Pakistani dramas are far more superior to Bollywood: Paresh Rawal

Veteran actor Paresh Rawal is not pleased with the content generated by Indian cinema today. The movies may be minting money and making it to the 100 crore club but, according to him, the quality of content has tremendously deteriorated. For him, comparison with Hollywood is just a longshot, Bollywood isn’t even in a position to compare itself to Pakistani dramas when it comes to content. Rawal spoke toAhmedabad Times in a candid interview, while promoting his upcoming film Raja Natwalal, starring Emraan Hashmi and Humaima Malik in lead roles, reported theTimes of India.

Rawal calmly sat in his hotel room, as he opened up about the one thing he is the most passionate about — films. The versatile actor holds a strong opinion on where the Indian cinema is headed and feels great disdain towards how a film is judged and the various aspects of films and filmmaking today.

So do you think the audiences are taken for granted, unlike Hollywood, as we get to see a lot of logic-defying movies?

Forget Hollywood, we cannot even compare our films to Pakistani shows. They are far more superior to what we produce here. We need to work on our content here. We need to make some more smart films where we don’t take our audience for granted and think that they will not understand what we want to convey. And this is what attracted me to Raja Natwarlal. Con films genre is one genre that hasn’t been explored much and there is a lot of scope in this genre.

You have done a variety of roles. Is there a time when you feel that you have done everything?

As long as I am getting good work, I’ll never feel that I have done everything. The script is always bigger than the actor, and till I am getting good scripts, interesting stories and powerful characters, I will continue doing films. It is only when there is a dearth of good stories that an actor’s career comes to a standstill, and it’s not that it doesn’t happen, it happens a lot.

Most people make fun of the 100 crore pot-boilers, but they all go watch them. On the other hand, performance-oriented films hardly get any audience. Why?

The producers/exhibitors of these 100 crore films must be taking into the account the sale of popcorn-cola in the theatres. Crossing 100 crore is no benchmark of how the film is. Mein 100 crore ke bare mein nahi sochta. Acting is a very organic process for me and as an actor, you need to keep evolving and learning throughout your career. There is no certain point where you are complete as an actor. I also try to learn something from every actor I work with. The process should never come to an end

Clearance: PIA resumes cargo shipment to EU

KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines resumed its cargo shipment after the European Union removed a temporary restriction after a satisfactory inspection of the national carrier.

PIA’s cargo shipments were barred in Europe since July 28 because of delays in a validation from experts who stamp ‘compliance to security protocols’ on part of the airline.

Temporary suspension of PIA’s cargo service came on heels of a deadly attack at the Karachi airport, raising concerns over aviation security.

The airline found itself caught up in the tough regulation called Air Cargo or Mail Carrier operating into the Union from a Third Country (ACC3) that required carriers to take certain security screening measures by July 31, 2014.

ACC3 regulation became mandatory, after October 2010, when an attempt to carry explosives hidden in a printer cartridge was made from a Middle Eastern state.

According to the regulation, countries have been divided in three separate categories. The Green category includes countries that do not need validation, The White category includes most of the countries that require validation, but Pakistan has been placed in the high risk Red category, among countries under stringent watch.

The airline had spent months putting in place relevant systems and procedures to comply with tough European Union conditions, officials said.

In line with the regulation, PIA installed dual view scanners, explosive trace detectors (ETDs) and deployed dogs trained in identifying explosives.  The two-step validation is done by IATA approved Independent Validators. A pre-validation inspection has already cleared PIA to run cargo service to EU.

The validation is acceptable for 10 years. But authorities have increased security in recent weeks by deploying trained and well-equipped guards around all international airports and enhancing the screening of vehicles, passengers and their attendants.

PIA is the only Pakistani airline operating cargo service to Europe.

Power generators: HUBCO puts coal-conversion plan on hold

KARACHI: 

Hub Power Company Limited (Hubco) has put on hold the plan to convert its oil-based power generators to coal, as it has already spend $40 million to fix existing boilers, according to a top company official.

“Overhaul of the boilers of four power plants, with nameplate capacity of 325MW each, has been going on for months and is expected to be completed by May 2015,” said company CEO Khalid Mansoor.

“At least for the immediate term we do not intend switching to coal — especially not after having spent so much money already,” he said, explaining the fact that using coal instead of furnace oil would require construction of new boilers from scratch.

Mansoor pointed out that as soon as he took over the company as CEO, he rang the alarm bell regarding boilers’ condition. They broke down frequently and had leaks.

A few months later government announced that it had convinced some Independent Power Producers (IPPs) including Hubco to switch to coal, that would eventually reduce their electricity tariffs by fifty per cent.

Mansoor said that none of the companies started with the conversion because the policy guidelines needed were not approved by the government. In cases where heavy investment is required, the IPPs want updated contracts.

“Hubco’s contract expires in 2027. We would like to extend it to 2037 or beyond. Conversion of existing plants to coal might happen in a few years, but right now we have other plans,” explained Mansoor.

The boiler overhaul has taken a toll on the company’s profitability as every attached unit undergoes a one-time shutdown that spans over 110 days, cutting output and revenue.

Hubco recently announced a 30.2% decline in net profit at Rs6.549 billion in 2013-14 against Rs9.387 billion it posted in 2012-13.

Profit for current fiscal 2014-15 will remain under pressure as work on two remaining boilers is yet to be carried out. “We expect to see profitability at round the same level (as 2013-14). But things will go back to the way they were from next fiscal year.”

“The recurring problem of circular debt, which has once again created a liquidity crunch for IPPs, will have to be resolved for effective management of the power sector,” Mansoor said.

“The government owes Rs235 billion to IPPs. Hubco alone has Rs70 billion stuck in the circular debt.”

Company’s growth plans

About Hubco’s growth plans, Mansoor said that the company is moving ahead to build a new coal-fired 660MW power plant near its existing facility in Hub, a few kilometres away from Karachi.

“Being right at the coast, we have the most ideal location for a coal-based power plant. We have land measuring 1,500 acres, out of which we are currently using just 100. It leaves us enough space. We can build many power plants there,” he said.

The company is considering what Mansoor calls offshore-unloading solution to handle coal imports. “A large floating storage could be parked in the sea. We could then use barges to bring coal from there to the plant on the coast. This would save cost of building a dedicated coal terminal.”

Hubco might also utilise spare coal capacity at Karachi Port Trust’s terminal, located 50km from Hub, to meet the estimated requirement of 2 million tons a year for the power plant.

The 660MW power plant would cost around $1 billion and Hubco expects to get most of the financing from Chinese investors.

It has also signed an agreement with Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company to inject $20 million in the project, which will extract coal from the vast reserves in Tharparkar district.

Bilateral cooperation: Pakistani govt excited over Chinese president’s visit

ISLAMABAD: 

Ahead of the anticipated visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Pakistan, officials from both countries discussed bilateral economic cooperation. 

Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar discussed broader contours of the president’s high-profile visit. Both sides are expected to sign agreements to implement projects in the energy and infrastructure sectors with Chinese assistance.

However, neither Pakistan nor China have yet officially announced the visit of the Chinese President. The foreign office has also not convened the inter-ministerial meeting to finalise the possible areas of cooperation during the upcoming visit, according to an official of the Board of Investment.

The Chinese ambassador said that Pakistan-China Economic Corridor was moving ahead smoothly and the third round of Pakistan-China Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) was currently going on successfully. He said mega projects in the energy and infrastructure sectors with the help of the Chinese would bring development and economic progress to Pakistan.

Under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Beijing has recently announced providing financial assistance for 14 energy projects and four mega infrastructure projects including Karakorum Highway Phase-II, development of Gwadar Port, Lahore-Karachi Motorway and Orange Line Metro Project in Lahore.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Wednesday that an agreement has been reached with China on the construction of Lahore-Karachi Motorway.

The ambassador said that China has no agenda other than cooperation in development and economic progress of Pakistan, according to a handout issued by the Ministry of Finance.

The finance minister said that political leadership of both countries has a common vision and spoke of the robust economic cooperation, reducing differences between the two countries and regional connectivity.

Dar said that the economic corridor will reduce transportation cost between Pakistan and China and enhance trade and investment for great future of this region.

He hoped that projects in the pipeline will be completed on time. He also informed the ambassador that political leadership in Pakistan is looking forward to welcoming Chinese president’s visit and hoped that the visit will usher in a new era of progress and development.

According to political analysts, the Chinese president’s anticipated visit to Pakistan will be seen as critical support to the government at a time when it is facing challenges on the domestic front.

The PML-N government has been claiming that the Pakistani PM’s decision to first go to China after taking oath was not liked by western powers.

While speaking at state-run TV, the party’s senior leader Senator Mushahidullah Khan claimed that the recent political turmoil has its roots in the PM’s decision to visit Beijing first instead of going to Washington.

A ‘fruitful’ development: Pakistani mangoes in Japan

TOKYO: 

Following the breakthrough in mango exports between private sectors in 2013, Pakistani mangoes are now being sold for the first time by the largest high-street retailer in Japan, AEON Corporation – a $57-billion entity.

The development came in the form of a soft launch at the new AEON Makuhari Mall – one of the largest in Tokyo. To celebrate the achievement, customers at the mall were served with fresh mango slices, which proved to be popular.

Addressing the media, Pakistan’s ambassador to Japan Noor Muhammad Jadmani said the taste and richness were not just confined to mangoes but were hallmarks of different fruits and vegetables from Pakistan. He emphasised that orchards in Pakistan were Global GAP certified.

The ambassador stressed that persistent efforts of the commercial sector to promote Pakistani fruits and vegetables in the Japanese market and its constant direct liaison with AEON had led to the breakthrough.

Jadmani underscored that mangoes would be the thin-end-of-the-wedge to introduce Pakistani produce to the consumers in Japan. He was also grateful for AEON for its cooperation.

AEON Chairman Hiroshi Yokoo welcomed the ambassador and Fauji Fertiliser Company (FFC) Chairman Lieutenant General (retired) Naeem Khalid Lodhi as he joined them on the merchandise sales display. Yokoo thanked the Pakistan team for making the inaugural event possible.

The ambassador said that he has confidence in the GAP-certified mango exporters from Pakistan, especially companies like FFC. Agreeing with Jadmani, Lodhi expressed hopes of more agricultural products being introduced by AEON in due course of time and appreciated the idea of farms in collaboration with the company, dedicated to exclusive production for the Japanese market.

“Pakistan will be able to meet the Japanese demand and expand into new areas with further market research, development and coordination,” said Lodhi.

The Pakistan ambassador also noted that while the business aspect of the mango was important, the trade had broader relevance. He said that cuisine and exchange of agricultural products increased awareness between countries and helped build better relations. 

Did you know?: The Mountain from GOT becomes Europe’s Strongest Man

‘The Mountain’ made his way through the competition by winning the first prize in three different events. PHOTO: STOCK IMAGE

‘The Mountain’ from Game of Thrones truly lives up to his name as he destroys his latest competition.

Hafthor Bjornsso, also known as Gregor Clegane or ‘The Mountain’ in Game of Thrones, officially became Europe’s Strongest Man, earlier this month.

Game of Thrones writer George RR Martin has filled the fantasy world with irredeemable characters and Hafthor who plays the abovesaid role may just be the worst — the murderous knight has been the one behind some of the most shocking moments in the hit TV series and the GOT novels.

If you get a chance to watch the video showing how he accepted the top prize, you’ll feel a little bit sorrier for the characters in the show. ‘The Mountain’ made his way through the competition by winning the first prize in three different events, according to the Huffington Post. However, the turning point was when he completed a stone-lifting challenge. He completely brushed his opponents aside in the Europe’s Strongest Man tournament and after placing the final stone, the 6’9 Icelander ripped off his shirt as he yelled out saying, “I am the future of strength as I am King of the Stones!”

Did you know?: Hollywood stars appeal for peace in the Middle East

The Creative Community For Peace’s document has been signed by Hollywood stars who want an end to the violent clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian troops in Gaza. PHOTO: AFP

Los Angeles. Actors Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone and Seth Rogen are among about 200 Hollywood stars who have signed a statement calling for peace in the Middle East.

The Creative Community For Peace’s document has been signed by Hollywood stars who want an end to the violent clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian troops in Gaza, reports contactmusic.com.

In the statement, the stars urge politicians to find a resolution and end the fighting, while they also come out in support of Israel and criticise the Palestinian Hamas organisation.

The letter reads, “We, the undersigned, are saddened by the devastating loss of life endured by Israelis and Palestinians in Gaza.

“We are pained by the suffering on both sides of the conflict and hope for a solution that brings peace to the region…

“While we stand firm in our commitment to peace and justice, we must also stand firm against ideologies of hatred and genocide…

“We join together in support of the democratic values we all cherish and in the hope that the healing and transformative power of the arts can be used to build bridges of peace.”

Other stars to have signed the statement include Kelsey Grammer, Minnie Driver and Mayim Bialik.

Alia Bhatt: She can take a joke

MUMBAI: She became the butt of all jokes following her appearance on Karan Johar’sKoffee with Karan, but now actor Alia Bhatt has taken a potshot at herself via an entertaining video titled Alia Bhatt — Genius of the Year, which is gaining popularity on social media.

“So, after the ‘Alia Bhatt jokes’ thing… I decided to fix my brain!” Alia posted on Twitter Monday morning along with a YouTube link to the video. A brief description of the video uploaded by comedy collective All India Bakchod, reads: “What did Alia Bhatt do after the internet turned her into the butt of all jokes? A documentary crew found out…”

The video features Alia with appearances by her father, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, as well as friends and colleagues including Karan Johar, Arjun Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra. It begins with a message that reads: “In 2014, a documentary crew follows Alia Bhatt in the aftermath of her Koffee with Karan debacle.”

The video is a funny fictional take on what the 21-year-old went through after her general knowledge, rather lack of it, was jested at when she called Prithviraj Chauhan the president of India on KJo’s show. In the video, she is seen talking about how “hurt” she was when instead of searching for “Alia Bhatt hot pics” on Google, people started looking for “Alia Bhatt jokes.”

She then visits a “Dumb Belle Mental Gym,” which offers to take her from “Dolce & Gabbana to Smart like Shabana (Azmi).” At the gym, she reads newspapers, her diet is “three portions of newspapers in the morning” and she is instructed to “skip Page 3.” She is made to brush up her knowledge via music and lands on Koffee with Karan again, stunning the host Karan with her answers.

The video’s end is to watch out for. Directed by Shakun Batra, Alia Bhatt — Genius of the Yearis being loved by celebrities such as Hrithik Roshan and Abhishek Bachchan as much as by Alia’s fans.

“Bravo @aliaa08 this is superb! And it’s also @karanjohar’s best performance ever,” tweeted Abhishek, while Hrithik posted: “Fell down laughing! Talent with a twist, @aliaa08 you are sensational.” Praising the video, Farhan Akhtar said: “Now, this is funny… Hahahaha… Love it. Full points to @aliaa08 @shakunbatra @karanjohar.” Hansal Mehta called the video “disarmingly cute” and her Student of the Year co-star Sidharth Malhotra tweeted: “Haha brilliant @aliaa08 so endearing and sporting. Kudos to you.” 

Negative impact: ‘Sit-ins disrupting government’s plans for the economy’

ISLAMABAD: The political impasse caused by the sit-ins of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Pakistan Awami Tehreek, have caused a loss of Rs800 billion to the economy – a figure that may further unnerve the investors – said a government official.

Imran Khan-led PTI and Tahirul Qadri’s PAT have staged sit-ins since Independence Day in hopes of getting Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to resign. However, so far, talks have remained deadlocked between the opposition and the government.

“The current protests have paralysed our economy. Direct losses to the economy have reached up to Rs800 billion while indirect losses have amounted to several hundred billions,” according to a statement of Commerce Minister Khurram Dastgir.

The Commerce Ministry has not attributed the estimates to any official source but said that these estimates were worked out by “experts”. Usually, the Ministry of Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs is the responsible ministry to give such estimates.

The minister stated that the devaluation of rupee against the US dollar and the constantly fluctuating exchange rate have increased Pakistan’s external debt by Rs350 billion. Before the political crisis struck the country, the rupee-dollar parity was Rs98.7 to a dollar that has now gone over Rs 101 to a dollar.

As of end June, Pakistan’s external debt stood at Rs4.8 trillion or $48.6 billion, higher by Rs480 billion or 11.2% over the previous year’s Rs4.3 trillion. The rupee depreciated by Rs4.4 to a dollar. By this account, the country’s external debt in terms of rupee increased by Rs213 billion in the last two weeks –a figure that is Rs137 billion less than the official claim.

According to the commerce minister’s statement, the uncertainty caused by this political turmoil has made the investors skeptical.

Independent economists say that higher than the actual losses may further damage the economy. They feared further depreciation of the rupee and its adverse impact on the stock market.

The government is also responsible for causing indirect losses to the economy as it has positioned thousands of containers to seal Islamabad. This hampers the to-and-fro movement of goods from the country, say independent analysts.

The containers have been placed on roads and streets that connect various sectors of the federal capital. This is creating more problems for commuters. Supporters of both parties are already in the red zone –the nerve centre of the government.

Dastgir said the protestors’ unreasonable demands to assume power by hook or by crook have tarnished the image of the country.

He said the heads of states of China and Sri Lanka have already postponed their important visits due to the prevailing situation and the country could not hold important negotiations with these economic partners.

“The negative politics being played in the country is misleading the youth. The country will have to strive in erasing the harmful effects of this upheaval on the economy,” said the minister.

“Social stability and development issues are directly linked to the economic sustainability in the country,” he remarked.

Dollar gaining: Loss in rupee value continues, political gridlock continues

KARACHI: 

The rupee shed 70 paisa on Monday, closing at Rs101.20 to a dollar in the interbank market.

The decline in the rupee’s value was more pronounced in the open market where it lost Rs1 against the greenback.

According to Bloomberg, the rupee declined for the fifth consecutive day amid political gridlock in Islamabad, marking the biggest one-day fall since February 2009.

The rupee has faced volatility during the last one year partially because of varying levels of foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

They currently stand at $8.9 billion, up a massive 192% from November 28, 2013, when the rupee-dollar parity stood at Rs107.80. The subsequent rise in foreign exchange reserves was followed by 8.8% appreciation of the rupee against the dollar between December and July.

But calls for civil disobedience at a sit-in being staged by two opposition parties outside parliament has already resulted in the rupee’s depreciation of 2.8% in the interbank market since the beginning of August.

What the central bank had to say

Last week, SBP Director Dr Hamza Malik told a news briefing the movement in the exchange rate was because of political uncertainty. Noting that the underlying fundamentals of the economy were strong, Malik had expressed hope that the drop in the rupee’s value would be a ‘short-term blip’ followed by a return to a ‘relatively normal’ exchange rate.

KASB Securities research analyst Sarah Mazher seems to be in agreement with Malik. In a research note issued to her clients on Monday, she said the volatility in the rupee-dollar exchange rates should be short-lived.

“Expected contributors of foreign exchange build-up in 2014-15 are privatisation plan, launch of Eurobond/Sukuk bonds of $500 million each, and the 4G licence auction. Timely materialisation of these plans remains contingent on the resolution of the political turmoil,” she stated.

Mazher also highlighted the fact that the seasonal demand for dollars is expected to remain high in August, as travellers prepare for upcoming Hajj.

“The worst case scenario of a change in government, though unlikely, will affect US support and the ongoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, which will be seen negatively by international rating agencies,” she said, adding that her brokerage maintains its exchange rate forecast of 2% depreciation to Rs101 by June 2015.

Analysts believe the SBP is refraining from intervening in the foreign exchange market. They believe its refrain is a conscious attempt to let the dollar appreciate against the rupee.

The central bank had evidently played a role in strengthening the rupee against the dollar in March even though its foreign exchange reserves were only $5.3 billion. But it has shied away from injecting liquidity this time, giving rise to the speculation that policymakers are comfortable with the dip in the rupee’s value against the dollar.

Untapped reserves: Search for shale gas to start next year, says Abbasi

Minister for petroleum and natural resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi (L) watches on as the agreement for exploration license and petroleum concession for Karak North Block is signed with Tallahassee Resources in Islamabad. PHOTO: PID

ISLAMABAD: 

Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has announced that the government is working on a shale gas policy framework and drilling for this yet-to-be-explored energy source will start next year.

He was speaking at the signing of an exploration licence and petroleum concession agreement for the Karak North block with Tallahassee Resources Inc here on Monday.

Petroleum and Natural Resources Secretary Abid Saeed, Petroleum Concessions Director General Saeedullah Shah and Tallahassee Resources Director from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Wasim Ahmad put their signatures on the licence and agreement.

Abbasi, while boasting that government’s policies had remained stable in the oil and gas sector, told the audience that some energy companies were interested in venturing into the exploration of shale gas, which is natural gas found trapped within shale formations.

“Our policies are stable and long marches (by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Pakistan Awami Tehreek) would not have serious implications for investment,” he said.

The government is also working on a policy for flare gas, which would be siphoned to the power plants. “Flare gas is likely to generate 300 to 500 megawatts of electricity,” Abbasi said.

Speaking about the Karak North block, he said it was located in Karak district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and covered an area of 99.14 square kilometres.

The company that has won the licence has made minimum work commitment of $3.07 million. Apart from this, it is required to spend a minimum of $30,000 per year in the block on social welfare schemes.

On the occasion, the minister asked the director general of petroleum concessions to facilitate exploration and production companies in accelerating the pace of work in order to boost oil and gas production in the country.

With growing focus on increasing the hydrocarbon output, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources, after taking all provinces on board while finalising the model of petroleum concession agreement and exploration licence, awarded provisional exploration rights for 50 blocks to nine companies in January this year.

Of these, 21 blocks were in Balochistan, 15 in Punjab, seven in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, six in Sindh and one in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata). The ministry has already signed 43 exploration licences and petroleum concession agreements this year.

Tallahassee Resources is an exploration and production company based in Calgary, Canada. Established in 2007, it has core assets with stakes in more than 100 producing wells in British Columbia and Alberta, Canada.

According to the company, they are primarily focused on conventional and Montney shale gas play in British Columbia, and conventional light oil and Duverney shale play development in Alberta.

Moreover, it has exploration plans in Pakistan with current focus on light oil development in Kohat/Potwar belt with the acquisition of Karak North block. It intends to expand in the near future into Pakistan’s tight gas and shale oil development by utilising its existing technical expertise and North American assets.

The government is giving high priority to tapping hydrocarbon resources to bridge the demand and supply gap. Since it took power in June last year, 120 wells have been drilled and 30 discoveries made.

Oil production in the country has crossed 98,980 barrels per day, the highest output level achieved so far.

Canadian firm awarded exploration licence in KP

ISLAMABAD: The government on Monday awarded a licence to Tallah­assee Resources Inc of Canada for exploration of oil and gas resources in Karak district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

The exploration licence and petroleum concession agreement (PCA) was signed for Karak North Block by Secretary Petroleum Abid Saeed, Director General Petroleum Concessions Saeedullah Shah and the representatives of KP government and Tallahassee Resources.

Federal Minister for Petroleum Shahid Khaqan Abbasi witnessed the signing ceremony. He said the Karak North block spread over a total area of 99.14 sq km for which the Canadian firm had made a minimum firm work commitment of $3.07 million.

Apart from minimum work commitment, the company was also obligated to spend a minimum of $30,000 every year in the block on social welfare schemes. The minister directed the Director General Petroleum Concessions to facilitate exploration and production companies to expedite the exploration process to boost domestic oil and gas production.

The minister said that after taking all provinces on board, the federal government had been able to finalise a Model Petroleum Concession Agreement (MP­CA) and Model Exploration Licence.

As a result, it had awarded 50 blocks on provisional basis to nine exploration and production companies early this year.

These included 21 blocks in Balochistan, 15 in Punjab, six in Sindh and seven blocks in KP and one in Fata. The ministry has already signed 43 exploration licences and PCAs so far this year.

Tallahassee Resources Inc is a Calgary-Canada based exploration and production company that was established in 2007. It has its core assets with stakes in more than 100 producing wells in British Columbia and Alberta, Canada.

The company is primarily focused on conventional and Montney shale gas play in British Columbia, and conventional light oil and Duverney shale play development in Alberta.

The company said it has its international exploration plans in Pakistan with a current focus on light oil development in Kohat and Potwar belts and intends to expand in the near future into Pakistan’s tight gas and shale oil development by utilising its existing technical expertise and resources of North American assets.

Hot business: Tapping beans for a tasty profit

LAHORE: Considered as “fuel” in their daily routine, coffee has become the way of life for many in Pakistan. The rapidly expanding coffee culture has paved the way for various foreign and local coffee shops to invest and take advantage of this lucrative market.

Coffee shops and cafes have now become a common feature of the country’s urban centres and are the preferred “hangouts”.

While the market has been ripe for investment, increased competition also means businesses need to maintain their quality to retain the customers.

Coffee Planet Chief Executive Officer Kashif Anwar has been part of this sector for the last two years but still struggles for profits. The reason is not low sales or lack of investment.

“Majority are not aware of what high-quality coffee tastes like,” Anwar said. “There are several global standards that need to be followed.”

Coffee Planet – a franchise of Dubai-based Roaster – started its operation in Pakistan in 2012. The Pakistani chain is operating under the cover of FAS corporations and has invested around Rs70 million for its 4 outlets – two in Lahore and two in Islamabad – to date.

According to Anwar, majority of the coffee outlets in the country fail to acknowledge the various types of coffees. “People stick to a couple of types and know relatively little about the wide range available.”

To run the business more efficiently, coffee shops have to offer other beverage categories, snacks and other food items. “Coffee shops are rapidly growing but the actual coffee culture will take time to form a consumer base.”

The sales of such coffee shops, according to an estimate, are growing in between 20-26% annually. The surprising bit is actual coffee sales constitute less than 50% of the total. Anwar said Coffee Planet witnesses the same trend.

Anwar has to follow specific standards of their parent company, adding that it pushes their cost higher than their competitors as he pinpointed a reason behind the lack of huge profits.

Anwar said the machinery is costly and skilled labour is hard to find. “We have to take the help of foreigners to train our local staff to provide a unique taste in all of our products,” Anwar said.

But despite the low profits, the future strategy Anwar has is quite aggressive. They are looking to launch two more shops in Lahore and Islamabad, whereas another eight coffee shops are planned in other cities. The approximate cost of a coffee shop, according to Anwar, is Rs15 million.

the writer is a staff correspodent

Entrepreneurs and small enterprises need help

KARACHI: 

How many times has one driven through Boulton Market and other areas in Karachi to find skilled labour sitting on the roadside with their tools. All these people – from painters with brushes to carpenters with saws – represent small enterprises.

They sit in hope that someone looking for maintenance or repair work would hire them. Unfortunately, anyone looking for skilled labour has no way to decide which one of the dozens sitting there, differentiated by very little, is experienced and more skilled.

To help them find a solution to their problem is not rocket science — especially in today’s tech-savvy world. All one really needs is a programme similar to the “Trip Advisor” where users, after checking out of a hotel or eating at a restaurant, go online and update their experience through a portal. It then rates these services on a five-star scale. When these people go on their next trip, they just search for places rated four-star or above. Why can’t the same method be applied here?

There is an urgent need for a similar portal, where people can go online and select a worker based on his rating. The workers in turn could register with the agency, give five percent as service charge to become part of the system and, instead of sitting on a street, wait in a hall with other workers for a telephone call. Their wages would also be set proportionally to their skill level. This way, better workers would earn higher wages and get hired more frequently.

Barriers in the way of small enterprises

However, there are still many other challenges and barriers facing these people.

Unfortunately, this section of society suffers from neglect. An organisation called, “SEEDS Venture” has carried out an in-depth research to identify operational difficulties facing these “small enterprises”, costs that could be avoided and how to enhance their sales and profitability.

As per their research, major obstacle to the growth of small entrepreneurs is inflation and instability in the city due to frequent strikes.  Intervention needed to enhance their sustainability and scalability include,

1. Training and mentoring sessions to enhance business acumen: Most have received no formal education but have good business acumen and any formal guidance and training will instigate growth and sustainability.

2. Interest-free loans to facilitate expansion: Lack of financing is the key reason for lack of growth and scalability. Banks and microfinance institutions must work with these small enterprises and create win-win situations.

3. Introduction of technological innovation: Using technology-based solutions such as mobile marketing and social media can provide new avenues for growth and sustainability.

4. Subsidising the cost of power: Rising fuel prices and erratic electricity is a barrier to growth. Government can provide creative solutions by offering subsidy to only those who agree to document their accounts.

5. Provision of licences for mobile vendors: Marginalised enterprises who cannot afford a shop are victims of extortion. Local authorities need to bring them under the fold of the formal economy by issuing area-specific licences.

6. Provision of better parking facilities: Areas without proper parking discourage customer visits. If older markets cannot be fixed, all parking at new places should be better planned.

7. Decreasing the tax burden on small-scale enterprises: Taxes are a part of life. Key would be to have tax polices that help reduce the burden during the early stages until they become stable.

8. Raising the profile of small-scale entrepreneurs: Being an integral part of the country’s economy, they need help to be portrayed as essential for the country’s growth.

If Pakistan is to eradicate poverty and strengthen itself economically, it cannot afford to ignore sustainability and scalability of small-enterprise entrepreneurs. These enterprises have the potential of crippling or stimulating the economy; they are a source of income for two-thirds of the population. Small enterprises represent the common man on the street trying to make a living and they need our help.

Mandzukic makes his mark as Lewandowski is left in the blocks

The Croatia striker scored the winning goal in the Supercopa de Espana as his replacement at Bayern Munich failed to find the net against Wolfsburg

COMMENT
By Stewart Weir

Someone will eventually switch off the accompaniment. Up until then, the transfer market’s version of musical chairs will continue apace, although some have already grabbed their seats.

Three who have already settled for the season ahead are Chelsea’s Diego Costa, the man who replaced him at Atletico, Mario Mandzukic, and in turn Robert Lewandowski, the latter replacing Mandzukic at the head of the Bayern attack.

Over the space of 24 hours, that triumvirate were collectively involved in serious competition for the first time this season, giving fans and pundits an opportunity to compare their respective strengths, styles and ultimately how they fit into their new surroundings.

Everyone will have their own take on who did best. But on goals scored, Costa and Mandzukic edged Round 1 thanks to hitting the back of the net.


MARIO OFF THE MARK | The Croatia star celebrates after firing Atletico in front
In in the case of Mandzukic, it was the solitary goal which gave Atleti a 1-0 win on the night and a 2-1 aggregate victory over arch-rivals Real Madrid to hand Diego Simeone’s team the first domestic silverware of the season, the Spanish Super Cup.

Simeone, unsurprisingly, was full of praise for the Croat. Then again, in heaping plaudits upon Mandzukic, Simeone was complimenting himself on what a good signing he’d made to replace Diego Costa.

Most experts believed Atletico had worked a good deal in selling Costa to Chelsea for 40m Euro, while spending 22m on hiring the services of the Croatian marksman.

Against Madrid, two minutes into his competitive derby at the Vicente Calderon, Mandzukic had won over the fans. The winning goal against Real Madrid has that effect on people. But it was the manner in which the 28-year-old scored that suggested he could come close matching Costa’s haul of 36 goals last term.

Mandzukic pressurised Raphael Varane, his wayward attempted clearance flicked on by Antione Griezmann who outjumped Sergio Ramos, enabling Mandzukic to latch on to the knock down. He will hit better shots, more powerful attempts: but such was a accuracy and direction of his low effort, it beat Iker Casillas’s right hand to hit the bottom corner. A goal, virtually from nothing, but a goal just the same.

However, just a pleasing for his coach and team-mates, was Mandzukic’s overall play up front, holding up possession, involving others breaking from midfield, and the ‘nuisance factor’ that kept Ramos and Verane occupied throughout.

Compare that to the man who took his place at the Allianz Arena, Robert Lewandowski.


TOO HEAVY FOR LEWY | The Pole's touch takes him too close to Max Grun's outstretched arms
The Polish international, a free agent when he departed Dortmund, did contribute, playing a neat one-two to set up Arjen Robben for Munich’s second in a 2-1 win over Wolfsburg.

But in the scoring stakes, Lewandowski - looking to achieve something like the strike rate Mandzukic achieved at Bayern (33 goals in 54 appearances) drew a blank. It wasn’t for the lack of trying or opportunities. As the saying goes, he did everything but score.

In the first half, Lewandowski, the Bundesliga’s leading scorer last term with 20 goals, missed one opportunity from close range, unable to get a shot off as the ball tangled beneath his feet. Later in the half, his acrobatic high-kicking volley produced and equally acrobatic stop from Wolfsburg keeper Max Grun. Close, but no Bundesliga debut goal for the German champions.

And what of Diego Costa. Having ended his time in La Liga injured, including an ineffective Champions League appearance, and an equally unproductive trip to the World Cup with Spain, many locals around Stamford Bridge pondered just how this same man could have scored all those goals for Atletico.

They did not have long to wait for the answer. Against Burnley in Chelsea’s opening league outing, Costa scored. Against Leicester City on Saturday, Costa doubled his tally for the campaign. Indeed, the OPTA statistics at the time showed he’d had two shots this season, and scored on both occasions. Efficiency or what?

Criticised while out in Brazil, again it was his soon-to-be former coach Simeone who defended the prolific front man. If the Spanish midfield didn’t pass through the channels that Costa ran, how was he supposed to score?

With either Hazard, Oscar, Willian, Matic, Schurrle, Ramires or Fabregas providing the supply chain at any given time for Chelsea, Costa isn’t going to be lacking in opportunity.

So, while Mandzukic and Costa have contributed, Lewandowski awaits his first goal. I think it can be confidently predicted however, that will change ...