RECORDER REPORT

PESHAWAR: Google organised conference with young talented entrepreneurs, experts of information technology and those using Google to foster their businesses to boost entrepreneurship in the militancy affected Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

It is for the first time that Google come to Peshawar with conference under the aegis of Google Business Group (GBG)-Peshawar headed by Ms Maryam Arshad. GBG is a group of individuals who have volunteered to foster a community of entrepreneurs, tech-preneurs and other professionals. Launched in the last quarter of year 2014, Google eventually marked its international presence in this region.

GDayX is an annual conference supported by Google run by its various business groups. GDayX Peshawar provided an opportunity to showcase Peshawar’s community to the public, present their 2015 plans for promoting technology and businesses, celebrates online business successes and inspired others with technology and encourages them to join our GBG network.

The event kicked off with GBG-Peshawar’s Manager Maryam Arshad who discussed about the evolution of Google Business Group, how important it is to take essential key players: academia, IT Ministry and the Chamber of Commerce together to promote technology and future plans of the GBG chapter for its community.

This was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Zainab Durrani (GBG-Peshawar member) on ‘Building an Online Social Presence with the use of Google Tools’. The panellists, all dynamic young female entrepreneurs included Seema Gul –Founder, Pashmina – Founder Meena’s Delights, Mahoor Jamal-Founder EMJAYS and Saira Qureshi – Founder Subrang Jewellery.

Irfan Ajmal (founder MQC) gave presentation on Inbound Marketing, Uzair of Peshawar 2.0 explain the importance of Google for Education and encouraged its usage in academic institutions.

Farhan Shah (Founder Empower.PK) spoke about ‘Eradicating unemployment through Technology’. The sessions were engaging and gave the audience (comprised of students, entrepreneurs and tech savvy individuals) a chance to ask queries related to the topics at hand.

Iqra National University Peshawar and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Technology Board were the main partners for the event. Khyber Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Youth Forum - Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry Peshawar and Empower PK were also partners for the event.

Addressing the conference, president, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KPCCI), Faud Ishaq appreciated the efforts of GBG-Peshawar and announced the launching of IT excellence award in this year’s annual excellence awards ceremony to be attended by the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Roohi Zahir Shah, a former President of WCCIP encouraged youngsters to promote IT and Business and bridge the gap between these entities. Farah Hamid, Secretary KPITB encouraged GBG-Peshawar’s team and the promotion of technology.

Obaidur Rehman, Chancellor Iqra National University promised to promote IT and take it parallel with academia. He urged the participants to participate in healthy activities and announced about an upcoming international conference for the students and entrepreneurs of Peshawar with the name of Iqra Youth Development Conference 2015. Mementos were presented to all partners and speakers and the efforts of other team members comprising Hunain Hayat and Zainab Durrani, were acknowledged by Ms Maryam Arshad.