Jovago compiles a complete checklist before leaving for an International travel

If you wish to have a swift and smooth travel, you can simply not avoid investing your time in some good planning. Especially if you are heading to a foreign country, you need to be extra meticulous about the things you pack. In order to ensure that you don’t miss out packing any of the travelling essentials, refer to this complete checklist of things compiled by Jovago Pakistan that should be packed before your foreign travel.

1. Passport and Visa

Do verify and double check your passport’s expiry date well ahead of your flight. You might need to keep a sufficient lead time if your passport is approaching expiry soon.

2. Medical requirements

Before travelling to a foreign country, you might need to get some special vaccines as a precaution against certain viruses and diseases. Check the relevant country’s Disease Control and Prevention’s website to check the vaccine or other medical requirements of the country where you are travelling.

3. International Driving permit

Contact your foreign travel agency to check out the rules and regulations regarding driving in the country that you are planning to visit. Also, don’t forget to carry your travel insurance and international driving permit, especially if you plan on activities such as going on a road trip during your voyage.

4. Travel alerts and travel warnings of your travel destination

This is usually the most neglected part when preparing for a travel. Refer to the State Department’s Consular Information Program to keep you posted of all the travel alerts and travel warnings of the place you are visiting. It is also very advisable to make a note of addresses and contact numbers of your home embassies and consulates in the destinations that you will be visiting.

5. Copy of all your important documentations

One should always make a separate folder for the copies of all your travel related documents and store it somewhere safe and separate from your original passport.In addition, also make copies of your hotel itineraries, ticket confirmations, visa and other important travel related documents.

ACCA hosts a Research and Insight session in Islamabad

Islamabad, 5 th September 2016: ACCA Pakistan hosted a research and insights event in

Islamabad which was attended by representatives and heads of leading accounting bodies of the

country, prominent development sector organizations as well as various public sector entities.

The discussion was moderated by ACCA Regional Head of Policy (MENASA), Arif Mirza and

key participants included, Mr. Salman Amin, Executive Director - NEPRA, Syed Waseem Abbas

Kazmi, Financial Management specialist - The World Bank, Ms. Qurat-ul- Ain Hadi, Financial

management specialist - The World Bank, Mr. Tariq Javed, FCMA, Director Technical and

Practice Development - ICMA Pakistan, Mr. Haider Abbas, FCMA, Additional Director Finance

-Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), Mahmood Ahmad Khan, Director (

Accounts)- CGA.

Businesses and the accountancy profession will need to be better prepared to anticipate and

respond to the unprecedented challenges of a volatile global economy while seeking and

capitalising on opportunities, according to a survey of finance professionals around the world.

They were asked to identify the key factors they should be thinking about to prepare for in the

next 5-10 years, with responses helping to create the new study, 100 Drivers of change for the

global accountancy profession, by the ACCA’s Accountancy Futures Academy.

The study has developed 10 strategic imperatives for business and the accountancy profession

based on insights from the members of the academy, as well as members of the IMA and

ACCA’s other Global Forums and experts working in and close to the profession around the

world.

The imperatives for business were discussed at length with the audience and included the need to

assume and plan for volatility. With uncertainty as the new norm, businesses have to factor in

turbulence as a very real possibility and develop strategies for a range of different economic and

market conditions. At the same time, they will need to build a radar to prepare for a wide range

of possibilities, tolerance of uncertainty and ‘seeing round corners’. At an operational level,

development of a truly global model is becoming a priority which will require business to

prepare for true globalisation. Leveraging technology effectively is of high importance as is

developing the capability of management to work with, adapt to and get the best out of a multi-

location, multicultural and age-diverse workforce. With this, business will undoubtedly need to

pursue technology leadership, as developments in ICT have placed technology at the heart of

strategy and operations of businesses across all sizes. Finally, companies will need to develop a

curious, experimental and adaptable mindset which is a critical success factor in an increasingly

complex and fast-changing environment.

news release

The imperatives for the accounting profession included the need

for accounting professionals to embrace an enlarged strategic and commercial role. As

businesses adapt to a turbulent environment, opportunities are emerging for accountants to

assume a far greater organisational remit across all aspects of corporate decision making, from

strategy formulation through to defining new business models. The profession will also need to

focus on a holistic view of complexity, risk and performance and establish trust and ethical

leadership. There is growing consensus on the need for reporting to provide a firm-wide view of

organisational health, performance and prospects. Such a holistic perspective must acknowledge

the complexity of modern business and encompass financial and non-financial indicators of a

firm’s status and potential.

It was concluded that it is now down to the profession to ensure it meets the public’s needs for

the highest standards of integrity while taking a broader leadership role, both within business and

the wider community.

ICI Dulux’s innovative Visualizer app packed with new features unveiled

ICI Dulux recently launched the new version of its Visualizer app for iOS and Android. The pioneering app uses innovative technology to help consumers see, share and paint in their chosen colours in real time.

Consumers can capture a video of their walls and experiment with hundreds of different colours. If they see a colour somewhere that inspires them, they can use the ingenious Colour Picker technology to instantly match and try it out.

Once they have found the colour they love consumers can buy their paint or find a store via the store locator function. Finally, they can share it with friends and family on social media to get a second opinion, directly through the Visualizer.

The award-winning app uses cutting-edge technology (augmented reality and video visualization) to show colours in a room in real time. It was first launched in May 2014 and has been downloaded over 10 million times.

“Colour is the number one decision factor when consumers choose paint,” said Usman Hafaz, Marketing Manager at AkzoNobel Pakistan Decorative Paints Division. “Selecting the right colour can be an exciting yet overwhelming challenge. The new features in the Visualizer now make this a fun, easy way to find the essential colour to make their living space more inspiring, and make the process more social at the same time.”

Research shows that 30 percent of consumers struggle to visualize what a colour will look like in their home, and 39 percent discuss colour schemes with friends and family before making a purchase. The new features in the Visualizer build on these trends. This makes it one of the company’s most successful colour tools, helping consumers become experts in choosing the right colour for them.

“We are constantly looking out to understand our consumer behavior and any emerging trends, innovations and technologies to help us stay ahead of the curve,” explained Usman Hafaz. “This helps us deliver products and colours that people want. The Visualizer is a tool designed to give consumers confidence to try new colours, quickly see the potential end result of their purchase, and share with friends to get their views.”

The app is marketed through the company’s decorative paints brand ICI Dulux.

To download the app, please follow the links

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.akzonobel.pk.dulux

iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/pk/app/dulux-visualizer-pk/id977101914?mt=8

Jovago compiles a list of songs to listen to while traveling

It is often heard that music is the food for soul and life. This might be because the rhythm and the lyrics are woven into a beautiful and intricate pattern to communicate emotions to others. Thus, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that it provides a platform through which we can connect to others.

While traveling to a new place, we often try to find that connectivity which somehow relates us to our travel destination. In music, we can find that companion that can alter itself according to our mood. For those who lie to wander about, Jovago Pakistan has compiled a list of songs that you can listen to while traveling.

• Albela Rahi by Alamgir

This song introduced us to the legendary singer Alamgir who is considered to be the ‘Elvis Presley of the East’. Albela Rahi proved to be a huge hit and was among the most popular songs of the 1970s. It is a song which should be on your travel playlist without any doubt.

• Patakha Guddi by A.R Rehman

The song from ‘Highway’ is a must listen for all the travelers out there. We are certain that the catchy lyrics and the music will make you turn up the volume and sway to the beat.

• Banjaarey by Yo Yo Honey Singh

This song from the movie Fugly is a great track to listen while traveling. If you are feeling low, then play this song and we are sure that you will be swaying to its beat. If you are someone who is traveling alone, then Banjaarey will serve as the perfect companion.

• Dil Dhadhakne Do by Farhan Akhter and Priyanka Chopra

If your motivation level is down while traveling, then this track will serve as a motivational booster for you. The beautiful, soul touching lyrics will make you feel motivated about not only the trip but your life as well.

• Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana by Kishor Kumar

Kishor Kumar has done a fantastic job in conveying the message behind this song which is to live life to the fullest. So play this song and enjoy your time while traveling.

• Illahi by Arijit Singh

The versatile singer, Arijit Singh, has simply taken the song ‘Illahi’ to another level. Not only are the lyrics written beautifully, but the variation in the beat created by the singer makes it a must play while traveling.

List of beautiful deserts in Pakistan for extreme adventure lovers

Are you someone who loves to take risks and challenges? Someone who wanders around dangerous yet exciting places to keep the adrenaline rush going? If your answer is positive to all these questions, then you have landed on the perfect article.

This article has been written for all those adventure lovers who are fond of dangerous yet beautiful wonders that Pakistan is blessed with. Jovago Pakistan has compiled a list of beautiful deserts in Pakistan, where you can wander about and satiate your thirst for extreme adventure.

Among the various, enchanting deserts that Pakistan is blessed with, the following deserts have made it to our list:

• Cholistan Desert

Derived from the Turkish word Chol which means desert, Cholistan is called the Land of Desert. Locally known as Rohi, it is located at an approximate distance of 30 km from the city of Bahawalpur which is renowned for its distinctly embroidered slippers and shoes. This desert is home to around 400 forts including the famous Derawar Fort. Each year a Desert Jeep Rally is held in this desert, which is considered to be the biggest motorsports event in Pakistan.

• Thar Desert

This seventeenth largest desert in the world is also called the Great Indian Desert because it forms the natural border between Indo-Pak. It ranks ninth on the list of the subtropical deserts of the world. It is also home to various endangered species of Blackbuck, snakes, lizards, peacock etc.

• Indus Valley Desert

Located in the Northern areas of Pakistan, this desert is surrounded by scrub forests. It lies at the intersection of River Chenab and River Indus. The desert’s climate is according to the season; being severely cold in winters and extremely hot in summers.

• Thal Desert

Located in the Mianwali region where River Indus and River Jhelum meet, this desert is a well-developed desert. Water irrigation will soon be possible in this desert due to the ongoing canal building project.

Natural Waterfalls in Pakistan That Will Make You Feel Awe

Water is one of the four key elements of life and it is usually associated with  purity, healing and cleansing. This relaxing nature of water is one of the many reasons  why we get a sense of serenity whenever we visit a waterbody. These water bodies can be in the form of glaciers, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, sea etc.

Among the various natural wonders that Pakistan possesses, breathtaking waterfalls also make it up to the list. These waterfalls are found in remote locations and are surrounded by lush greenery and rugged cliffs. Jovago Pakistan has compiled a list of 4 natural waterfalls in Pakistan that will make you feel in awe with God’s creation.

1. Sajjikot Waterfall

The breathtaking of not only one but two waterfalls is rather alluring. These twin waterfalls are located at an approximate distance of 24 kilometers from Havelian, which is a subdivision of Abbottabad District. The tourist spot does not entertain a lot of tourists, thus providing you with privacy to enjoy your time.

2. Gulpur Waterfall

Near the town of Gulpur which is located in the Azad Kashmir’s Kotli District, is the beautiful Gulpur Waterfall which is a true gem of the area. This waterfall is a must visit for all those traveling in the Northern Areas. Despite the short height of the waterfall, the view of water falling from the rocky top is breathtaking.

3.   Pir Ghaib Waterfall

In the largest province of Pakistan, Pir Ghaib Waterfall is located in the Bolan Valley which is about 70 kilometers from the provincial capital. It also has two waterfalls which flow into a large pool of water which is crystal blue in color.

4. Farphu Waterfall

One of the tallest  waterfalls in Pakistan, Farphu waterfall provides a mesmerizing view to its beholders. It is located in the lush Bagrote valley in Karakoram Mountain Ranges. The harsh conditions in the winter season make the mountain range inaccessible. Therefore, it is recommended to visit this spectacular waterfall in the summer season.

SERVICE SALES CORPORATION (SSC) TO HOLD DEALER EVENT ALL OVER PAKISTAN

Lahore, August 2016: Service Sales Corporation, Pakistan’s leading footwear retailer is organizing its annual national wholesaler & dealer event which will serve as a platform to showcase SSC’s winter collection and get a product review from its business partners. This event will be attended by approx. 1200 local wholesalers and dealers from all over Pakistan. The first session of this series of events was held in Lahore yesterday. This event is aimed for the attendees to talk about SSC products, encourage them, satisfy their queries, general demand and plan their range for the upcoming season.

The event is also an acknowledgement of the efforts of SSC’s prestigious business partners for meeting sales targets. Based on the work performance and sales in the past two quarters, SSC announced multiple prizes including Audi Car, Suzuki Car, Corolla Car, Suzuki Motor bikes, Mobiles, Laptop and Fridges for their best dealers all over the country.

Talking about this initiative CEO of SSC,Mr. Shahid Hussain said “SSC has a legacy of valuing its business partners and acknowledging their efforts to achieve combined business goals. It is an effort on our part to meet our business partners and cater to their business needs on regular basis keeping in mind the upcoming market trends.”

A prize winning retailer, Hafiz Arsalan said “SSC has always been a very corporative and responsible business house. They make productive efforts for the benefit of business partners by bringing out fresh intuitive product designs as per the customer’s need. Through such prize distribution and product display events they have yet again proved themselves to be a shoe brand for all.”

Wholesalers and retailers attending this event shared valuable insights about pricing and quality. The dealer conference is first of similar events to be organized all over Pakistan in the coming weeks.

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About Service Sales Cooperation:

With a legacy of more than 50 years, Service Sales Corporation (Pvt.) Ltd. (SSC) is one of the pioneer brands that shaped the local footwear industry. Over the years SSC has established itself among the leading players in local retail business with more than 500 retail stores and exceeding 1500 independent retailers in our wholesale network across Pakistan. Specialized in footwear, our powerful sales lines Servis and Shoe Planet provide a cutting edge retail environment to our diverse segment of customers. Servis being a family footwear sales line encompasses Don Carlos, Ndure, Toz, Skooz, Liza, Cheetah&Calza. While Shoe Planet being a premium high end sales line houses IMAC (Made in Italy), Regale & Reeva. SSC is all about comfort and affordability: Our experienced employees across the country stand for added value for customers and state-of-the-art retailing.