Mughal is receiving award on behalf of Dr Sahib.

Mr Rahim Bukhsh Baloch, senior official of SITE Industries Limited Karachi. He is working as Director Administration, HR, Legal and Land with the SITE Industries Limited.

Hira Zainab, student of BBA Honour/President of students-run NGO, the First Hand Foundation, was honoured with Social Welfare Ambassador Award

Mohammed Arifeen, Editor, Editorial Department of The Financial Daily, Karachi is receiving his Corporate Pride For Pakistan Award.

Editor The Financial Daily Mr Manzar Naqvi, Mohammed Arifeen and other guests are in this picture

Sobia Butt, Host of 8th award is doing Ph.D in English linguistics. She is one of the few good teacher trainers, poetess, athlete and writer. Corporate Ambassador promised to honour her with award next time for her achievements and expertise in education. Here she is receiving her shield for hosting 8th Awards is a majestic style

Dr Essa’s Lab & Diagnostic Center was given Shield for supporting this awards program by giving gifts to our worthy guests. Mr Mohsin Bhatti of Dr Essa’s Lab & Diagnostic Center is receiving shield.

Ms Rozinal Jalal, Chairperson of the awards was given shield by Javed Mahmood of Corporate Ambassador and other eminent guests on stage.

More glimpses of 8th CorporateAmbassador Awards

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