Day: June 27, 2022

Posted on

Cloudbeds Acquires Whistle, Moves to Solve Friction in Guest Journey

No. 1 PMS and No. 1 guest messaging platform join forces to integrate guest engagement solutions seamlessly into day-to-day lodging business operations

Cloudbeds Acquires Whistle

No. 1 PMS and No. 1 guest messaging platform join forces to integrate guest engagement solutions seamlessly into day-to-day lodging business operations

SAN DIEGO, June 27, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cloudbeds, the hospitality management platform powering more reservations and happier guests for lodging businesses around the globe, announced today at HITEC 2022 the acquisition of the industry’s leading guest engagement solution, Whistle. Together, the companies will integrate their best-in-class technologies to remove friction points in the guest journey through a single platform.

“The term contactless is becoming far too synonymous with hospitality,” said Richard Castle, COO and Co-Founder of Cloudbeds. “We want more contact between lodging businesses and their guests to create purposeful touchpoints, answer questions and provide guidance through the entire guest journey. Research shows that engaged guests spend more, leave better reviews and the majority prefer to communicate via digital channels — Whistle makes it all possible. Whether it’s a booking engine chat or front desk text request, Whistle positions Cloudbeds customers to be a part of the guest journey from discovery to post-stay, removing barriers that might hinder a booking or positive review.”

Whistle leads the industry in guest engagement with unified communication tools, digitized arrival experiences and more. Current customers include major hospitality brands and hoteliers around the world, including Choice Hotels, Accor, IHG and Four Sisters Inns, among others. Founded in 2015, the company has been rated the no. 1 guest messaging software by Hotel Tech Report for five consecutive years.

Whistle will play an important role in the company’s vision for creating a fully frictionless solution that enables guests to engage with lodging businesses on their own terms. Simultaneously, it will give lodging businesses a unified platform to more efficiently manage points of contact throughout the entire guest journey.

“Our goal has always been to give lodging businesses a unique, easy-to-use solution that simplifies and streamlines the way they communicate,” said Christopher Hovanessian, CEO and Co-Founder of Whistle. “Cloudbeds has a clear vision for building a better, more frictionless hospitality experience via a unified platform. Together, we can make a greater impact on the industry that benefits not only the guest, but also the property staff and the lodging business itself.”

Following its Series D funding announcement in November, Cloudbeds has doubled down on its commitment to “more reservations, happier guests” with three acquisitions and the introduction of several new product offerings to address major pain points for both operators and guests. Driven by an aggressive product roadmap, the company has nearly tripled in size over the past year, with more solutions set to roll out in Q3 designed to help hoteliers grow their businesses.

For more information, visit cloudbeds.com/whistle.

Cloudbeds will share further details about the acquisition at HITEC 2022 in Orlando, during a press event at 1:30 p.m. ET in Booth # 1701 on Tuesday, June 28.

About Cloudbeds
Cloudbeds provides the platform that powers hospitality, driving streamlined operations, increasing reservations and revenue, and enabling memorable guest experiences for lodging businesses of all sizes and types across the globe. The award-winning Cloudbeds Hospitality Platform seamlessly combines solutions for front desk, revenue, distribution, guest acquisition, and guest engagement in a single unified system, enhanced by a marketplace of third-party integrations. Cloudbeds was named No. 1 PMS and No. 1 Hotel Management System by Hotel Tech Report in 2022 and recognized by Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500 in 2021. For more information, visit www.cloudbeds.com.

Contact:
Angela Petersen
angela.petersen@cloudbeds.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ea0d94df-2649-42d8-8e49-c59efe9665e5

 

Posted on

Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa receiving Saudi King’s highest award “King Abdul Aziz” is a source of pride for the entire Pakistani nation: Ch Parvez Elahi 

Lahore, June 27, 2022 (PPI-OT):Speaker Punjab Assembly Chaudhry Parvez Elahi has said that it is welcome for Pakistan that Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa received the highest award of Saudi Arabia “King Abdul Aziz”. He said that due to the personal efforts, hard work and command over foreign policy of the Army Chief, Pakistan has succeeded in getting out of the FATF’s grey list.

It is a matter of pride for the entire Pakistani nation that the Army Chief received this award. Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia in difficult times and not only made it possible to supply oil in easy installments and deferred repayment of loans, the Pakistani nation is proud of its army chief who is also mobilized for the development and prosperity of Pakistan everywhere.

For more information, contact:
Mediacell, Pakistan Muslim League
30-C, Chaudhry Zahoor Elahi Road,
Gulberg-II, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-35878428
Fax: +92-42-35877329
Website: www.pmlmediacell.com

Posted on

Webinar “Afghan Refugees in Pakistan: Four Decades of Hospitality” 

Islamabad, June 27, 2022 (PPI-OT):The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies (ISSI) hosted a webinar on “Afghan Refugees in Pakistan: Four Decades of Hospitality.” The webinar was moderated by Ms. Amina Khan, Director CAMEA. The speakers at the webinar included Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Director General ISSI, Ms. Nargis Nehan, an Afghan Politician, Mr. Saleem Khan, Chief Commissioner for Afghan Refugees, SAFRON, Mr. Qaisar Khan Afridi, Spokesperson UNHCR Pakistan, Ms. Nasria Pashtun, ALIGHT Pakistan, Program Coordinator for Afghanistan and Mr. Tamim Asey, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Institute of War and Peace Studies (IWPS), Kabul.

Ms. Amina Khan, Director CAMEA, while expressing her views stated that prolonged instability, which has all too often been marred by foreign invasions, civil wars, political and economic instability not to forget natural calamities have resulted in one of the world’s largest protracted refugee populations – the Afghan refugees. She went on to say that continued uncertainty has thus resulted in the continuous outflow of refugees. While Afghan refugees are present in more than 70 countries, 95 per cent are hosted by Pakistan and Iran. Pakistan and Iran together continue to host 90 per cent of registered Afghan refugees globally she stated.

She further explained that although, a non-signatory to the Geneva Convention of Refugees, Pakistan has been home to Afghan refugees which at one point numbered five million, thus making Pakistan the second largest refugee hosting nation, hosting 21 per cent of the world’s refugees. Even after more than four decades of prolonged displacement, it is extremely unfortunate that the Afghan refugee crisis continues to linger on. Hosting refugees is a global responsibility, which has certainly not been equitably shared at all, she concluded.

Director General ISSI, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, while giving his remarks stated that the refugee problem is very pertinent but has been put on the backburner due to other emerging issues, and therefore not getting its fair share of attention. He further said that the refugees would like to be treated with respect and dignity and we must look at all aspects of how Afghan refugees have been treated by Pakistan for the last four decades. He further said that Pakistan has shared the burden with full commitment and the UNHCR has also helped in these endeavours.

Ms. Nargis Nehan was of the view that being a refugee is not a choice. She also thanked the people of Pakistan for their hospitality towards Afghan refugees and highlighted how Afghans in Pakistan have had the freedom of movement. Furthermore, they have had the opportunity to continue their education and have been given access to health care services, something which has not been provided to Afghan refugees in other countries. She said that the level of collaboration between the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan was impressive.

On the conflict in Afghanistan she said that it has given rise to a young generation of Afghans who do not want to be in Afghanistan because they think they have no future there. It is imperative that there should be a political solution in Afghanistan that responds to the needs of the people and helps in the development of Afghanistan. Women can play a very important role in this regard, she concluded. “Being hopeful is more important than anything,” she said.

Mr. Saleem Khan, while shedding light on the subject, stated that 1.4million Afghan refugees are documented and 850000 are Afghan citizen card holders who are also being registered through the initiative taken by the government of Pakistan. He stated that in 2017 and 2018 unaccounted Afghans were also documented who are still living in the country. More than 700000 are still un documented and are in process of being documented. He said that we are very careful that refugees should be treated with care and respect and as a result of this policy; no unfortunate event has been witnessed.

While talking about the role of SAFRON, he said that we are dealing with the various aspects of Afghan refugees which include health, food, community development, livelihood, repatriation, protection and education. While talking about the security of Afghan refugees he mentioned that we are very sensitive about the protection of the refugees and because of this very reason we started the Afghan Citizen Card project. He emphasized that we are open to treating these refugees in the best possible manner.

He stressed that the Government of Pakistan is taking special efforts to facilitate them in the best possible way. The most viable option for us is that they go back to their own country voluntarily. The international community and organizations should engage with Afghanistan to develop a conducive environment for the individuals who are living in the country or who are willing to go back to their country.

Mr. Qaiser Afridi, while expressing his views stated that although Pakistan is not a signatory of the 1951 Refugee convention and 1967 protocols, yet Pakistan has always helped Afghan refugees and generously hosted them for several decades. He also stated that if the refugees voluntarily want to go back to their homes, they can go back with security and dignity. He went on to say that displaced people face the same challenges everywhere and there is also an emphasis on youth empowerment.

Ms. Nasria Pashtun, highlighted the various problems faced by the refugees which include the issues pertaining to the opening of bank accounts, hurdles in buying property and the lack of jobs for highly educated Afghans. Among others, she said that many face poverty and there is also a lack of skill training for Afghan youth. The international community must address the various issues pertaining to Afghan refugees, she concluded.

Mr. Tamim Asey, while discussing the issue stated that Pakistan has hosted Afghan refugees for decades and that the experience of Afghan refugees in Pakistan has been very different. He went on to explain that Afghan refugees have come into Pakistan in four distinct phases and the influx of these four phases has brought political, military and economic challenges to Pakistan. He went on to say that Afghan refugees have also brought in remittances and Afghan entrepreneurs and skilled labour has also been an asset for Pakistan. He concluded by saying that it is also an opportunity for Pakistan as it can use humanitarian diplomacy to get global attention in this regard.

Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman Board of Governors, ISSI, in his concluding remarks stated that stated that the issue of refugees has been capturing the attention of the international community since several decades. He further said that Pakistan has been generously hosting Afghan refugees since the past few decades and the international community must acknowledge that, he concluded.

For more information, contact:
Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI)
Sector F-5/2, Islamabad – 44000, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9202481
Fax: +92-51-9204658
E-mail: strategy@issi.org.pk
Website: http://issi.org.pk/

Posted on

MYL to play its role in a drug-free Pakistan 

Lahore, June 27, 2022 (PPI-OT):A meeting of Minhaj-ul-Quran Youth League was held here at the central secretariat with president MYL Mazhar Mahmood Alvi in the chair. The meeting was attended by central, provincial and district level office-holders. After the deliberations in the meeting, MYL decided to observe June 26 under the slogan of ‘Say No to Drugs’ and hold various activities to highlight the message. Social media activists associated with MQI will also launch trend on the same line on social media. The youth leaders will use the day to spread awareness about the dangers of drugs.

Speaking on the occasion, President MYL Mazhar Mahmood Alvi said that the poison of drugs is eating into the vitals of our society. Our youth is getting their lives destroyed because of the drugs addiction of various types. Their actions also bring the families into disrepute and cause them shame in society. He said that more than ten million people are drug addicts.

Giving references of the fight against drugs, President MYL said that in addition to enabling the youth to get rid of the addiction, it is important to engage them in positive activities. He said that MYL is aware of the dangers that drugs pose and is prepared to become part of the efforts for a drug-free Pakistan. He said that the organization will hold seminar, walks and conference on June 26 as part of awareness raising efforts.

He said that it is the responsibility of the government to take action against those elements who are involved in the heinous drug business, adding that rehabilitation centers should be set up at district levels to enable the addicted youth to become productive members of society. MYL leaders Mansoor Qasim Awan, Muhammad Zeeshan, Haroon Sani, Abdul Hannan Tahir, Imran Younis, Rana Waheed Shahzad, Qaiser Mahmood and others attended the meeting.

For more information, contact:
Minhaj-ul-Quran International (MQI)
365 M, Model Town, Lahore, Pakistan
UAN: +92-42-111-140-140
Tel: +92-42-35169111
Email: tehreek@minhaj.org
Website: www.minhaj.org

Posted on

Workers of Gadani ship breaking industry demand justice, threaten strike 

Karachi, June 27, 2022 (PPI-OT):The workers of Gadani ship breaking industry have been facing immense problems for long and they should be doled out justice and given their due rights, said speakers of a press conference here at the Karachi Press Club (KPC) on Monday.

They said thousands of workers of Gadani ship breaking industry since long have been demanding from the federal and provincial governments, owners of ship breaking yards and related departments to give them their due rights as per labour laws but sadly their voice is not being heard.

They said that Gadani is the third largest ship breaking center of the world, but it depicts the picture of a forced labour camp, where ship owners and their supervisors called Jammadars don’t recognize any law or constitution.

The main issue of the workers of ship breaking is poor health and safety arrangements at workplace due to which deadly incidents there are common; however, the law enforcement agencies have become a tool in the hands of ship breaking mafia.

Due to these poor and anti-human work conditions, in November 2016 a fire broke in a ship, killing 29 workers, but no action was taken against the owners and Jammadars of that ship or negligent officials of the related departments. This is why the lives of workers in this ship breaking area are still on the stake.

Ship breaking industry caters the local needs of iron and saves precious foreign exchange for the country. After the closure of Pakistan Steel Mills it provides iron to re-rolling mills at cheaper rates. As per an estimate Gadani ship breaking provides one million tons of iron and other metals every year. In whole world, serious steps are being taken for safety of the workers of ship breaking industry.

In this regard, a historical development occurred in 2009 when Hong Kong Convention on Ship Breaking was approved which is ratified by 16 countries including India. If forty percent of the countries where ships are broken ratify the Hong Kong Convention then it would be compulsory for all countries of the world to provide safety arrangements under the Convention, as well as, labour rights as per international law and when this happened the ship breaking industry in Pakistan would face huge challenges.

The nexus of local administration, law enforcement agencies, labour-related departments, ship owners and their Jammadars has created an atmosphere of fear in Gadani ship breaking industry. Thousands of workers are compelled to work in illegal and inhuman working conditions. Workers are not being provided necessary safety equipment during work. Workplace safety arrangements are very poor and workers and their families are not provided proper living and commuting facilities and their children are deprived of proper education and healthcare.

The ship breaking workers are not being registered with social security institutions or Old Age Employees Benefits Institute (EOBI). When they demand raise in wages as proportionate to the price hike they are sacked from their job. At ship breaking yards there is no medical center for the injured workers and there is no proper ambulance facility to rush them to the nearest hospital in case of a mishap.

Recently, when the representative labour union of the workers pointed out these issues and presented a charter of demands for raising wages in proportion to price hike and providing work safety, social security facilities and developing ship breaking sector, some Jammadars having backing of powerful ship owners tried to create ethnic riots amongst the workers and resultantly one worker was injured. However, due to timely intervention of union leaders and local elders this anti-labour conspiracy was foiled.

The speakers through this press conference demanded to approve the charter of demands presented by the labour union. If the charter of demands is not approved the workers would observe a complete strike on Friday, July 1st 2022 at all ship breaking yards.

They demanded from the federal government to immediately ratify the Hong Kong Convention for giving better facilities to the ship breaking workers and development of this industry. They demanded from the provincial government to enact the draft Ship Breaking Act presented by the workers through provincial assembly.

The workers through their charter of demands asked the ship owners to increase the basic wages of all workers of ship breaking industry by fifty percent.

All workers of Gadani ship breaking should be registered with social security institution and EOBI.

Workers at every ship breaking yard should be provided clean drinking water and a water filter plant should be installed there.

At every ship breaking yard canteen facility should be opened to provide workers quality food at concessional rate.

Health and safety facilities should be provided at every ship breaking yard and related equipment including Dangris, safety shoes, gloves, face masks, goggles, ear plugs and firefighting gadgets should be arranged at every yard.

Sundays and government-announced holidays should be considered as holiday and payment should be made to workers for working on these days.

All workers of Gadani ship breaking industry should be given annual leaves as per labour laws besides two yearly bonuses.

In case of more than eight hours a day work double overtime should be given to the workers.

To cope with emergency cases first aid arrangements should be there for ship breaking workers and a medical dispensary should be set up at every ship breaking plot.

The ship breaking association should construct a hospital from its own funds over a plot arranged by the provincial government of Balochistan.

This hospital should be a 50-bed facility along with a trauma center and a training center.

All workers should be paid five percent share from profits.

At every plot of ship breaking industry workers should be given appointment letters.

In case of industrial mishaps each and every injured worker should be provided free of cost medical treatment till their full recovery and their leave from duty should be considered as paid leave. The heirs of workers who die in such a mishap should be given triple compensation. All workers should be given group insurance facility.

At every plot of Gadani ship breaking area residential and sanitation facilities should be provided. Proper latrine arrangements should be ensured for workers at every plot.

If the government of Balochistan strikes a labour-related deal, all additional facilities should be given to the workers. The people involved in fanning ethnic riots should be arrested and proper legal be taken against them.

Participants of the press conference includes Bashir Mahmoodani, President Ship Breaking Workers Union Gadani (SBWU), Nasir Mansoor, General Secretary National Trade Union Federation (NTUF), Saleem Baloch, Information Secretary SBWU, Zehra Khan, General Secretary Home Based Women Workers Federation (HBWWF), Sammad Members Member Managing Committee, Jamal and Naseeb Gul, members of Ship breaking union Gadani.

For more information, contact:
Home Based Women Workers Federation (HBWWF)
726, Mashrique Centre, Block 14, Gulshan-e-Iqbal,
Karachi, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-37075324
Website: https://hbwwf.org/

Posted on

Final Chance to Make Course Selection – Spring 2022 

Lahore, June 27, 2022 (PPI-OT):

Dear Students,

Keeping in view students’ hardships, the course selection option is open for two days, from Tuesday, June 28, 2022, to Wednesday, June 29, 2022, by providing the last chance for those who have not yet made course selection.

2. Student(s) who fail to enroll/ select any course(s) within the above dates will be declared as “Inactive Student”. Such students may continue their studies through “Readmission” as per the University rule/policy, upon payment of prescribed Re-Admission Fee in the very next semester.

Note:

Class have been commenced with effect from May 9, 2022.

Students shall be responsible for late course enrollment, and if any quizzes or assignment(s) have been given or taken.

Students shall be responsible for making mid semester date sheet.

No request for the enrollment of course(s), and semester unfreeze will be considered after the above said due date.

Fee voucher once issued will not be adjusted/revised if any student(s) drop a course.

1st semester students facing any difficulty email to the respective Department (Contact Us – Academic Department https://www.vu.edu.pk/contact.aspx)

For more information, contact:
Virtual University of Pakistan (VU)
M.A. Jinnah Campus, Defence Road, Off Raiwind Road,
Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-111-880-880
Fax: +92-42-99200604, +92-42-99202174
Website: www.vu.edu.pk