Win a ‘Spectacular Holiday’ to Thailand with Cinepax Cinemas

[Karachi: 3rd November 2015] Tieing in with the worldwide release of James Bonds’ latest movie, Spectre on November 6th, 2015, Cinepax Cinemas, will be launching a nationwide campaign titled “Spectacular Holidays” in collaboration with Microsoft Lumia & Thai Airways.

The “Spectacular Holidays” campaign is scheduled to commence from the 6th of November 2015 for one month is an avenue for Cinepax customers from all over Pakistan to walk away with a prolific line up of giveaways – including a return ticket to Thailand courtesy Thai Airways.

Mechanics of the campaign are extremely simple, any Cinepax customer can participate in the “Spectacular Holidays” campaign, by watching Spectre at any Cinepax Cinemas nationwide then Type “007 with their ticket ID” and send it via SMS to “9900” to enter into a lucky draw and get a chance to win four return tickets to James Bond Island (Phuket) along with movie’s merchandise including polo shirts, Segway’s, key chains, etc.

A thematic photo booth is also being set up at Cinepax Cinema’s nationwide for the ultimate Bond experience.
Event support has been also been provided by Gulmohar Advertising.

About Cinepax Cinemas

Cinepax is Pakistan’s biggest cinema chain which is currently running nine cinemas with 21 screens in six cities across Pakistan including Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala and Murree, having total of 4,302 seats nationwide. Cinepax offers the best quality in cinemas to Pakistanis with friendly and family oriented ambience.

Learn about K-2

K-2 is located on the border between China and Pakistan. K2, is locally also known as Chhogori/Qogir, Ketu/Kechu, and internationally Mount Godwin-Austen.

It is said to be the “Mountain of Mountains”, and is considered more challenging than Mount Everest. It is the second highest mountain in the world after Mount Everest, at 8,611 meters. K2 is the highest point of the Karakoram Range and the highest point in Pakistan.

T.G. Montgomerie discovered the peak in 1856 when surveying India. The British initially named it Godwin Austin, however it was eventually changed to K2. The first attempt to climb K-2 was in 1902 by Oscar Eckenstein, a British chemist. His attempt along the northeast ridge was not completed and this route was not attempted again for seventy-four years.

K2 is centered in the heart of the Karakoram Range and can be seen in its entirety from Concordia. It is the largest concentration of the highest peaks anywhere on earth.

K2 has four major ridges the Abruzzi Spur to the Southeast, the Negrotto Pass and the Angel Peak in the Southwest, the Juncton Peak in the Northeast and the Savoia Pass in the Northwest.

K2 is considered to be one of the world’s greatest treks with breathtaking scenery and an amalgamation of some of the finest natural pyramids in the world.

The trek on the Baltoro Glacier is surrounded by the scenic mountains Masherbrum (7750m), Uli Biaho Tower (6190 m), Trango Towers (6300m) Grand Cathedral (5228m) and Mustagh Tower (7284).
From Concordia you can see K-2 as well as Broad Peak (8044m), Gasherbrum Group, Golden Throne (7365m) and Chogolisa (7686m).

The trek up K2 is thrilling, however precautions must be taken before the execution of this journey. One of the factors that make K2 so challenging is that the climbers themselves must do all of the work of carrying and setting the ropes and high camps. Steep slopes of ice and limestone can only be tackled if climbers secure their ropes typically up to 2,500 meters of rope on the south side routes, and up to 5,000 meters of rope on the north ridge route.

Another factor to remember is when to climb! Although the weather is unpredictable the forecasted best months to climb are June, July and August. The extreme weather can differ from one side to the other, with pleasant weather on one side of the mountain, contrasted with life-threatening conditions on the other.

In order to survive K2 a diverse set of skills will be required. Information and procedures regarding medical and altitude problems will have to be memorized and practiced since there are limited possibilities for rescue or medical attention on K2.

Celebrating Iqbal Day

Iqbal Day is an annual national holiday, celebrated in Pakistan and is locally known as Yōm-e Welādat-e Muḥammad Iqbāl. Iqbal Day celebrates Sir Muhammad Iqbal who was born on the 9th of November 1877 in Sialkot. He is commonly known as Allama Iqbal and passed away on 21st April 1938. He was a poet, a philosopher and a politician who influenced the Pakistan Movement.

Allama Iqbal was knighted by King George V, and hence obtained the title of ‘Sir’. His famous literary works are Asrar-e-Khudi, Rumuz-e-Bekhudi, Payam-e-Mashriq, Zabur-e-Ajam, and Javed Nama. Every year the whole world pays tribute to Allama Iqbal, the “Poet of the East”. The Pakistan government has officially declared him as the national poet.

The Pakistan Movement also referred to as Tehrik-e-Pakistan aimed for the independence of Pakistan and Bengal from the British Empire. Iqbal harnessed his talent in literature and wrote powerful poetry as a tool for spreading political awareness. The Pakistan Movement is taught to students in Pakistan and mentioned in both school and universities textbooks.

One of the famous quotes said by Allama Iqbal in reference to the Pakistan Movement is, “I would like to see the Punjab, North-West Frontier Province, Sindh and Baluchistan amalgamated into a single State. Self-government within the British Empire, or without the British Empire, the formation of a consolidated North-West Indian Muslim State appears to me to be the final destiny of the Muslims, at least of North-West India.”

Fun facts about tourism in Pakistan

Pakistan is inclusive of four provinces which house a population of 199 billion. Pakistan is a country that is endowed with many exquisite and unique landscapes. It is a cultural centre, birthing many civilizations and religions that have flourished in this nation for over thousands of years. Pakistan’s tourism potential is phenomenal, however, hardly only two percent has been explored. If these resources are utilized and promoted efficiently Pakistan’s economic revival will begin. The declining tourism industry of Pakistan is finally on a rise now, attracting 1 million tourists in 2012with its diverse cultures, people and landscapes.

Pakistan was ranked 47 out of 200 countries in an analysis of the World Travel and Tourism Council’s.The top five tourist sites of Pakistan are Lahore, Taxila, The Karakoram Highway, Karimabad and Lake Saiful Muluk.

The seasonal bus service of the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation recorded that on a daily basis over 2,000 tourists enter Naran on weekdays and over 20,000 on weekends.

In 2009, The World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report ranked Pakistan as a part of the top 25% tourist attractions for its World Heritage Sites. Famous archaeological and historic sites in Pakistan are ranging from mangroves in the South, to the 5,000-year-old cities of the Indus Valley Civilization that included Mohenjo-daro and Harappa.

Other famous monuments include the ruins of Taxila from the Gandhara Civilization, the Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens in Lahore, as well as the Historic Monuments of the ancient city of Thatta and the ancient fort of Rohtas.

The IATA (International Air Transport Association) forecasts that Pakistan domestic air travel will grow at least 9.5% per year, more than 2X faster than the world’s average annual growth rate of 4.1% over the next 20 years.

In 2013, the total contribution of Travel & Tourism to employment, including jobs indirectly supported by the industry, was 6.2% of total employment (3,562,500 jobs).

It was recorded that 81% chose a double room, 15% chose single rooms and 4% chose other types of rooms. 63% of bookings are made less than a week before travelling, and 26% are made less than a day before. 97% of Pakistani’s opt for payment on arrival, and only 3% opt for pre-payment. Top Hotel prices in Pakistan range between Pakistani Rupees 15,000 to 20,000.

Oracle ERP Goes Live At PESCO

Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) with International Resources Group (IRG-US) awarded a contract to InfoTech Pvt Ltd to deploy ERP and Customer care and Billing (CC&B) at Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO). Funded by USAID’s Power Distribution Program (PDP), the Oracle ERP went live in a record period of 15 months on 11^th September 2015.

Lahore, 2015: InfoTech Pvt Ltd, a leading systems integrator and technology solutions provider, recently deployed Oracle ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) at Peshawar Electricity Supply Company (PESCO) in a record period of 15 months. The Oracle ERP system successfully went live.

PESCO, a power distribution company with headquarters located in Peshawar, primarily focuses on the service of power distribution for over 2.6 million consumers of all civil districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. With the ERP implementation, PESCO aims to enter a new era of IT that will help improve operational efficiency and gather timely information to successfully realize its organizational goals.

In this phase, InfoTech has deployed Oracle Finance, Supply Chain and HRMS, Project Costing and Hyperion Planning across PESCO HO, Division, Revenue Offices Store, Project Directorates and other operating entities. These technology solutions will enable PESCO to enhance its operational efficiency. Furthermore, the project will incorporate substantial improvement of financial, supply chain and human resource management. Eventually, the roll out effort will bring better opportunities and challenges for PESCO with a new and innovative way of seeking timely information.

Naseer A. Akhtar, CEO InfoTech Pvt Ltd, remarked, “I want to extend my congratulations to PESCO & PDP for Oracle ERP Go Live! InfoTech prides itself as a team of highly professional and dedicated individuals. This achievement only serves to solidify our commitment to excellence. We look forward to making similar brilliant strides in this project in the future. Even though we still have a long road ahead of us to get to the finish line, I am confident we will come out on top!”

To mark the occasion, Mr. Syed Hassan Fazil, CEO PESCO, commented, “This is step forward to build PESCO as a Technology Enabled Company which will help us in achieving organizational goals and help ensure reasonably good-governess to curtail ATC&C.”

Mr. Anwar-ul-Haq, GM Finance & Project Sponsor, stated, “This almost impossible mission was completed with the support of PDP & InfoTech. This accomplishment will lay down the road for making PESCO a transparent & effective organization.”

Mr. Aamir Zia, Project Lead Reforms USAID PDP, mentioned, “I would like to thank PESCO & InfoTech for achieving ERP Go-Live Milestone and I appreciate the PDP & InfoTech Team for this achievement.” 

For further information, please contact:

Latitude – Corporate Relationship Solutions
Tayyab Babar, Account Director
Ph: +92 (0) 345 458 2027
Email: tayyab@latitudecrs.com

InfoTech (Pvt.) Ltd.
M. Haris Naseer, Director
Ph: +92 (042) 111 427 427
Email: haris.naseer@infotechgroup.com

TELENOR BRIDAL COUTURE WEEK RETURNS TO THE MUGHAL CITY OF GARDENS WITH ITS 11th EDITION

Karachi October 29, 2015: Pakistan’s premier entertainment network, HUM Network is proud to announce dates of the 11th Telenor Bridal Couture Week by HUM Sitaray. The country’s biggest bridal fashion extravaganza will dazzle Lahore from the 11th to the 13th of December 2015, while presenting the latest bridal trends by leading Pakistani and International fashion designers on the runway in its 11th installment.

TBCW 2015 will feature 27 upcoming and top fashion designers from Pakistan along with some prominent international designers. Fashion sensation, HSY will continue his long standing relations with the platform by choreographing the show.

Telecommunication giant Telenor continues its support for the platform for the 2nd year running. The format of the fashion will also feature Telenor Karo Mumkin, an initiative to provide aspiring fashion designers with an opportunity to present their collections on the Pakistani fashion scene’s most coveted runway.

TBCW, since its inception, has proved to be a strong platform for marketing local bridal trends both locally and internationally. Over the years it has provided a platform not only for Pakistan’s prominent designers but also given the aspiring and emerging talent in our country an opportunity to stand side by side these fashion gurus and present their skills. TBCW has now become the only preferred platform for fashion and jewellery designers for promoting and exhibiting their wares to local and foreign buyers.

Held twice a year, Bridal Couture Week was pioneered by HUM Network five years ago with the objective of promoting Pakistan’s bridal industry. The grand bridal show has now become the most eagerly awaited event of the fashion industry, and has continued to exceed expectations with each passing show.

7 Unique Restaurants Around The World

1. Ice Restaurant (Dubai)
The Dubai Ice restaurant stands out with its outstanding ice ambiance. Items such as benches, chairs, plates and even the ice bar is perfectly designed and sculpted from ice. The ice cold (literally) restaurant is luxurious and beautiful. To make sure the ice doesn’t melt, the restaurant has hired resources from Canada-based Ice culture Inc.

2. A380 Sky Kitchen (Taiwan)
The A380 In-Flight Kitchen in Taiwan is designed as a Jet Air Plane. When eating here, it feels like you are sitting on a flight and having a delicious meal. The interesting flight experience restaurant also has baggage compartments, blue seats and flight attendants at your service.

3. Ithaa Undersea Restaurant (Maldives)
Ithaa is located 5 meters below sea level at the Hilton Maldives Resort. It is the world’s first undersea restaurant that offers plenty of culinary options and a perfect surrounding of transparent acrylic tunnel. Initially, one might feel a little terrified with fish swimming around while eating, but I can guarantee you the restaurants beauty will captivate you and get rid of the fear in a short time!

4. Dinner in the Sky (multiple locations)
Dinner in the sky is especially unique because the table and chairs are suspended at a height of 50 meters above the ground. The hotel is designed by professionals, and carefully placed as customer safety is a top priority. Once everyone is seated (on ground) the restaurant flies up, and once in the air you can eat and enjoy your meal!

5. Yellow Tree House, New Zealand
Thanks to the Yellow Tree House restaurant, all fantasies about eating in a tree house come true. The ravishing restaurant is built around a redwood tree forest in New Zealand. The place was designed specifically as a part of the marketing campaign of area’s yellow pages, but is now available for private parties only.

6. Hajime Restaurant, Bangkok
Hajime Restaurant in Bangkok is a robot-run restaurant. The owners have invested millions of dollars in purchasing and retaining those adorable Autobots. They roam around you, entertain you and serve you the delectable Japanese delicacies.

7.The Rock – Zanzibar, Tanzania
The restaurant is situated on a rock in Tanzania. It is considered as an extremely beautiful and calm eating experience, where you get served with mouth-watering food in the middle of the sea and on top of a rock.

If you are planning your vacations to traverse the beauty of Pakistan, then don’t miss the chance of getting delighted with the savory delicacies of Sindh and KPK.