Category: Official News

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Pakistan and China Commit to Accelerating CPEC Phase 2 Implementation

Islamabad, Pakistan and China have reiterated their commitment to the timely and effective implementation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Phase 2, aiming to strengthen cooperation in various developmental sectors.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, this commitment was solidified during a meeting co-chaired by Pakistan’s Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, and the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Excellency Jiang Zaidong. The meeting focused on enhancing collaboration in energy, infrastructure, industry, food security, agriculture, and transportation.

Minister Iqbal expressed Pakistan’s firm determination to expedite CPEC initiatives, which he said would mark a new era of cooperation in all sectors. He underscored the significance of deepening the longstanding friendship between the leadership of China and Pakistan.

In discussions, Iqbal outlined CPEC’s core objective of promoting cooperation across various sectors and discussed Pakistan’s strategic plans to establish industrial zones for electric car manufacturing in collaboration with China, reducing production costs and creating job opportunities. Additionally, with the South Asian Games 2025 on the horizon, Iqbal expressed a desire to engage Chinese expertise in training Pakistani athletes, emphasizing the need for comprehensive training programs.

Ambassador Jiang praised the ongoing efforts and dedication of the Pakistani government in fostering cooperation across all pertinent sectors.

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Sonia Gandhi Criticizes Modi Government for Creating Atmosphere of Distress and Hatred

New Delhi, Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has accused the Modi government of fostering an environment of distress and promoting hatred throughout India, attributing these conditions to the administration’s pursuit of power.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Gandhi articulated her criticisms through a video message, where she highlighted the adverse impacts of the ruling BJP’s policies on the youth, women, Dalits, tribals, backward classes, and minorities across the country. She detailed how these groups are currently confronting significant challenges, including unemployment, violence, and discrimination.

Gandhi’s statement emphasized that the government’s approach has not only deepened societal divisions but also jeopardized the foundational principles of the Indian Constitution and democracy. She called on the electorate to oppose these divisive tactics by supporting the Congress in future elections, promoting a vision of a more inclusive, equitable India.

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Indian Troops Kill Three Kashmiris in Kulgam Operation

Srinagar, Indian troops killed three Kashmiri individuals in the Kulgam district of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir today, in what has been described as a state action.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the individuals were killed during a cordon and search operation conducted by the troops in the Redwani area of the district on Tuesday. The operation also resulted in the destruction of a residential house and was ongoing at the time of the last reports.

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Pakistan’s Interior Minister Vows Continued Zero-Tolerance on Overbilling

Islamabad, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against overbilling, during a review meeting at the FIA Zonal Office in Lahore today.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Minister Naqvi directed an acceleration of indiscriminate crackdowns on overbilling and electricity theft, underscoring that actions will also target officers who impose undue financial burdens on citizens through overbilling. He emphasized that any negligence or failure by distribution companies (DISCOs) to serve citizens would be deemed unacceptable, reflecting the government’s high priority on providing relief to electricity consumers affected by overbilling issues.

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USISPF President Claims China Will Not Treat India as an Equal

Washington, Mukesh Aghi, president of the US-India Strategic and Partnership Forum, expressed skepticism about China’s intentions towards India, suggesting that the Asian giant would not regard India as an equal partner in their relations.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Aghi commented on the ongoing India-China border tensions that began in May 2020, noting that despite numerous discussions, there has been no comprehensive resolution. Aghi highlighted the economic implications of the standoff, indicating that India has been compelled to shift financial resources from capital investments to bolstering its defense capabilities amid the unresolved border issues.

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KDA Director General Cracks Down on Absenteeism During Surprise Civic Center Visit

Karachi, In an unexpected oversight action, Director General of the Karachi Development Authority (KDA), Syed Shujaat Hussain, along with Zulfikar Qaim Khani, a member of the Lions Area Project Board, conducted a surprise inspection of the Lions Area Project office located in the Civic Center Building. The visit revealed significant absenteeism among officers and employees, prompting the Director General to order immediate corrective measures.

According to Karachi Development Authority, during the visit, DG KDA expressed dissatisfaction with the absenteeism observed and emphasized the necessity of strict adherence to office hours. He issued directives for show-cause letters to be sent to those absent and made it clear that department heads would be held accountable for any lapses in attendance. Hussain’s firm stance on attendance is part of broader efforts to enhance departmental efficiency and accountability.

Additionally, the DG instructed that all employee salaries be transitioned to a system based on biometric attendance, a measure aimed at ensuring complete compliance with the KDA’s attendance policies. This decision follows recent orders to the Director of Information and Technology, Kamal Siddiqui, to implement the biometric system effectively.

The visit also included a review of the sanitation arrangements within the departments, with Hussain calling for improvements in this area as well. The presence of Personal Staff Officer Riaz Ahmed Rashid and other officers during the inspection underscored the KDA’s commitment to improving operational standards and service delivery across its departments.

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Apparel Group kicked off 2024 with a robust expansion, unveiling the inauguration of 47 new stores across the Middle East and India in the first quarter

Apparel Group kicked off 2024 with a robust expansion, unveiling the inauguration of 47 new stores across the Middle East and India in the first quarter
Sima Ganwani Ved, Apparel Group Founder and Chairwoman emphasized on ‘Diversity, Equity and Inclusion’ and her unwavering dedication to fostering inclusive workplaces and promoting gender equality within the retail sector across the region.
  • Sima Ganwani Ved, Apparel Group Founder and Chairwoman emphasized on ‘Diversity, Equity and Inclusion’ and her unwavering dedication to fostering inclusive workplaces and promoting gender equality within the retail sector across the region.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, May 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apparel Group, a global leader in fashion and lifestyle retail, proudly announces a series of remarkable achievements in Q1 2024, solidifying its position as a leader in the industry.

January:

Apparel Group commenced the year with the prestigious 5-Star Award from the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM), recognizing its commitment to business excellence, strategic foresight, and fostering a culture of innovation and quality in the dynamic retail sector.

Additionally, the World Woman Foundation proudly announced Sima Ganwani Ved, Founder and Chairwoman of the Apparel Group, as a distinguished speaker for the World Woman Davos Agenda, held during the World Economic Forum week on January 18 in Davos. Sima Ganwani Ved’s participation highlights Apparel Group’s dedication to championing women empowerment and diversity on a global stage.

The month also witnessed the launch of Bliss Bites, a revolutionary gut-healthy food brand and café introduced by Apparel Group, catering to the growing demand for wellness-focused products among consumers.

February:

In February, Apparel Group was announced as Headline Partner for RLI MENA Awards and Lifestyle Partner for RLI MENA Connect in Riyadh, KSA. Additionally, Apparel Group was honored as the MENA Retail Partner of the Year at the prestigious RLI MENA Awards 2024, highlighting its continued success and influence in the region’s retail landscape.

Moreover, Apparel Group made significant strides in its retail partnerships and industry recognition. The company was unveiled as the Headline Partner for the 10th Retail Leaders Circle MENA Summit 2024 in Riyadh, KSA, reaffirming its commitment to driving innovation and excellence in the retail sector.

March:

March marked another pivotal moment for Apparel Group as it celebrated the grand opening of the inaugural Nysaa store in the GCC region, a joint venture setup with Nykaa, India’s largest omni-channel beauty retailer. This collaboration blends Apparel Group’s retail prowess with Nykaa’s expertise, offering consumers a world-class shopping experience in Dubai.

Additionally, Apparel Group expanded its luxury portfolio with the grand launch of Forest Essentials at Dubai Hills Mall. The event showcased an exquisite décor, immersing guests in the world of Luxurious Ayurveda. Vibrant-colored blooms and striking product displays highlighted the natural ingredients central to Forest Essentials’ ethos.

In a strategic expansion, Apparel Group extended its partnership with Crocs, bringing this iconic brand under its wing in Kuwait. This move broadens the company’s presence in the GCC, where it already operates 88 Crocs stores.

Complementing its expansion efforts, Apparel Group collaborated with Dubai Holding for the ‘Gift It Forward’ initiative, aiming to support over 8,500 Dubai residents during Ramadan. This initiative underscores the company’s dedication to social responsibility and community engagement.

The month also saw the return of the highly anticipated Great Online Sale by Apparel Group, offering exclusive Eid shopping deals with discounts of up to 80%. This sale further reinforced the company’s reputation as a leader in retail innovation.

April:

As the momentum continued into April, Apparel Group intensified its expansion efforts with the unveiling of 47 new stores across the Middle East and India in Q1 2024. These new openings exemplify the company’s commitment to providing exceptional shopping experiences and meeting the evolving needs of its diverse customer base. This expansion included the launch of Qatar’s first Forever New store, the fourth in the GCC, as part of a joint venture expansion plan to open 40 locations.

Moreover, Apparel Group proudly reaffirmed its commitment to excellence by becoming the Platinum Partner for The Retail Summit 2024, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The partnership underscores Apparel Group’s dedication to driving transformative discussions and initiatives in the global retail arena.

The company also concluded its role as the Platinum Partner at The Retail Summit 2024, hosted at the renowned Atlantis, The Palm. The summit, held on April 23rd and 24th, brought together prominent figures in global retail, exchanging invaluable insights and strategies pivotal for the evolution of the retail sector. Neeraj Teckchandani, CEO of Apparel Group, participated in a panel discussing the strategic importance of market expansion in the GCC and the need for innovative approaches to redefine omnichannel experiences. Sima Ganwani Ved, Founder and Chairwoman, also honored the summit with her presence in a panel discussion on the vital topic of ‘Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – Inspiring the Next Generation of Retail Talent.’

Commenting on these achievements, Neeraj Teckchandani, CEO of Apparel Group, stated, “We are thrilled to announce our continued growth and success in Q1 2024. These milestones reflect our unwavering dedication to excellence, innovation, and making a positive impact in the communities we serve. As we look ahead, we remain committed to pushing boundaries, fostering partnerships, and delivering unparalleled value to our customers.”

For more information about Apparel Group and its latest initiatives, please visit the official website at https://apparelglobal.com/en/

About Apparel Group LLC

Apparel Group is a global fashion and lifestyle retail conglomerate residing at the crossroads of the modern economy – Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Today, Apparel Group caters to thousands of eager shoppers through its 2200+ retail stores and 85+ brands on all platforms while employing over 22,000+ multicultural staff.

Apparel Group has carved its strong presence in the GCC and expanded thriving gateways to market in India, South Africa, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Egypt. Additionally, clear strategies are in place to enter emerging markets such as Hungary and Philippines.

Apparel Group has created an omni-channel experience, operating brands originating from the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Asia. The brands include leading names in fashion, footwear, and lifestyles such as Tommy Hilfiger, Charles & Keith, Skechers, Aldo, Nine West, Aeropostale, Jamie’s Italian, Tim Hortons, Cold Stone Creamery, Inglot, and Rituals.

Apparel Group owes its amazing growth to the vision and guidance of its dynamic Founder and Chairwoman, Mrs. Sima Ganwani Ved, who has taken the company from strength to strength since its inception in the last two decades.

https://apparelglobal.com/en/

PR@apparelglobal.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5c6ed637-e72f-4bc7-af09-63a84fe85c57

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