Day: July 1, 2021

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QEC Holds a Capacity Building Session on Quality Bench-marking in Higher Education Institutions for Academic Excellence

Islamabad, July 01, 2021 (PPI-OT):Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) at Capital University of Science and Technology (CUST) organized a capacity building session on “Quality Benchmarking in Higher Education Institutions for Academic Excellence” on Friday June 25, 2021. The Resource Person of the session was Dr. Farrukh Idress, Director Quality Enhancement Cell, Rawalpindi Medical University. Dr. Idrees is a Chartered Quality Professional, Quality Management Consultant and Certified Six Sigma Black Belt. Participants of the session included all Deans, Head of Departments, Quality Assurance Committee members and members from administrative staff.

The session started with Tilawat, after which the worthy Vice Chancellor, Dr. Muhammad Mansoor Ahmed was invited to share his thoughts. The Vice Chancellor shared the quality standards being followed at CUT. He also shed light on the importance of Benchmarking in Higher Education. After the talk of worthy Vice Chancellor. The resource person Dr. Farrukh Idress was invited to talk on Quality Benchmarking in Higher Education Institutions for Academic Excellence.

The resource person shared the basic concept of adopting Benchmarking in higher education institutions, with the attendees. He explained different types of Benchmarking and their ole in academic excellence. He also shared his personal experiences of implementing Benchmarking as a head of QEC in various institutions. The participants actively interacted during the session, they showed their interest in the topic.

At the end of the training session, Director QEC, Mr. Fida Hussain was invited to share his thoughts, where he briefed the audience about the initiatives taken by Quality Enhancement Cell and CUST Training Centre regarding capacity building of CUST teaching and administrative staff. He expressed his gratitude for the resource person and appreciated all the respected participants for their interest which they showed during the session.

For more information, contact:
Capital University of Science and Technology (CUST)
Islamabad Expressway, Kahuta Road, Zone-V, Islamabad, Pakistan
UAN: +92-51-111-555-666
Tel: +92-51-4486700-4
Email: info@cust.edu.pk
Website: https://cust.edu.pk

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Dream comeback from champion bowler Hasan Ali

Derby, July 01, 2021 (PPI-OT):Hasan Ali has made a remarkable comeback in the national side since returning from back injury which ruled the fast bowler for good two years from 2019 to 2020. The right-arm fast bowler before returning to the national team featured in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2020-21 season, where he played a pivotal role in Central Punjab qualifying for the final.

The final between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Central Punjab was tied not before Hasan playing an all-round performance in the big game. Hasan not only took five wickets in the final, but scored an unbeaten 106 off 61 balls in the second innings. He ended-up taking 43 wickets from nine matches at 20.07, and scored 273 runs at 24.82, with two half-centuries and one century in the tournament.

The gigantic performance helped him return for Pakistan colours in the two-Test match series against South Africa in January/February played in Karachi and Rawalpindi. Pakistan won the series 2-0 and lifted them to the fifth spot in the ICC Test rankings. Hasan took 12 wickets in the series, which included 10 wickets in the Rawalpindi Test, where he took five-fer in each innings.

Hasan till date has played 11 international matches this year where he has taken 40 wickets with four five wickets in an innings and one ten-wicket haul in a match. He is also the top wicket-taker in this year with India’s Ravichandran Ashwin on second spot with 38 wickets. Hasan’s fast bowling pair Shaheen Shah Afridi is on the fifth position with 30 wickets from 15 matches.

Hasan has also made some strides in his batting after recovering from injury. In 11 international matches this year, Hasan has scored 139 runs at 23.16, where he has remained unbeaten on five occasions and has also struck nine fours and ten sixes. His unbeaten 20 off seven balls (one four, two sixes) against South Africa in T20I series decider helped Pakistan overcome South Africa by four wickets at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

While talking exclusively to PCB’s Digital Hasan Ali said:

“It has never been easy for a fast bowler to comeback after a back injury but I want to thank my wife, family, Shoaib Malik and Shahid Afridi who kept my motivated and focused on cricket.

“Nothing is impossible in life, if we believe in ourselves and work hard, we can achieve desired results and I am an example of it.”

“The performances in domestic season helped me regain confidence which later helped me to perform in international cricket again.”

“I always prefer fearless cricket but featuring first class cricket helped me a lot. Performing well in those nine matches of Quaid-e-Azam trophy 2020-21 has given a sheer confidence to me gear up for a successful international comeback.”

“I always wanted to become an all-rounder, and I am happy besides my bowling, I am contributing in team with my batting as well. While I was away from cricket for two years due to injury, I worked on my batting especially hard hitting ability at NHPC.”

“Pakistan on the tour to England will feature in three ODI matches starting from 8 July which are part of ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League. They will also feature in three-match T20I series against the top-ranked side.”

“The white-ball series against England is very important for us, as England are the World Champions in ODIs and are also the top ranked side in T20I. England has been always lucky to me, as I have my great memories from England tour in the past, winning ICC Champions Trophy in 2017 in England is on top of it.”

For more information, contact:
Media Manager,
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-5717231-4
Fax: +92-42-5711860
Website: www.pcb.com.pk

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The Indus Hospital – QF, NST and SMP Campus Gears up to Change the Healthcare Scenario of Lahore

Lahore, July 01, 2021 (PPI-OT):The Indus Hospital and Health Network (IHHN) opened the doors of its newly-built, state-of-the-art hospital in Jubilee Town, Lahore on June 30, 2021. In 2017, Qarshi Foundation and Naimat Saleem Trust in collaboration with the IHHN, laid foundations of the QF, NST and SMP Campus. In 2021, Mr. S.M. Pervez of the Din Group also joined the cohort and became an active partner. There are several other business groups and individual donors who are generously funding for the noble cause.

The Qarshi Foundation and Naimat Saleem Trust has been a significant part of IHHN’s cause since 2014 when they sought help of IHHN in strengthening the public healthcare system of Punjab by creating Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital Trust (RTEHT). IHHN in collaboration with RTEHT has been managing seven hospitals since 2014.

This project of IHHN in Jubilee Town Lahore is also being supported by Lahore Institute of Health Sciences (LIHS) Ltd. as its flagship project. LIHS Ltd. is an independent entity formed with a vision to establish a number of welfare and endowment projects, primarily in healthcare and education sectors, with the sole purpose of seeking Pleasure of Allah (SWT) alongside following the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) by serving the humanity indiscriminately. The founders of LIHS Ltd. include Mr. Iqbal Ahmed Qarshi and Dr. Misbah Iqbal of Qarshi Foundation and Mr. Javed Arshad Bhatti and Mr. Mian Mohammad Ahsan of Naimat Saleem Trust.

LIHS Ltd. is primarily contributing major donations to support IHHN’s Jubilee Town campus and aims to establish a number of future endowment projects for IHHN’s Jubilee Town Lahore campus that includes Qarshi University College of Health Sciences, Qarshi Institute of Natural Medicine, LIHS School of Dentistry, LIHS School of Pharmacy, LIHS School of Nursing, LIHS School of Allied Health Sciences and LIHS Central Pathology Lab, Residential complex for staff, doctors and nurses, Community and Health Club, a multipurpose auditorium, an event hall, Message College, Qarshi Islamic and Research Centre, and a Sarai for patients and their attendants.

Honourable Governor Punjab Ch. Muhammad Sarwar, the Chief Guest of the ceremony, inaugurated the Indus Hospital – QF, NST and SMP Campus. Dr. Abdul Bari Khan and other senior members of the IHHN were present at the ceremony. While inaugurating the facility the Chief Guest appreciated the persistent efforts of Qarshi Foundation, Naimat Saleem Trust and other founding and general donors of the Hospital Campus, alongside praising the role of IHHN in healthcare landscape of Pakistan. He praised the professionalism and excellence of care being exhibited by IHHN under leadership of Dr. Abdul Bari Khan as CEO IHHN.

Dr. Bari thanked the audience and said that this journey of IHHN in Lahore could not have been possible without the continued support of the donor community of Lahore. He thanked the generous contributions made by all founding donors, several business groups and individual donors and hoped for continuity of the support by the community for the philanthropic mission of IHHN. IHHN, today is the country’s largest healthcare network that treats 5 million patients annually, all free-of-cost with the support of its valued donors and partners.

Dr. Abdul Bari khan’s dream to treat the ailing humanity became a reality in Karachi in 2007. Even after realizing this seemingly unachievable dream, Dr. Bari and his friends did not stop. The need for quality and free healthcare seemed insatiable. They started replicating the golden example in different parts of the country. The Network has a simple and all-encompassing vision, “Free and quality treatment for all to please Allah SWT”. In line with its vision, the Network has been expanding its services all over Pakistan by undertaking some public-private and private-private partnerships.

The Indus Hospital – QF, NST and SMP Campus is being completed in three phases. June 30th 2021 marks the soft launch of the hospital’s first phase with OPD and 34 beds being made functional, whereas later in October 2021, bed numbers will be increased to 100 as part of commissioning the first phase completely. In December 2022, further 200 beds will be functional while in December 2023 the hospital will be fully functional with 600 beds. It is estimated that once completely functional, the hospital would be able to serve 1 million patients, annually. The hospital houses all important faculties and specialties including but not limited to: surgical, pediatric, gynecology, obstetrics, oncology, orthopedic, nephrology, radiology, laboratory, blood center, and eastern medicine.

For more information, contact
The Indus Hospital (TIH)
C-76, Sector 31/5, Opposite Darussalam Society,
Korangi Crossing, Karachi – 75190, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-35112709-17
Fax: +92-21-35112718
Email: crd@indushospital.org.pk
Website: http://www.indushospital.org.pk/

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Covid-19 vaccination desk set up at UVAS

Lahore, July 01, 2021 (PPI-OT):The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Lahore in collaboration with the Health Department Punjab set up a Covid-19 vaccination desk at City Campus on Thursday. UVAS Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Nasim Ahmad visited vaccination desk in Seminar Room of Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology while a large number of UVAS staff members including deans, directors, chairman and students were present.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Dr Nasim Ahmad appreciated the support of Punjab Government and said that teachers, administrative staff and students of the UVAS would receive free vaccination at the desk and promote the massage that everyone should get vaccinated against Covid-19.

UVAS faculty members, administrative staff members and students thanked the Government of the Punjab and Health Department Punjab for establishing vaccination desk at university, through which all the staff and hundreds of students who came from different parts of country got free vaccination to curb the disease. Similar Covid-19 vaccination desks were also set up at other campuses of UVAS including Ravi Campus Pattoki, Collage of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Jhang and Khan Bahadur Chaudhary Mushtaq Ahmad Para-Veterinary College Narowal.

Meanwhile, the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Lahore in collaboration with the International Veterinary Students Association (IVSA) Pakistan organised a consultative session on professionalism with young vets. In which Director Quality Operation Laboratory Prof Dr Irshad Hussain delivered a motivational lectures to UVAS students. Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Nasim Ahmad attended lecture while a large number of students, faculty member a students were present.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Dr Nasim Ahmad urged DVM students for pre internship related to their field in livestock, poultry and dairy industry to learn innovative latest practical knowledge, techniques and skills to excel in their concerning fields.

For more information, contact:
Public Relations Officer
University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS)
Syed Abdul Qadir Jillani (Out Fall) Road,
Lahore – Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-99211374, +92-42-99211449
Email: webmaster@uvas.edu.pk
Website: www.uvas.edu.pk

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2 in 10 Pakistanis attended a wedding last month; 20% of rural Pakistanis and 21% of urban Pakistanis attended a wedding in the last month: Gallup and Gilani Pakistan

Islamabad, July 01, 2021 (PPI-OT):According to a survey conducted by Gallup and Gilani Pakistan, 20% of Pakistanis attended a wedding last month.

A nationally representative sample of adult men and women from across the four provinces was asked the following question, “Have you attended any weddings in the last month?” In response to this question, 20% said ‘Yes’ and 80% said ‘No’.

For more information, contact:
Head Office,
Gallup Pakistan
Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-8445080
Email: isb@gallup.com.pk, caf@gallup.com.pk
Website: www.gallup.com.pk

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Synchronoss Announces Closing of $235 Million of Common Stock and Senior Notes Offerings

In addition, Synchronoss raised $75 million through a
private placement of preferred stock

Net proceeds used to refinance the company’s capital structure

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. , June 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Synchronoss Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SNCR), a global leader and innovator of cloud, messaging and digital solutions, today announced that on June 29, 2021 it closed an underwritten public offering of 42,307,692 shares of common stock, which included 3,846,154 shares issued in connection with the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares, at a price to the public of $2.60 per share, for gross proceeds of approximately $110 million. The Company also announced that on June 30, 2021 it closed an underwritten public offering of $125 million aggregate principal amount of 8.375% senior notes due 2026, which included $5 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes issued in connection with the underwriters’ option to purchase senior notes. Gross proceeds for both offerings are exclusive of underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by the Company.

Synchronoss and the senior notes both received a rating of BB- from Egan-Jones Ratings Company, an independent, unaffiliated rating agency. The notes are expected to begin trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “SNCRL” as early as July 1, 2021.

In addition to the public offerings, on June 30, 2021 the Company closed a private placement of 75,000 shares of its Series B Perpetual Non-Convertible Preferred Stock to B. Riley Principal Investments, LLC for an aggregate purchase price of $75 million.

The two public offerings and the private placement resulted in net proceeds of approximately $300 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions, but before expenses. On June 30, 2021, the Company used the net proceeds in part to fully redeem all outstanding shares of its Series A Convertible Participating Perpetual Preferred Stock owned by an affiliate of Siris Capital Group and to repay amounts outstanding under the Company’s revolving credit facility.

“Synchronoss has emerged from this comprehensive refinancing process with a solid financial foundation that will support our mission to empower our customers to connect with their subscribers in trusted and meaningful ways,” said Jeff Miller, President and CEO of Synchronoss. “Today we have a sustainable financial environment that gives us the operating flexibility required to invest in delivering and enhancing great cloud, messaging and digital experiences for our customers; to enable long-term growth; and to deliver higher stockholder value to those who invest in the company.”

The refinancing has also led to the departure of Synchronoss Board of Directors members Frank Baker, Peter Berger and Robert Aquilina, each of whom is associated with Siris Capital Group. “On behalf of the entire Board and management, I would like to thank Frank, Peter and Bob for their contributions to Synchronoss over the last three years and for their generosity as advisors to me personally,” said Miller.

In conjunction with this new capitalization, B. Riley Financial, Inc., including certain of its affiliates, serve as Synchronoss’ anchor investor. Synchronoss has granted B. Riley representation on its Board.

Bryant Riley, Chairman and Co-CEO of B. Riley Financial, Inc., commented: “We are pleased to serve as a strategic partner and financial sponsor to Synchronoss on this capitalization and are committed to leveraging the full operational and financial capabilities of our platform to support Synchronoss in its strategy to deliver value. We look forward to continuing to work closely with Jeff and the entire management team as Synchronoss enters this exciting new phase for its business.”

B. Riley Securities, Inc., acted as the lead underwriter and sole book-running manager for the common stock offering. Northland Capital Markets acted as co-manager for the common stock offering.

B. Riley Securities, Inc. acted as the sole book-running manager for the senior notes offering. Northland Capital Markets, Aegis Capital Corp. and EF Hutton, a division of Benchmark Investments, LLC acted as lead managers for the senior notes offering.

The common stock and senior notes were offered under the Company’s shelf registration statement on Form S-3, which was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on August 28, 2020. The offerings were made only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus. Copies of the prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus for the offering may be obtained on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, or by contacting B. Riley Securities by telephone at (703) 312-9580, or by email at prospectuses@brileyfin.com.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, sale or solicitation would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About Synchronoss

Synchronoss Technologies (NASDAQ: SNCR) builds software that empowers companies around the world to connect with their subscribers in trusted and meaningful ways. The company’s collection of products helps streamline networks, simplify onboarding and engage subscribers to unleash new revenue streams, reduce costs and increase speed to market. Hundreds of millions of subscribers trust Synchronoss products to stay in sync with the people, services and content they love. That’s why more than 1,500 talented Synchronoss employees worldwide strive each day to reimagine a world in sync. Learn more at www.synchronoss.com

Safe Harbor Statement

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including but not limited to statements regarding the closing of the public offering and the anticipated use of the proceeds thereof. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, including the satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the public offering and the risk factors set forth from time to time in Synchronoss’ SEC filings, including but not limited to the risks that are described in the “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections (as applicable) of Synchronoss’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2021, which are on file with the SEC and available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition to the risks described above and in Synchronoss’ other filings with the SEC, other unknown or unpredictable factors also could affect Synchronoss’ results. No forward-looking statements can be guaranteed and actual results may differ materially from such statements. The information in this release is provided only as of the date of this release, and Synchronoss undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release on account of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

Contacts

Media
Anais Merlin, CCgroup (International)
Diane Rose, CCgroup (North America)
synchronoss@ccgrouppr.com

Investors
Todd Kehrli/Joo-Hun Kim, MKR Investor Relations, Inc.
investor@synchronoss.com