Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (CSKP) Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry has directed the authorities to provide comprehensive facilitation to investors, entrepreneurs, and businessmen engaged in the gemstone industry.

While chairing the meeting attended by representatives from the business community and key officials including the Secretary Industry Department, Secretary Sports Department, and Director General of Peshawar Development Authority, the Chief Secretary highlighted the immense untapped potential of the gemstone sector in the province.

“Khyber Pakhtunkhwa holds a wealth of precious gemstones that, if fully capitalized, can significantly contribute to the province’s economic growth and create new opportunities for local and international investors,” he stated.

The Chief Secretary emphasized that the government is committed to creating a conducive environment that encourages private sector investment, ensuring ease of business processes, and providing the necessary infrastructure for the gemstone trade to flourish. He further directed the authorities to expedite measures that simplify and streamline procedures, attracting more stakeholders into the industry and contributing to the prosperity of the region.

In addition to discussions on the gemstone business, the meeting also deliberated on strategies to promote sports activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Your source for latest Pakistan, world news. Stay updated on politics, business, sports, lifestyle, CPEC, and breaking news. Accurate, timely, and comprehensive coverage.

The finale of the ‘Built by Her 5.0 Innovation Challenge’ took place at the Aga Khan University showcasing an impressive lineup of top women-led startups from across Pakistan.

The event brought together entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem leaders to celebrate innovation and empowerment.

The ‘Built By Her 5.0 Innovation Challenge’ highlighted creativity and perseverance of women entrepreneurs, recognizing their remarkable achievements. Out of 320 applications submitted by women founders from various grass root communities, six finalists were selected to compete. These finalists presented their business ideas to a panel of judges, with the winners receiving cash awards and potential investment opportunities to help grow their ventures.

The challenge received enthusiastic community support, underscoring the growing potential of women-led ventures

Filtresha, an innovative startup producing filter paper from chicken feathers, won the competition earning a cash prize of PKR 1,000,000.

Kangaroo Care, a Healthtech startup developing AI-powered medical devices for neonatal care, secured the first runner-up position with PKR 700,000.

Earthalene, pioneering commercial mushroom cultivation in Chitral, placed second runner-up, winning PKR 300,000.

All cash prizes were sponsored by The Asia Foundation. Additionally, these businesses will be considered for investment by Accelerate Prosperity.

The year 2024 marked the concluding year for ‘Built By Her 5.0’ and not only offered a competitive platform for women entrepreneurs but also fostered valuable connections with key ecosystem players. The event received tremendous community support, with attendees expressing excitement and optimism for the future of women in business.

Head of Engro Foundation, FawadSoomro was the Chief Guest.

He expressed his excitement to explore market linkages and potential collaborations, stressing on women being the key drivers of business growth across the country. Moreover, he emphasized Engro Foundation’s commitment to fostering opportunities for women-led ventures.

The challenge received enthusiastic community support, highlighting the growing potential of women-led ventures. An interesting segment featured a fireside chat with Amneh Sheikh-Farooqi, CEO of Polly and Other Stories, and Aqsa Tariq, Founder & CEO of GrowElle Labs. They discussed the challenges of leading impact-driven businesses in today’s world. Laurel Miller, President and CEO of The Asia Foundation, joined the event and presented the cheques to the winners, further encouraging the participants.

In a significant step towards enhancing access to justice for vulnerable communities, Ismail Global and the Legal Aid Society (LAS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide free legal assistance to survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

This collaboration aims to enhance access to justice for vulnerable communities, including women, transgender persons, and persons with disabilities and will focus on cases involving domestic violence, harassment, child marriage, and other human rights violations.

The MoU was officially signed at the LAS office by Hamid Ismail, CEO of Ismail Global, and Barrister Haya Zahid, CEO of the Legal Aid Society, in a ceremony attended by key representatives from both organizations.

Hamid Ismail expressed his commitment to addressing the issue of gender-based violence, stating, “We are dedicated to making a meaningful difference by supporting survivors of gender-based violence through accessible legal recourse. This partnership with LAS represents our continued commitment to corporate social responsibility and the well-being of marginalized communities.”

Barrister Haya Zahid, CEO of the Legal Aid Society, praised the partnership, calling it “monumental in closing the justice gap for survivors of gender-based violence.” She further added, “With Ismail Global’s support, we can ensure that survivors receive the legal support they need to rebuild their lives while also driving systemic change to protect the most vulnerable members of our society.”

Under the agreement, Ismail Global will fund a team of lawyers, who will be stationed at LAS’s offices, benefiting from the organization’s established systems for case management, legal expertise, and advocacy.

This partnership between Ismail Global and the Legal Aid Society not only reaffirms the commitment of both organizations to advancing human rights and gender equality but also serves as a powerful example of how collaboration between the corporate and non-profit sectors can drive meaningful social change.