InfoTech’s Capizar® Suite of Trading Platform Goes Live at Zimbabwe Stock Exchange

ZSE is powered with globally recognized InfoTech product Capizar® ATS, a comprehensive suite of Trading Platform. This project has ushered Zimbabwe Capital Market in the new era of efficiency, growth, development and transparency.

August 2015, Lahore: InfoTech Group, a leading Systems Integrator and technology solutions provider, completed the Trading System Transformation at Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) as it went live and ushered ZSE in a new trading era. The agreement for a turnkey deployment of Automated Trading with the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange was signed back in 2014 to enable all transactions to match international best practices and standards of operation in terms of efficiency, transparency, fairness and cost effectiveness.

The new trading platform Capizar® ATS, marks the beginning of a new era for Zimbabwe’s capital markets, replacing the previously used manual trading system since 1896, where ZSE carried out a large number of tasks using excel and other basic packages. This smart move is expected to influence a rise in aggregate turnover as well as volumes traded. International markets all over the world reacted positively to such developments ultimately leading to increase average daily turnover levels.

Commenting on the occasion, Naseer A. Akhtar, CEO of InfoTech said, “It is a privilege to work and represent Pakistan on an international platform. We are extremely proud of the expansion InfoTech has made in international markets, being one of a kind Pakistani company to lodge work with various global clients. I would also like to congratulate Zimbabwe Stock Exchange and wish them success in this new epoch of automated trading. ”

InfoTech is one of the leading information technology firms of Pakistan, successfully automated and integrated solutions for various public and private sectors. 

4 days trip in Murree, Pakistan

Murree is Pakistan’s easily accessible retreat which remains crowded with foreigners and locals throughout the year. This serene city is located near the Himalayas – about a 2 hour drive from Islamabad. The area is known for its scenic vistas of pine, oak-covered mountains, glistening rivulets, and relaxing atmosphere. Murree is a heavenly site - often referred to as a romantic getaway for travelers.

Jovago shares a 4 day itinerary of things to do when visiting Murree.

Day 1

1. Mall road

Mall Road is a long winding road that has a huge market (on both sides) and cars are not allowed to enter the closed off area. The marketplace has an assortment of crafts,souvenirs, fine eateries, rides and much more. Jovago.com has several hotel options located on Mall Road and at a very reasonable price.

2. Murree Tabbaq Restaurant

Tabbaq restaurant is located on Mall Road. One should have breakfast here before starting the day’s activities. It opens early in the morning to serve breakfast such ashalwapuri, eggs, paratha and tea. It is famous for its delicious cuisine which is cooked by an expert chef.

3. Pindi Point

After breakfast and strolling on Mall road, tourists can either take a Bacha Garior walk to the Pindi point (roughly 15-20 minutes’ walk depending on one’s speed). Pindi point is a stunning mountainous, lush green spot dominated by beautiful daffodils. It has chairlifts that visitors can use to get a bird's eye view of the scenery, zigzagged pine lines, snowcapped peaks and valleys.

4. Kashmir Point

Kashmir Point is another beautiful place to wander around. Travelers can sightsee, hike, take pictures, go horseback riding, or sit on the terrace at the Point and enjoy coffee. It is also a residence of the Punjab Governor, which was built in 19th century.

Day 2

1. Trinity church

The famous Holy Trinity Church was built in 1857 and still remains functional in Murree. In colonial times, the church was the center of life and its architecture makes it is worthy of a visit.

2. Sindh House

Continuing the journey from the church, up ahead on the road are Punjab and Sindh houses - designed at the hilltop to cater needs of the provincial government.  These are similar to the large number of government, semi-government and private departments and institution maintained guesthouses in Murree.

3. Remnants of Murree Brewery

The Murree Brewery was established in 1860 by Dyer - father of Col Dyer, the butcher of Amritsar. It is located 6 kilometers from Sunny Bank at Ghora Gali.

Day 3

1. Sozo Water Park

Starting the day with a rejuvenating visit to Sozo Water Park is the most exciting experience. It offers plenty of rides and a haunted house. The park takes pride in being the first and largest water park in Pakistan.

2. Bhurban

After the Sozo Water Park, one can drive to the Bhurban resort - one of the most picturesque places in the country. It is known for scenic hiking trails in the nearby Ayubia National Park, unique flora and fauna, the '5 star' Pearl Continental Hotel and Bhurban Apartments.

3. Dine at Red Onion

Red Onion serves a great variety of Chinese, Indian local and continental Bar-B-Q dishes. The restaurant is constructed like an American bar, with red bricks and dim lights for a perfect dining experience.

Day 4

1. Patriata

Also called New Murree – Patriata is 15 km from Murree Hills. It's famous for its 2 hour chairlift which is comparable to international chairlifts.

2. Ayubia

Ayubia is 26 km from Murree hills. It consists of four hill stations GhorDaka, Khanspur, Gali Changla and Khairagali. Every year, thousands of tourists visit Ayubia to visit the majestic Ayubia National Park. Ayubia offers comfortable and modern amenities, including hotels, restaurants and sports facilities for both summer and winter seasons.

3. Daffodils Restaurant

Daffodils restaurant is considered as one of the best places to eat while visiting Ayubia. Inaddition to the delicious food, the restaurant is located at a peaceful picturesque location.

Murree is indeed a beautiful place that attracts many visitors. After visiting the area, one may find yourself planning your next trip to Murree, Pakistan!

Top 10 Mind-Blowing Technological Inventions of 2015

1.      Magic Leap

The Magic Leap uses head mounted optical illusion technology that displays 3D computer-generated imagery over objects, by projecting a digital light field into the user's eye.Inventions like these make the reality we live in more majestic.

2.       Project Loon

Google X is striving hard to excel at their Project Loon, which involves providing remote areas with Internet access.Even in such a rapid era of development, around 4.3 billion peopleare stilloffline because theyare deprived ofInternet facilities. They are accomplishing their goal by usinghigh-altitude helium balloons to create an aerial wireless network with a3G speed.It is a reliable and cost-effective way to bring the members of this world closer together.

3.       Brain Organoids

Brain Organoids will make it possible for researchers to understand the networking of brain cells and their genetic modifications. This scientific break through will help unlock the mysteries behind mental illnesses and other neurological disorders.

4.       Nano-Architecture

Nano - Architecture is a modern concept crafted by Julia Greer, fromthe California Institute of Technology. Greer aims to replace the conventional materials that are prone to damage with ones that are more energy-efficient and versatile.She has designed the strongest, yet lightest substance ever created.

5.       Car-to-Car communication

General Motors and the University of Michigan together have created ‘Car to Car communication.’This device enables drivers to broadcast their steering-wheel position, speed and brake status to other vehicles to avoid possible collision. This invention is crucial since over a million people are killed on roads while travelling worldwide every year.

6.       Apple Pay

Apple Pay is a mobile payment and digital wallet service that allows users to make transactions through their Apple devices. It does not require Apple specific payment terminals and will work with Visa's PayWave, MasterCard's PayPass, and American Express's ExpressPay terminals.

7.       Internet of DNA

The Global Alliance for Genomics partnered with Google to create Internet DNA. This technology aims to generate a DNA database collected from several hospitals and medical centers to recordinformation about existing diseases. This in turn will help doctorseasily pinpoint illnesses if there is a complication with the diagnosis.

8.       Supercharged photosynthesis /C4 Photosynthesis

C4 Photosynthesis is an advanced genetic tool that boosts plant growth and allows the photosynthetic process to operate more efficiently.The tool will be used to increase the crop yield to fulfill the rising food demands of the population.

9.       Mega scale Desalination

The IDE technologies in Israel,is the world’s largest modern seawater desalination plant that uses a conventional desalination technology called reverse osmosis (RO). It cheaplyproduces clean water from the sea at a mass scale that has never been achieved before. In the future we can hope that similar plants will be installed inPakistanto solve the impending water reserve issues.

10.   Liquid Biopsy

Cancer kills about 8 million people a year around the world. Its treatment includes invasive screening processes, whichcomplicate life making it more stressful. Fortunately, Doctor Dennis Lo and the University of Hong Kong have invented a procedure known as liquid biopsy.This test extracts the DNA sequencing from a few drops of blood, successively detectingthe spread and location of the cancer.It’s a noninvasive procedure that medical experts believe has the potential to bring us closer to the ultimate goal of early detection, which can save millions of lives down the road.

Jovago.com teams up with Mobilink and Oracle to promote Tourism

To promote the culture and beauty of Pakistan, Jovago.com has joined hands with Mobilink and Oracle

Jovago.com, Pakistan’s No.1 online hotel book portal, recently partnered with Mobilink, a premium network service provider, and Oracle, the leading internet database company, to promote tourism. They have come together to promote Pakistan and its rich culture and scenic beauty by an online competition under the name of Discover Pakistan.

By securing this partnership, Jovago.com has ensured that their message gets across to customers of all ages and cities. The online portal is renowned for taking such initiatives to promote tourism at the time when it was largely neglected across Pakistan.

The activity will facilitate all Mobilink users to get the chance to win a free all expenses paid trip in Pakistan. The network users can avail this offer by participating through Opera Mini Browser; all that is required is for them to upload an image at opera mini platform.

Jovago.com has further added an incentive for all valuedMobilinkcustomers by giving a special discount by typing “Hotel Yes” and sending it to 9143 to avail the discount offer.

Commenting on this initiative Country Manager of Jovago.com, Mrs. Nadine Malik Almani said 

“Jovago.com is very enthusiastic to encourage tourism industry by teaming up with the renowned telecom industry of Pakistan. Jovago.com believes in taking up such initiatives which ensures maximum ease for travelers from all over the Pakistan.”

Release of upcoming Pakistani film ”Swaarangi” delayed

Swaarangi will be released in cinemas across ‪Pakistan on September 11, 2015. Release date of the film has been changed as a gesture to support Pakistani movies already running in cinema. There is limited number of screens in Pakistan at the moment.

Swaarangi is an upcoming Pakistani movie starring Resham and Ayub Khosa in lead roles. The movie is already making waves as it is Resham’s return to the silver screen after a gap of 7 years. Swaarangi has been shot in distant locations near Kalabagh and is based on real incidents. The film is directed by Fida Hussain and produced by Mazhar Abbas.

Producer Mazhar Abbas has said that “as a gesture to support revival of Pakistani cinema, we are delaying the release of our movie by two weeks. This will help all movies being made in Pakistan to perform at a high level at the box office. This is in the spirit of supporting Pakistani cinema”.

Swaarangi is expected to be another parallel cinema movie from Pakistan which has reasonably good chances of working well on the box office. Recently released message oriented movies like Moor have paved the way for serious cinema releases in Pakistan.

The information regarding change in release date of the movie was shared by team Content CreatorZ, the digital media partner of Swaarangi.

Pakistan’s First Personal Tracking Solution launched by TPL Trakker Today

TPL Trakker, a venture of TPL Holdings, has announced the launch of its first personal tracking product ‘Personal Trakking (PT)’ powered by Imhere, across Pakistan – which is a range of personal monitoring devices designed to assist you with tracking updates of your loved ones, your network or as an individual, in case of an emergency.

PT is the smartest Personal Trakking device available in Pakistan. It can fit in a pocket, bag or be used as a keychain, making it not only easy to wear but also discreet to operate.

A smart locator, built-in with an Emergency Alert: SOS button and real-time location updates using maps, gives peace of mind knowing where your loved ones are. Users can set up Safe Zones; generating alerts to know if anyone has entered or left a specific area as well as get Speed alerts ensuring your cars / drivers are not over speeding with those you care for most.

Speaking to the media at the launch press conference for PT, Mr. Ali Jameel, CEO, TPL Trakker Ltd stated that “TPL is extremely excited to bring PT into the lives of the people of Pakistan for the first time– with this state-of-the-art product in your life, you can be assured of your loved one’s track and your work force’s competency.”

“PT covers dozens of applications keeping our users and their needs in mind, and TPL’s new upcoming products will broaden consumer demand even further.” Mr. Jameel further added.

Commenting on the new solution, Mr. Jameel Yousuf, Chairman, TPL Trakker Ltd said: “Everyone should be able to live their lives feeling safe with no exceptions. Those equipped with TPL’s PT device will have the peace of mind that is every human’s basic right”.

PT products are supplied as a complete package with an accompanying Mobile App, SIM card and full user training. It is ideal for everyone – families, business networks, individuals!

Mr. Ali Kirmani, COO TPL, Mr. Jameel Yousuf, Chairman TPL and Mr. Ali Jameel, CEO, TPL Briefing the media and guest during the launching of Personal Trakker

For more details on Personal Trakker, visit : www.tpltrakker.com/personal-trakking.html

About TPL Trakker: TPL Trakker, a venture of TPL Holdings, has always been introducing revolutionary products, services and continues to excel with innovative solutions throughout. Outshining since past 15 years, TPL Trakker has also won the Brands of the Year Award for Vehicle Tracking & Security, consecutively from 2007 to 2014.

Top 6 Beaches in Pakistan you never seen before

French Beach –Karachi

The beach is located between Hawkes Bay and Paradise point, and is favoured by Karachi’s elite. It is ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving and surfing, especially during the monsoon season.

Astola Beach –Balochistan

Astola is Pakistan’s largest offshore island, located 5 hours away from Pasni. It is famous for its breath-taking beach, and is a popular camping, fishing and scuba-diving site for tourists.

Ormara Beach –Balochistan

Ormara is an old town, located on the coast of Makran. The port is also mentioned in the Periplus of the Erythraen Sea as Orea.

West Bay Beach – Balochistan

The West Bay Beach lies on the Makran coast, and is renowned for its diverse marine life and exquisite scenery.

Cape Mount –Karachi

Cape Mount is located near the Hub River and is locally known as Ras Muari. During the British regime, a lighthouse was built on the beach for navigation purposes.

Sandspit Beach – Karachi

Sandspitis the perfect beach to relax and have sunbath at. The waters are relatively calm, so tourists can safely explore the sea with the unique marine life. It is also famous for its turtle conservation, opened by WWF to protect Green and Olive Ridley turtles.

12 Islands of Pakistan You must Visit in your life

Astola Island

Pakistan’s largest offshore island- Astola, also known as Seven Hills or Haft Talar,is located in Arabian Sea about 25km to the nearest coast and 39km southeast from the fishing port of Pasni. Legends say that Astola was formerly mentioned by Admiral Nearchos in 325 BCE, who was sent by Alexander the Great to explore the coast of the Arabian Sea. It is a picturesque Island that consists of large leaned plateau, a series of seven small rocks, andfissures that are several feet wide can be accessed by motorized boats from Pasni.

Churna Island

Churna Island locally known as “Cheerno,” is a small uninhabited island located in the Arabian Sea, about 9km west of theRiver Hub. Mubarak village, the fisherman’s hub, is located 6 km away from the area. You can find many species of fish, crabs, lobsters and rare green turtles here. Churna Island is mostly occupied by the Pakistan Navy and PakistanGame Fishing Association (PGFA) and there are many activities here, such as a firing range, scuba diving, free diving, underwater photography, camping, trekking, hiking, speed boating, wake tubing, banana tubing, jet skiing, cliff diving and snorkeling.

Bundal Island

Bundal Island is located on the Arabian Sea off the coast of Karachi. On Bundal Island there is the tomb of Muslim Sufi Yusuf Shah, which attracts thousands of people on his annual Urs(death anniversary).The Island is now emerging as a global attraction as Bahria Town will be constructing the world’s tallest building, largest shopping mall, sports city, and a media city on Bundal Island.

Manora Island

Manora Island is locatedsouth of the Port of Karachi, about a 15 to 20 min boat ride. Manora is connected to the city by a long causeway of Sandspit that extends toHawkes Bay.It serves as a popular picnic spot because of the long exotic sandy beaches, natural landscapes, tropical forestry and the tallest lighthouse.

Shams Pir Island

Shams Pir is situated near Kemari (close to Sandspit Beach and Mauripur). There area plethora of touristy things to do here such as scuba diving, yachting, pedal boating, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing, so one must visit this Island.

Bukkur Island

Bukkur Island isan isolated fortress situated on a rock in the Indus, between the towns of Rohri and Sukkur.  It is a perfect archeological dig and has been constructed by brick. The interior of this Island was crowded with houses and mosques that showcase the classical Muslim heritage. Now, the Island is occupied by Army Public school and the tomb of SayyidSadruddin.

Buddo Island

Buddo Island is another small island located in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Karachi near Bundal Island.

Khirprianwala Island

Khiprianwala Island is a small island in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Karachi. The Island inhabits vast number of rare marine species that are precious to explore.

Islands of Baba & Bhit:

Baba& Bhit Islands comprises of three small fishing islands in the centre of the Harbour of Karachi. The Islandsserves as a residential hub for several ethnic groups such as Muhajirs,Sindhis, Punjabis, Kashmiris, Seraikis, Pakhtuns, Balochis, Memons,Bohras and Ismailis.

Malan Island

Emerging as a mud volcano -Malan Island is located in the Arabian Sea offthe coast of Balochistan. It rose out of the water overnight in March 1999 and alleviated below sea level within a year. It reappeared in 2010.

Clifton oyster rocks

The Clifton Oyster Rocks are a series of islands at the coast of the Clifton Karachi. Recently the Karachi city Government decided to include the island under the renovation plans of the city. In efforts to increase visitors on the island, the Government has constructed the world’s second tallest fountain - the Port Fountain – here. It shoots water up to 620 feet in the air.

Zalzala Island

Zalzala Koh or Zalzala Jazeera is a small miracle island at the coast of the port city of Gwadar that rose out of water during a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck on 24 September 2013. As predicted by many geologists, it could be a Mud Volcano that emerged with a sudden jolt or it could have been an emission of methane gas on the seabed.

Warid International roamers to get 85% discount in Saudi Arabia

Warid Telecom has announced a special offer for its customers travelling to Saudi Arabia whereby all Warid Postpaid and Prepaid customers will be entitled to avail 85% discount on International Roaming rates.

Warid customers in Saudi Arabia can select STC (Saudi Telecom Company) as their preferred network to avail this discounted offer. In order to facilitate its roamers during Hajj, a special discounted rate of Rs. 15/min+tax is being offered for receiving incoming calls from their loved ones in Pakistan and Rs. 19/min+tax for calling back to Pakistan. These discounted rates will be offered throughout the upcoming Umrah & Hajj season.

Warid Postpaid roamers can also use internet at a rate of Rs 13/MB via Warid’s International GPRS roaming service. No subscription or dialing of short code is required in order to enjoy discounted rates with STC. Just carry Warid’s SIM along and enjoy seamless connectivity with your loved ones even while travelling abroad.

STC holds the largest subscriber base in Saudi Arabia and is the one of the best providers of voice and data services. Warid and STC have partnered together to facilitate Warid’s valuable customers travelling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah and Hajj.

Abbasi Securities offering Trainee Money Manager Program to fresh graduates

Lahore, 17^th August 2015: Abbasi Securities, Pakistan’s premium money management consultancy, is commencing a two year Trainee Money Manager Program for recent finance graduates in Karachi. The program is set to start on 17^th of August. The Trainee Program is designed to develop and retain talent from business schools and plans to spread nationwide. This program is Abbasi Securities commitment to transforming recent graduates into seasoned investors.

Abbasi Securities (Pvt) Limited is one of Pakistan’s leading money management consultancy, providing investment advisory, portfolio management and research services. They have established themselves as a pioneer in offering brokerage services in stocks, corporate bonds and commodities. It also facilitates its clients in designing and managing financial portfolios, in order to achieve meaningful gains on their investments.