ZTBL, Wateen Launch Advanced Security Operations Center to Protect Customer Data

on 06/12/2024

Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL), Pakistan’s leading agricultural financing bank, has partnered with Wateen, a pioneer in Pakistan’s ICT sector and a recognized leader in managed cybersecurity services. This strategic collaboration aims to establish a state-of-the-art Security Operations Center (SOC) to protect critical digital infrastructure and safeguard the data of over half a million ZTBL customers.
The partnership was formalized with the signing of an agreement between Tahir Yaqoob Bhatti, President and CEO of ZTBL, and Adil Rashid, CEO of Wateen, with senior representatives from both organizations in attendance. ZTBL has been at the forefront of digital innovation, offering a wide range of modern banking services, including internet banking, WhatsApp banking, mobile banking, ATM services, on-the-go digital services through MCO tablet applications, digital onboarding, RAAST integration, state-of-the-art customer support centers, and USSD-based banking.
Under this partnership, Wateen will manage ZTBL’s cybersecurity operations, providing round-the-clock monitoring, advanced threat detection, and rapid incident response to ensure the security of the bank’s digital assets. Wateen will also enhance ZTBL’s overall cybersecurity measures, protecting it from evolving cyber threats. ZTBL’s President and CEO, Tahir Yaqoob Bhatti, emphasized, “At ZTBL, safeguarding our customers’ trust and securing their data are our top priorities. With our broad range of digital banking services and this partnership with Wateen, we are strengthening our commitment to maintaining the highest cybersecurity standards while continuing to empower Pakistan’s agriculture sector.”
Adil Rashid, CEO of Wateen, highlighted the importance of the partnership, saying, “We are proud to collaborate with ZTBL to strengthen their cybersecurity framework. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, securing the financial sector is more crucial than ever. Our goal is to protect ZTBL’s critical data, ensuring its operations remain resilient, while setting a higher standard for cybersecurity across the industry.”
Wateen’s expertise in banking regulations and cybersecurity makes it the ideal partner for financial institutions like ZTBL. The new SOC will incorporate advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and real-time threat intelligence, ensuring the security of ZTBL’s IT infrastructure against emerging threats. The partnership also complies with key regulatory standards, including those set by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the National Cyber Security Policy 2021, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), PCI DSS, and ISO 27001. This reinforces ZTBL’s reputation as a secure and compliant financial institution.
Through this collaboration, Wateen will provide comprehensive, continuous surveillance of ZTBL’s IT systems, proactively protecting against cyber threats and strengthening customer trust. This initiative underscores Wateen’s leadership in managed cybersecurity and ZTBL’s commitment to data integrity and security.n

Why Engineering Accreditation Board attracts extra attention PEC Boilers Begin Operations with Formation of Groups, Committees

on 06/12/2024

The Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) has formed 14 groups, each with a specific mandate outlined in official notifications. Among these groups, the Engineering Accreditation Board (EAB), led by Dr. Aneel Kumar, has drawn significant attention across Pakistan. These groups, often referred to as ‘committees,’ are traditionally seen as a political tool to keep engineers loyal to the ruling group.
The groups include one board, the Engineering Accreditation Board (EAB), which has 18 Governing Body (GB) members. There are also six committees: the Accreditation Moderation Committee (AMRC) with 6 GB members, the Accreditation Moderation Committee (AMRC) with 5 GB members, the Act & Byelaws Committee (ABC) with 5 GB members, the Engineering Professional Development Committee (EPDC) with 13 GB members, the IPEA Monitoring Committee (IPEA-MC) with 7 members, and the Qualification Equivalence Committee (QEC) with 5 members. Additionally, there are 7 working groups: the Working Group on Construction Industry Development (WG-CID) with 5 members, the Working Group on Industry Academia Linkages Development (WG-IALD) with 7 members, the Working Group on PEC Assets Development & Management (WG-PECAIDM) with 5 members, the Working Group on PEC Institutional Reforms (WG-PECIR) with 6 members, the Working Group on Public Sector Institutions Issues (WG-PSII) with 6 members, the Working Group on Technical Codes & Standards (WG-TC&S) with 4 members, and the Working Group on Young Engineers Affairs (WG-YEA) with 6 members.
A Quick Analysis
Interestingly, all 14 groups are formed from the pool of the Governing Body, which has 40 members directly elected through elections and 20 nominated members across the country. Most nominations are politically motivated. For the first time in a decade, no engineer from outside the GB has been included in any group or committee.
Dr. Sarosh Lodhi, the Senior Vice Chairman of the council, and Engr. Mukhtiar Shaikh have appeared in only one group each: the Working Group on Technical Codes & Standards (WG-TC&S) and the Working Group on PEC Assets Development & Management (WG-PECAIDM), respectively. Both Lodhi and Shaikh, political rivals, find themselves on the same side. It is possible they themselves selected only one group to work with, or they may have been sidelined by the creators of the groups.
Why the EAB Attracts Attention
The EAB always attracts attention because it is led by influential engineers who control significant leverage. The board is responsible for planning, managing, implementing, and monitoring the accreditation process across the country. Its convener particularly has influence over universities and, in some cases, uses this power in various ways. PEC has many unfortunate stories related to the board’s activities, most of which are buried in dusty files.
The unfortunate reality of the leadership in influential boards is that, during their tenures, the engineering profession in Pakistan has lost much of its appeal. Many universities have struggled to fill seats in various engineering disciplines.
This time, however, a relatively young and lesser-known engineer, Dr. Aneel Kumar, Pro Vice Chancellor of Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET), Jamshoro, has been appointed to lead the board. Many in the engineering community claim Dr. Sarosh Lodhi, the Senior Vice Chairman, wanted to lead the board, but his wish was unfulfilled. His supporters argue that he was the most senior and deserving candidate. However, Chairman Engr. Waseem Nazir had a different perspective, believing that seniority alone is not enough, and other factors are important.
An engineer familiar with the council’s affairs suggests that Dr. Aneel Kumar’s personal and family background played a crucial role in his selection. The decision-makers felt confident that he would not succumb to pressure or compromise during a time when universities and the engineering sector in Pakistan are in dire straits.
The New EAB and Its Design
Setting politics and principles aside, the board’s structure, which includes a new committee, is both interesting and a source of concern for many engineers. According to the mandate outlined in the notification, the board will:
Formulate and review accreditation policies, procedures, standards, and criteria for undergraduate and postgraduate engineering programs.
Implement and monitor accreditation policies and standards in line with the Regulations for Engineering Education in Pakistan and the Accreditation Manual (2019).
Evaluate engineering programs and oversee decision-making, the operations of APMC, AMRC, and VCC, and the rationalization of student intake based on demand and supply.
If the Accreditation Planning and Management Committee (APMC) is responsible for planning and scheduling all types of accreditation visits, forming accreditation teams, and ensuring the appropriate academia-industry ratio, it would be crucial to have the approval of the board and its convener for all activities to be carried out by the committee. This consultation is necessary to ensure transparency and appropriate action in the activities that the AMRC is expected to oversee. In other case, the board will lose its significance and may fail to bring about the change.
Politics Supersede Principles
As in many spheres in Pakistan, engineers are not immune to political influence. Dr. Sarosh Lodhi’s grievances became public after his supporters advocated for his nomination to lead the EAB. They believe Lodhi, as the most senior member, deserved the position. However, on the issue of a recount of votes, which was demanded by Lodhi’s rival, Raghib Shah, Lodhi opposed it, even though the election committee had reached a consensus for the physical recount of the votes for the positions of chairman and senior vice chairman. The victories of Mohsin Khan and Madad Al Shah in the count have highlighted discrepancies in the vote-counting process.
Politics also appears in other corners of the PEC. Engr. Abdul Qadir Shah, an ally of Engr. Waseem Nazir and head of the National Engineering Association (NEA), has reportedly requested an office in the PEC headquarters in Islamabad. Insiders suggest that Shah and his supporters have asked the chairman to allocate an office to the former PEC leader, though the reasons remain unclear. n

Localizing SDGs: Building Institutional Capacity

on 06/12/2024

In an era where sustainability is no longer an option but a necessity, the Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering, Science & Technology (QUEST), Nawabshah, took a pivotal step forward by organizing a workshop titled “Localizing Sustainable Development Goals: Building Institutional Capacity (for Sectional Heads).”
This event, held on 19th November 2024, aimed to equip the university’s sectional heads with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to align institutional practices with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The workshop, facilitated by the esteemed Prof. Dr. Abdul Sattar Saand, Professor and Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering at QUEST, brought together sectional heads from various departments to explore how the global SDGs could be localized within the university’s operational and academic framework. The session was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Saleem Raza Samo, Vice Chancellor of QUEST, who, in his opening remarks, emphasized the importance of sustainability in academia and its far-reaching impact on society.
Dr. Samo highlighted the university’s commitment to integrating the SDGs into its academic, administrative, and community outreach programs. “This initiative,” he stated, “is not just about meeting targets; it’s about fostering a culture of responsibility and innovation that resonates beyond the university walls.
The workshop focused on the following key objectives:
• Awareness Building: Enhancing understanding of the 17 SDGs and their relevance in the institutional and local contexts.
• Capacity Development: Empowering sectional heads to incorporate sustainability-focused strategies in their departmental goals and activities.
• Collaboration and Implementation: Encouraging cross-departmental collaboration to develop actionable plans that align with SDG principles.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Introducing tools to assess the impact of SDG-driven initiatives within the university.
The workshop included interactive presentations, group discussions, and brainstorming sessions. Prof. Dr. Saand provided valuable insights into the localization of SDGs, emphasizing the need to tailor global objectives to address local challenges effectively. Participants actively engaged in identifying ways their respective departments could contribute to the goals.
Case studies from other institutions were presented, showcasing successful implementations of SDG-related initiatives. These examples inspired participants to think creatively and collaboratively about their roles in advancing sustainability.
The workshop concluded with the formulation of a preliminary action plan, outlining department-specific contributions to the SDGs. Participants expressed a renewed sense of purpose and responsibility, with many committing to tangible steps toward embedding sustainability in their departments.
Key takeaways from the workshop include:
• The establishment of an SDG Task Force at QUEST to monitor progress and provide guidance.
• Plans for integrating SDG-focused topics into the university’s curriculum and extracurricular activities.
• Strengthened commitment to community outreach programs that align with the SDGs.
The workshop’s success was a testament to the leadership and vision of Prof. Dr. Saleem Raza Samo, whose unwavering commitment to sustainable development has positioned QUEST to become the hub for a SDG localization among higher education in district shaheed Benazirabad. Special appreciation was extended to Prof. Dr. Abdul Sattar Saand for his expertise and dedication in facilitating the session.
The event ended with a note of gratitude , who recognized the active participation of the sectional heads, and international NGOs HUMAN APPEAL and NOWPND the collaborative spirit that defined the workshop.
This workshop marks a significant milestone in QUEST’s journey toward becoming a sustainability-focused institution. By empowering its leadership and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, the university is not only contributing to the global SDG agenda but also ensuring a brighter, more sustainable future for its community.
This transformative initiative is a shining example of how academia can lead the way in driving meaningful change and making sustainability a reality.

Karachi Business Community Launches Air Karachi with Rs 5 Billion Investment

on 06/12/2024

The business community in Karachi has announced the launch of a new airline, Air Karachi, with an initial investment of Rs 5 billion. The announcement was made by prominent businessman Hanif Gohar during a press conference at the Karachi Press Club on Tuesday, where he was accompanied by S.M. Tanveer, Chairman of the United Business Group.
Air Karachi, which is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), is currently awaiting licensing approval from the federal government.
During his address, Gohar shared that the airline will begin operations with a fleet of three leased aircraft, with plans to expand in the near future. “Inspired by the success of Air Sial, Karachi’s business community has decided to establish its own airline under the name Air Karachi,” Gohar stated. He emphasized that, as Pakistan’s largest economic contributor, Karachi deserves an airline to meet the growing demands of business and travel in the city.
The shareholders of Air Karachi include prominent business figures such as Aqeel Karim Dhedhi, Arif Habib, S.M. Tanveer, Shehryar Tahir, Bashir Jan Muhammad, Khalid Tawab, Zubair Tufail, and Hamza Tabani. Air Vice Marshal Imran Majid Ali has been appointed as the airline’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Gohar expressed optimism that the airline’s licensing would be granted soon, allowing operations to begin. He noted that Air Karachi’s launch is expected to improve connectivity, create employment opportunities, and strengthen Pakistan’s aviation sector.

Belarusian President’s Visit: Strengthening Technological and Industrial Ties with Pakistan Belarus ready to share technologies with Pakistan

on 06/12/2024

During his visit to Pakistan, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized the importance of deepening bilateral collaboration in high-tech sectors, including agricultural machinery, mining, information technology, and heavy machinery manufacturing. This visit marked a significant step toward advancing technological cooperation between the two nations.
President Lukashenko highlighted Belarus’s technological expertise, stating that in today’s world, even smaller countries like Belarus possess advanced technologies, alongside larger nations. He expressed Belarus’s eagerness to share its modernized technologies with Pakistan, not only in the present but also in the future. He said, “We are ready to share our technologies — we have them, we are modernizing them, and we want to share them with you.”
Both sides recognized the potential for collaboration in the production of high-tech agricultural machinery, an area where Belarus holds a strong global position. Given Pakistan’s agriculture-driven economy, the two countries agreed to explore joint ventures in this field, aiming to introduce innovative agricultural solutions to Pakistan’s farmers and enhance productivity through advanced machinery.
President Lukashenko also underscored the opportunities for cooperation in the automotive sector, particularly in the manufacturing of heavy-duty trucks and electric vehicles. Both countries agreed to collaborate on the sales, manufacturing, and servicing of vehicles, leveraging Belarus’s automotive technology and Pakistan’s manufacturing capabilities. Public and private sector partnerships were also discussed to drive these initiatives forward.
The visit also focused on enhancing connectivity and logistics, with both sides emphasizing the importance of optimizing transportation networks to facilitate smoother trade. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Pakistan’s National Logistics Corporation (NLC) and Beltamozhservice, aimed at streamlining maritime and land routes. This agreement is expected to reduce trade costs and improve the efficiency of trade between the two countries.
In addition to trade and industrial cooperation, the two countries agreed to collaborate in the fields of science and technology, signing two agreements for joint scientific projects under the framework of the Joint Commission on Science and Technology. These projects are set to foster innovation and knowledge exchange in critical areas, further solidifying the technological partnership between Belarus and Pakistan.
Further, both nations committed to expanding trade in pharmaceutical products, medical devices, and health-related items. Addressing regulatory barriers to market access, they discussed the importance of enhancing trade facilitation and creating policies that would streamline the exchange of these products.
Both sides also agreed to foster cultural exchanges and strengthen educational ties, including the promotion of programs in agricultural manufacturing. The goal is to not only boost technological cooperation but also enhance people-to-people connections through art, music, literature, and other cultural activities.
At the conclusion of the visit, 15 significant agreements and MoUs were signed, including the “Roadmap for Comprehensive Cooperation between Pakistan and Belarus for 2025-2027.” This roadmap outlines a clear framework for future collaboration, emphasizing technology transfer, scientific cooperation, and joint ventures in sectors critical to both nations’ economic growth.
The signing of these agreements marks a new chapter in Belarus-Pakistan relations, with both countries committed to deepening cooperation in key sectors of mutual interest, such as technology, manufacturing, and trade. — ERMD