Visa and Meezan Bank Partner to Increase Financial Inclusion in Pakistan, Unveil the Country’s First Student Debit Card

Karachi,(CLIFF NEWS)Pakistan,Visa (NYSE: V), a world leader in digital payments, today announced a partnership with Meezan Bank, the country’s leading Islamic bank, to unveil a unique proposition designed to empower the digitization journey of Pakistan’s student population. Eligible university students aged 18 to 24 years will be able to gain access to secure, convenient, and rewarding financial services through Pakistan’s first Visa card issued solely for students – the Meezan Visa Student Debit Card.Unveiled by Andrew Torre, Visa’s Regional President for Central Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEMEA), and Irfan Siddiqui, Founding President and CEO of Meezan Bank, the Meezan Visa Student Debit Card is designed to serve as a springboard into the world of digital finance for Pakistan’s student population. The card will be offered free of cost to Meezan Asaan Student Accountholders—an account that provides a comprehensive platform for managing finances while addressing the unique needs of students, ensuring both accessibility and affordability.According to the State Bank of Pakistan, the financial inclusion rate in Pakistan stands at just 21% and with over 2.4 million students enrolled in higher education institutions across the country , the potential for impact is significant. This initiative which is timed for launch in the first quarter of 2025 aims to promote financial inclusion amongst Pakistan’s young, savvy, and digitally engaged population.Umar Khan, Country Manager for Pakistan & Afghanistan at Visa, commented: “We’re proud to join forces with Meezan Bank on this financial inclusion initiative that targets youth. We believe empowering youth with financial tools is crucial for their future success and Pakistan’s overall economic growth. This is also aligned with Pakistan Vision 2025 to streamline the energies of Pakistan’s extensive youth population. When equipped with secure and accessible financial solutions, students can develop responsible financial habits, participate more fully in the economy, and contribute to a more financially inclusive nation. This initiative goes beyond providing a debit card; it represents Visa’s long-term commitment to building a strong financial inclusion proposition for Pakistan and leveraging the appetite of Pakistan’s youth.”Irfan Siddiqui, President, and CEO of Meezan Bank said: “This partnership enables us to reach a crucial segment of society, providing students with a secure and convenient way to manage their finances while building financial literacy from an early age. The launch of the Meezan Visa Student Debit Card is a significant step towards greater financial inclusion in Pakistan, empowering students with the tools they need for a secure and successful future.”Under the country’s Ministry of Planning, Development & Reforms, Pakistan Vision 2025 aims to streamline the energies of the country’s large youth population and realize their immense economic potential. By providing access to financial tools and knowledge, Visa and Meezan Bank support this ambition by empowering students to take control of their finances, make informed decisions, and build a more secure future for themselves and their communities.

The Role of Sayyida Khadijah Al-Kubra S.A in the Islamic Movement is Unforgettable

Karachi(Cliff News)It is impossible to present an accurate and authentic interpretation of Islamic history without acknowledging the pivotal role played by Sayyida Khadijah Al-Kubra S.A during the early and most delicate period of the Islamic movement. She is an unparalleled figure in Islamic history who not only played an exemplary role in spreading the religion of truth but also devoted her immense wealth for its propagation.Her unparalleled sacrifices for the cause of Islam and the deep love of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) for her can be understood from his statement:
“Allah has not blessed me with a better wife than Khadijah S.A.She believed in me when everyone denied me, supported me with her wealth when others deprived me, and through her, Allah granted me Fatimah (RA), the leader of the women of Paradise.”These sentiments were expressed by Dr. Saeid Talibinia, Munawwar Ali Mahesar, Syed Manzar Naqvi, Zawar Abdul Sattar Dars, Mubashir Mir, Zawar Niaz Hussain Laghari, and others at the launch of Zawar Abdul Sattar Dars’s new book “The Sacred Life of Sayyida Khadijah Al-Kubra S.A” held at Liaquat National Library, Karachi, under the auspices of the Karachi Editors Club and the Department of Culture, Sindh.The speakers highlighted the profound love the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had for Sayyida Khadijah S.A and how her passing deeply grieved him, leading him to name the year of her death “Aam-ul-Huzn” (The Year of Grief).They also praised Zawar Abdul Sattar Dars as a distinguished name in the field of research literature, known for his numerous works. In this book, he has skillfully encapsulated various aspects of the sacred life of Sayyida Khadijah S.A in a concise yet comprehensive manner, making this a praiseworthy contribution.The event began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Iranian Qari Hussain Talebinia, followed by the unveiling of the book. The event was attended by hundreds of participants, with Agha Shirazi serving as the master of ceremonies.

Unveiling of Zawwar Abdul Sattar Dars book “Fiqh-e-Muhammadi (PBUH)”Honoring Sacrifices for the Preservation of Islam

Hyderabad (Cliff News) To spread the message of Islam across the universe, the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (PBUH) endured immense hardships, offered unparalleled sacrifices, and carried out an extraordinary and tireless struggle. Following in his footsteps, the descendants of the Prophet (PBUH) had to make even greater efforts, including sacrificing their own lives and those of their children, to propagate the same faith to the Muslim Ummah. It is due to these supreme sacrifices that Islam gained eternal life and stands indebted to these pure and righteous personalities.
These views were expressed by District Shia Preacher and Imam of Friday Prayer at Abu al-Fadl al-Abbas Mosque, Qadamgah Moula Ali, Maulana Syed Haider Abbas Zaidi, along with Zaker-e-Ahl-e-Bayt Syed Waseem Haider Zaidi, Syed Ariz Mehdi Jafri, Zawar Abdul Sattar Dars, and Maulana Jabran Ghazanfar Zaidi. They were speaking at the launch ceremony of Zawar Abdul Sattar Dars’s new book “Fiqh-e-Muhammadi (PBUH)” at Jamia Alaviya Mashari’ul Uloom today.
They emphasized that it is our fundamental responsibility to inform the Muslim Ummah, especially the younger generation, about the challenges Islam faced throughout centuries to reach us. By authoring “Fiqh-e-Muhammadi (PBUH)”, Zawar Abdul Sattar Dars has fulfilled this vital religious duty, which is a commendable service to the faith. The way he has succinctly documented centuries of history in this book is akin to capturing an ocean in a jar. May Allah Almighty and the revered Imams (AS) grant him great rewards for this noble service.
The event also featured speeches by Syed Ali Ghazanfar Shah Jehanian, Syed Muhammad Ahmed Jafri, Zaheer Mirza, Niaz Hussain Laghari, Syed Aftab Jafri, and others. The ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, after which the guests were presented with traditional Sindhi Ajraks as tokens of appreciation by Sohail Ahmed Palari, Tahir Ali Soomro, and Shahnawaz Solangi. Following the formal inauguration, the book was unveiled, and Syed Muhammad Zaki Shah Jehanian and Syed Hasnain Haider Jafri had the honor of reciting eulogies and praises.

Fatima Fertilizer celebrates the sixth Kissan Day as a national triumph for Pakistan’s farmers

Karachi(Cliff News) Fatima Fertilizer marked the sixth Kissan Day with a landmark celebration in Islamabad, uniting policymakers, stakeholders, and farmers to honor the pivotal role of agriculture in Pakistan’s economy. The event reflected on the remarkable success of Kissan Day as a national celebration and its evolution into a meaningful platform advocating for the welfare and recognition of farmers across the country.What began as a visionary initiative by Fatima Fertilizer in 2019 has now become a national movement, officially recognized by the Federal Government. Kissan Day, celebrated on December 18, honors the resilience and commitment of Pakistan’s farmers, highlighting their struggles and achievements. This day stands as a testament to the nation’s dedication to supporting its agricultural community.The event was graced by distinguished guests, including Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for Food Security & Industries, Khalid Khokhar, President Pakistan Kissan Ittehad, Ms. Florence Rolle, FAO Representative in Pakistan, and General Shahid Nazir, Director General GCIPL, who all spoke on the importance of supporting Pakistan’s farming community.Mr. Asad Murad, Chief Operating Officer Fatima Fertilizer, in his opening remarks, said, “Today, as we celebrate the sixth Kissan Day, we pay tribute to the real heroes of our society – Pakistan’s farmers. They are the backbone of our nation, and their tireless efforts form the foundation of our economy and food security. At Fatima Fertilizer, through our initiative ‘Salam Kissan,’ we reaffirm our commitment to empowering farmers, not just by recognizing their struggles but by providing the support and solutions they need to thrive. The resilience and innovation of our farmers inspire us every day, and together, we are building a future where technology and tradition work hand in hand to enhance agricultural productivity and prosperity.”Speaking about the occasion, Rabel Sadozai, Director Marketing and Sales, Fatima Fertilizer, said, “Farmers are vital to Pakistan’s economy, and Kissan Day is our tribute to their unwavering resilience and commitment. At Fatima Fertilizer, we are steadfast in our mission to support farmers through innovation, advocacy, and by amplifying their voices. Together, we aim to drive sustainable growth in the agricultural sector.”Major General Shahid Nazir, Director General at Green Pakistan Initiative also graced the occasion and said, “Farmer community has a crucial role towards protecting the national food security.” He also noted that, “fellow lands measuring about 18200 square kilo meters if brought under cultivation can not only contribute towards food security but also create the export surplus which can help earn precious foreign exchange for the country”.Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for Food Security & Research, attended the event as the Chief Guest, and addressed the occasion by saying, “Pakistan was once a leader in agriculture in the region, but today, we lag behind. Research and innovation are the keys to reversing this trend.” He also acknowledged the role of private companies such as Fatima Fertilizer in facilitating the farmers in protecting the food security by increasing the crop yield.The event emphasized the need for actionable solutions to address the pressing challenges the farming community faces. Discussions revolved around equitable pricing of agricultural inputs, the adoption of modern farming techniques, and the promotion of climate-resilient practices. Fatima Fertilizer reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with policymakers and stakeholders to address these issues through tangible solutions and continued innovation.Fatima Fertilizer has been a pioneer in driving agricultural innovation and inclusivity in Pakistan. Through initiatives like the Salam Kissan program, the company has introduced digital farming tools and knowledge-sharing platforms to empower farmers. Moreover, the Sarsabz Tabeer program has championed the inclusion of women in agriculture, providing them with the resources and training necessary to contribute effectively to the sector.As Pakistan navigates the challenges of climate change and economic transformation, Fatima Fertilizer’s journey from proposing Kissan Day to celebrating its sixth iteration underscores its dedication to building a resilient agricultural future. The company’s long-term vision includes driving policy reform, advancing technological adoption, and fostering an inclusive environment for farmers, ensuring food security and economic prosperity for generations to come.

The teachings of Masooma-e-Sindh, Bibi Maham (SA), should be highlighted, along with promoting interfaith harmony: Speakers

Karachi (Cliff News)The Fourth Annual International “Masooma-e- Sindh Bibi Maham, Interfaith Conference” was held on Sunday at Karachi, where the teachings of Sayyida Khadija bint Imam Musa Kazim (AS), also known as Bibi Maham (SA) and the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) were honored. This conference provided an opportunity for scholars, intellectuals, and leaders from both Muslim and non-Muslim communities, as well as people from various walks of life, to understand and unite around the message of Bibi Maham teachings, piety, wisdom, compassion, and unity.
Messages were issued for the conference participants by Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, Provincial Minister for Religious Affairs Syed Riaz Hussain Shah Shirazi, and Member of the National Assembly Shazia Marri, which were repeatedly shown to conference attendees on the SMD screen. These statements highlighted the importance of Bibi Maham’s teachings in promoting interfaith harmony and unity among people from diverse backgrounds.
Governor of Sindh, Muhammad Kamran Khan Tessori, praised the efforts of the Zaireen Khidmat Committee at the Masooma-e- Sindh shrine, which organized this event in collaboration with the Department of Culture Sindh and the Karachi Editors Club. The Governor said in his message that the life of Bibi Maham (SA) is the best example of faith, wisdom, and compassion. He also appreciated the book launch of Abdul Sattar Dars during the conference.
Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, in his message, stated that the theme of this year’s conference—interfaith harmony—is highly significant and an urgent need of the times. He emphasized the importance of promoting harmony among people of all religions in accordance with Bibi Maham’s teachings. He described Sindh as a cradle of tolerance and mutual understanding and said that events like this highlight these values. He also praised literary activities, calling them a reflection of Sindh’s cultural heritage.
Provincial Minister for Religious Affairs and Endowments Sindh, Syed Riyaz Hussain Shah Shirazi, called the “Masooma-e-Sindh Conference” an important platform for promoting peace and mutual understanding. He added that Bibi Maham’s teachings inspire us to adopt shared values of humanity and harmony.
Member of the National Assembly and Central Secretary for Information Pakistan Peoples Party, Shazia Marri, referred to Bibi Maham as a symbol of compassion, moderation, and devotion and praised the role of the “Masooma-e- Sindh Conference” in promoting global values. She also described literary contributions as inspiring for future generations and stated that this conference would prove to be a significant and exemplary step in bringing people from different sectors of life together to form a more inclusive, peaceful society aligned with the message of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS).The members of the Zaireen Khidmat Committee of the Masooma-e-Sindh shrine expressed their gratitude to the Governor of Sindh, Chief Minister of Sindh, Provincial Minister for Religious Affairs and Auqaf, and the MNA Shazia Marri for issuing messages to promote the teachings of Bibi Maham (SA).
They also thanked the Director-General of Culture Departmenu Sindh, Manawar Ali Mahesar, and his staff for their collaboration in organizing the annual Masooma-e- Sindh Conference to promote interfaith harmony. They also appreciated the exceptional hosting of Agha Shirazi, whose passionate presence and expert hosting ensured the event ran smoothly, and he received direct praise from the participants for his professional and unique hosting of this event.

PSWF cabinet greets newly elected POA President & Secretary

Peshawar/Karachi(Cliff News)The Secretary General of the Asian Sports Journalists Federation (AIPS Asia) and the President of the Pakistan Sports Writers Federation Amjad Aziz Malik, Secretary General Muhammad Asghar Azeem and other officials have congratulated the newly elected President of the Pakistan Olympic Association Arif Saeed and Secretary Khalid Mahmood, including the elected cabinet.In the joint statement, they said that the election of Arif Saeed as President of the Pakistan Olympic Association and Khalid Mahmood as Secretary General is a reflection of the full confidence of the national federations across the country in them.Pakistan Sports Writers Federation President Amjad Aziz Malik has expressed confidence that the Pakistan Olympic Association will support them for the development and promotion of sports journalism and the welfare of sports journalists, while Asghar Azeem is hopeful that under the leadership of the newly elected President and Secretary General, Pakistan will achieve more successes in international competitions.

There is no benefit to Islam and faith without obedience to the Prophet (PBUH): Speakers of Interfaith Conference

Karachi(Cliff News)The command of Allah states, “Whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger (PBUH) will be among those on whom Allah has bestowed His favor.” The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Whoever treats my Ahlul Bayt (AS) with kindness, I will intercede for them.” Based on these two clear directives, that Islam and faith are of no benefit if one loves the Prophet (PBUH) but does not show affection toward his Ahlul Bayt (AS). Remember, the Quran declares affection for the Ahlul Bayt (AS) as obligatory.These thoughts were expressed by Dr. Saeed Talibi Nia, Munawwar Ali Mahesar, Mubashir Mir, Syed Manzar Naqvi, Zawar Abdul Sattar Dars, Syed Ammar Ali Shah Naqvi, Allama Ayaz Qomi, Syed Shabbir Raza Rizvi, Pastor Ateeq Qaiser, Sardar Amar Singh, Mukesh Kumar Jedia, Zawar Niaz Hussain Laghari, Brigadier Syed Karar Hussain, and others during the fourth annual “Masooma-e-Sindh International Interfaith Conference” held at Ibrahim Joyo Auditorium, Liaquat National Library, Karachi. The event was organized by the Zaireen Khidmat Committee in association with Karachi Editors Club, and Sindh Department of Culture on the Sunday evening. The event was hosted by Agha Shirazi very beautifully and smoothly which was loudly appreciated by the participants of the Conference.The speakers highlighted that following the tragedy of Karbala, many Sadat (descendants of the Prophet’s family) were compelled by circumstances to migrate from the Arabian Peninsula to various parts of the world. A majority chose the land of Sindh, as its inhabitants—regardless of religion—possessed deep love and reverence for the Prophet (PBUH) and his family. Sindh is honored to host Sadat such as Sayyida Ruqayyah bint Ali (AS), known as Bibi Pakdaman, a daughter of Imam Ali (AS); Sayyid Abdullah Ashtar (AS), known as Abdullah Shah Ghazi, a great-grandson of Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba (AS); and Sayyida Khadija Maham bint Imam Musa Kazim (AS). The shrine of Sayyida Ruqayyah is in Lahore, while the shrine of Sayyida Khadija Maham is located in Agham Kot, Sindh.
It is a matter of great happiness that the magnificent shrine of Bibi Pakdaman has been completed, and the Sindh Auqaf Department recently approved a project to construct the shrine of Masooma-e-Sindh Bibi Khadija Maham bint Imam Musa Kazim (AS). The foundation stone has also been laid. However, over the past 6-7 years, a group of 4-5 known miscreants has been actively conspiring to incite religious tension in the area and has also interfered in the construction work, causing it to be halted.The speakers strongly urged the Sindh government and all relevant security agencies to take immediate action against these persistent troublemakers, who have been creating problems for visitors, inciting religious tension, and obstructing the official construction project. They demanded that the difficulties faced by pilgrims from across the country be addressed and the halted shrine construction project be resumed promptly through necessary legal measures.During the conference, performances of Na’at and Manqabat were delivered by Ustad Mazhar Amrao Bandu Khan, Kishwar Adeel Jafri, Kamal Amrohi, Nasir Agha, Dr. Javed Manzar, Dua-e-Zahra Dars, Shahbaz Ali Lanjwani, and others.

Legal Aid Society and Directorate of Legal Education, Pakistan Sign MoU to Enhance Legal Education in Pakistan

Karachi,(CLIFF NEWS)December 30, 2024 — The Legal Aid Society (LAS) and the Directorate of Legal Education (DLE) of the Pakistan Bar Council have formalized a partnership aimed at elevating the standards of legal education across the country. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today at the Pakistan Bar Council’s Committee Hall in the Supreme Court Building.LAS, founded in 2013 by Justice Nasir Aslam Zahid, is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving marginalized and underprivileged communities by reducing challenges in accessing justice. Under CEO Barrister Haya Eman Zahid, LAS has launched initiatives like NAZ Assist, Pakistan’s first multilingual legal advisory chatbot.The Directorate of Legal Education, an autonomous body housed at the Pakistan Bar Council, was established to implement the Supreme Court’s directives to improve the standard and quality of legal education in Pakistan. Led by its Director, Barrister Usama Malik, the DLE focuses on curriculum enhancement, teacher training, legal research, and regulating legal education institutions to ensure adherence to prescribed standards. This collaboration will introduce initiatives such as curriculum enhancement, educator training, and research promotion to equip legal professionals to meet modern challenges.Barrister Usama Malik highlighted the significance of this collaboration by saying, “The Directorate is dedicated to elevating legal education standards nationwide. Partnering with the Legal Aid Society enables us to implement comprehensive reforms that will benefit both educators and students.”Barrister Haya Eman Zahid expressed her optimism, stating, “This MoU signifies a commitment to bridging gaps in our legal education system. By enhancing curricula and investing in teacher training, we aim to empower future legal professionals to serve justice effectively.”Key stakeholders from the legal fraternity attended the signing ceremony, including Haroon Rashid, Member and former Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Bar Council; Barrister Ehtesham Aminduddin; Mr. Gulzar Ahmad, Secretary of the PBC; and Mr. Saqib Faraz, Deputy Director (DLE). Other members from academia and civil society also attended, expressing support for the initiatives outlined in the MoU. This partnership marks a pivotal step towards a more robust and equitable legal education framework in Pakistan.

Qatar Airways Group CEO Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Affirms Leading Position at Doha Forum 2024

Doha(Cliff News)Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, took part in this year’s Doha Forum, highlighting the airline’s commitment to sustainable growth, its strategic partnerships and focus on innovation with CNN anchor and correspondent, Ms. Julia Chatterley.The 22nd edition of the Doha Forum was held under the patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. The Forum welcomed world leaders, policy-makers, and experts to discuss innovative solutions and action-oriented recommendations for globally critical challenges, including security and technological advancements.The discussion with Engr. Al-Meer explored the impact of transformative investments, the navigation of complex geopolitical landscapes and seizing opportunities in emerging markets. Engr. Al-Meer shed light on one of his top priorities, Qatar Airways 2.0, which is focused on employee well-being and retention. He also discussed strategic partnerships from Africa to Australia, and the honour of being awarded the World’s Best Airline by Skytrax in 2024 for the eighth time.Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “I was proud to represent Qatar Airways at this year’s Doha Forum.””Our increasingly connected world has introduced unique challenges, but has also unearthed new opportunities for cross-cultural understanding, much to the benefit of the aviation industry. Qatar Airways has strong and strategic diplomatic ties across the world and is a key player on the global stage. The demand for our services has remained high during both peak and low travel seasons.”He continued: “With our partnerships in the emerging markets in Africa, the Americas, and India, we have built on our strengths of agility and commitment to sustainable growth to prove time and time again that Qatar Airways remains resilient, nimble, and responsive to change. These qualities are essential for growth in a multi-lateral environment.””Owing to our new era of Qatar Airways 2.0, dedication to our workforce, and growing investments and partnerships, our airline serves as the optimal case study for thriving businesses in rapidly evolving landscapes.”Delivering a record profit of $1.7 billion in the previous financial year, Qatar Airways continues to invest in the latest technologies, most recently as the first global airline to introduce Starlink Wi-Fi across its fleet. The airline also acquired a 25 per cent stake in Southern Africa’s regional carrier, Airlink, and has been granted interim authorisation by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to engage with Virgin Australia in co-operative conduct under an integrated alliance, following Qatar Airways Group’s announcement in October that it intends to acquire a minority 25 per cent equity stake in Virgin Australia from Bain Capital (subject to FIRB approval), as part of its dedication to global connectivity.

Qatar Airways to donate $10 for every Student Club member

Doha(Cliff News)Qatar Airways’ Student Club programme is marking its fourth anniversary by teaming up with the charity, Education Above All. This new initiative will see Qatar Airways donate $10 to Education Above All, for every booking made by a Student Club member. Students will need to book with their dedicated promo code from 5 December until December 16, 2024.Education Above All is the non-profit organisation founded by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson and Founder of Education Above All Foundation. Education Above All furthers equal access to education and for positive, sustainable, and inclusive change in all communities.Qatar Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Thierry Antinori, said: “I am pleased and proud that Qatar Airways is able to mark this Student Club anniversary in such a meaningful way.“We pride ourselves on being the world’s best airline not just because of our aircraft and services, but because we also care about the people and organisations we support. I have no doubt that the one million-strong membership of our Student Club programme will share the satisfaction I feel knowing that their bookings will have such a positive impact on future generations. Together we can make a difference.”Student Club is powered by Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club and offers a range of benefits to members, such as:

Special fares on flights

Additional baggage allowance

Date change flexibility

Ability to add travel companions and save together with Companion Pass

Privilege Club tier upgrade as a graduation gift

Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi 

For more information about Student Club, visit: https://www.qatarairways.com/en-qa/Privilege-Club/student-club-join-now.html