JS Academy for the Deaf is pleased to announce the launch of the ‘Farang-e-Isharati Islami’ – an Islamiat dictionary in sign language, a first one of its kind in Pakistan for the deaf people.

The Islamiat dictionary has over 600 Islamic terms which took over 3 years in the making.  The words have been depicted in signs to facilitate deaf people to understand the meanings and get clarification of these words. Given that there aren’t any comprehensive sign language books on Islamic teachings; JS Academy for the Deaf has paved the way for others by launching Farhang-e-Isharati Islami, an Islamic dictionary in sign language.

The research for this work was conducted by the expert teachers of JS Academy for the Deaf with support from other deaf schools in Karachi. It is hoped this dictionary will enable the teachers of the deaf students to use it as a reference tool and enhance their knowledge and vocabulary.

The book unveiling was done by Mrs. Mahvash Siddiqui, Chairperson Mahvash & Jahangir Siddiqui Foundation who stated that it is our duty to ensure a more cohesive society exists and there are numerous examples of individuals who have had special needs whom have gone on to become world leaders and head major business organizations once given an opportunity to excel.

Ms Laila Dossa, Patron of JS Academy for the Deaf also speaking at the occasion thanked everyone for their contributions to make this initiative a reality which will support educating all those in need who would be able to gain not only within Pakistan but also regionally.

Mr. Muhammad Ali Charanya Chief, Operating Officer of MJSF, Dr Imran Ashraf Usmani, Independent Scholar and Ms Shehla Ali, one of the teachers of JS Academy for the Deaf associated with the work for the past many years also shared their views and experience in regard to compilation and finalization of the book.

JS Academy for the Deaf is a project of Mahvash; Jahangir Siddiqui Foundation. The school was adopted from the government of Sindh under the adoption scheme 12 years ago and is one of the leading schools in Pakistan. It imparts quality education to 180 deaf boys and girls from Kindergarten to Bachelor of Arts degree.

The school has an ‘open door policy’ where no deaf child is denied admission on the basis of their age or financial status.  The philosophy is that every child has a right to avail education and disability is no excuse for denying them this right with the goal to break the barriers of communication through sign language and provide opportunities for deaf children.

The JS Group firmly believes that Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives need to be based on flawless ethics and values bound together with an effective implementation strategy. Abiding by the Group’s philosophy, Mahvash & Jahangir Siddiqui Foundation being the charitable arm is committed to improving the society as a whole. The aim is to cultivate activities that improve the wellbeing of individuals, to create accessible health and education services, to create sustainable livelihood options and to improve the quality of life.

Caption: Mahvash Siddiqui, Chairperson Mahvash & Jahangir Siddiqui Foundation along with Jahangir Siddiqui and others at the launch of the ‘Farang-e-Isharati Islami’ – an Islamiat dictionary in sign language, a first one of its kind in Pakistan for the deaf people at the JS Academy for the Deaf.

JS Bank has been a strong proponent of capital markets and its development in Pakistan. In an IPO Summitheld at Lahore and organised by the South Asian Federation of Exchanges in collaboration with Pakistan Stock Exchange (“PSX”), JS Bankhas been awarded with the “Top Debt Capital Market Development – 2015” award.

This has been given to recognise the unique distinction of advising and arranging all OTC listed transactions that have been listed on the PSX to date. Mr. Muhammad Zubair, Minister of State and Chairman, Privatisation Commission, graced the occasion and presented the Awards to the winners.

Caption: Top Debt Capital Market Development – 2015” award by Mr. Muhammad Zubair, Minister of State and Chairman, Privatisation Commission

It is with deep sorrow and regret that JS Bank announces the loss of our colleague

Mohammad Ateeq – Service Quality team member (North) Islamabad.

who was on board the ill-fated PK-661 that crashed on Wednesday, 7th December, 2016.

May all rest the departed soul in eternal peace and enable the beloved ones to bear the loss with patience and fortitude. (Ameen)

We also extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the other victims of this tragic plane crash.

Inna Lillahe Wa Inna Illahe Rajeoon

JS Bank announces the loss of our colleague Mohammad Ateeq

Dubai: JS Group and People Organization hosted an event in honor of Mr. John Groarke – Mission Director USAID Pakistan at the Capital club situated in Dubai International Financial center in Dubai on Thursday, the 27th of October 2016. Mr.Groarke delivered a key note speech focusing on ‘Diaspora Engagement for Impact Investment in Pakistan’. He mentioned that USAID considers building partnerships with the Diaspora community as integral to its partnership efforts for advancing development in Pakistan in a more effective, efficient, and sustainable manner. “We are exploring multiple ways of engaging the private sector, through encouraging corporate social responsibility, strategic business initiatives and advocacy”, Mission Director further reiterated that he was greatly pleased to have discussed some of the ways in which companies and individuals can engage with USAID in improving the landscape of Pakistan.” Mr. Groarke also thanked JS GROUP for organizing such a marvelous event along with members of the Pakistani Diaspora community in UAE. The diaspora also appreciated efforts taken by JS GROUP in bringing USAID and Pakistani Diaspora at one platform.

Mr.Groarke as Pakistan Mission Director leads the Agency’s second largest overseas mission, with an assistance portfolio valued at over US$5 billion. Prior to this Mr. Groarke served as mission director for several US AID missions such as Haiti, Morocco and has led programs in the Middle East, Afghanistan, Egypt, Iraq, West Africa and south Asia.

Mr. Ali Raza Siddiqui, JS Group, during his talk highlighted the significance of diaspora engagement for impact investment in Pakistan. Mr.Siddiqui is also currently serving as director of Bank Islami Pakistan Limited, PIBT and Mahvash & Jahangir Siddiqui Foundation.

Founded in 1970, JS Group is an international investment and industrial conglomerate with offices in Pakistan, UAE and UK. In over four decades since inception, JS Group has cemented its position as one of Pakistan’s most diversified and progressive financial services conglomerate operating market-leading institutions in commercial banking, securities brokerage, investment banking and asset management.

Dubai: John Groarke Mission Director USAID Pakistan with Ali Raza Siddiqui JS Group with Members of People Organization, JS Group and USAID team at an event hosted by JS Group Middle East.

The Pakistan Credit Rating Agency Limited (PACRA) has upgraded the long-term entity rating of JS Bank Limited (JSBL) to ‘AA- (Double A Minus) [previously ‘A+ (A Plus)]. Meanwhile, short-term entity rating is maintained at ‘A1+’ (A One Plus). The ratings denote a very low expectation of credit risk and indicate very strong capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.

The ratings reflect strengthened relative position of JS Bank in the country’s competitive banking landscape. This emanates from enhanced system share (approaching 2% of deposits at end-Sep16). The benefit has trickled down whereby concentration – both in deposits and advances – is approaching adequate levels. Expanded branch network is supporting deposit growth. Meanwhile, JS Bank is carefully building its loan book; although asset quality is good. The strategy is to i) foster penetration of existing branches while expanding the network beyond 300 branches over the near-term; ii) spread advances book through different products over multiple sectors; iii) build non-fund based income; and iv) hold strength in treasury operations. JS Bank has adequate capital level (CAR at end-Sep16: ~12% primarily tier I). However, credit expansion may put some pressure on CAR, for which the bank has option to add support through tier II capital.

Ratings are dependent on JS Bank’s ability to maintain its growth trajectory to establish itself in the medium-sized banking space of Pakistan. Meanwhile, upholding asset quality, adding diversity to income streams, and strong governance framework are critical.

The Bank: JS Bank, in operations since December 2006, operates a network of 278 branches at end-Sep16. Listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange since 2007, JS Bank is a subsidiary (70%) of Jahangir Siddiqui & Co. Limited (JSCL) which is majorly owned by Mr. Jahangir Siddiqui and family. JS Bank, through its subsidiaries – JS Global Capital Limited (67%) and JS Investments Limited (65%) – and group associates, is well placed to develop a financial services hub. JS group is key shareholder in BankIslami Pakistan Limited and EFU Insurance; in addition to investments in other economic sectors.

BoD consists of nine members including the CEO. Mr. Ali Jehangir Siddiqui has recently been elected as Chairman of the board. JSCL is represented by five directors on the board. Mr. Khalid Imran, the President/CEO of the bank, carries extensive experience in banking. He is supported by an able team. The bank has attained relative stability in top team.

The Street Store Campaign is a worldwide initiative that takes place globally. It originated from South Africa in 2014 and has been going strong ever since. The concept of opening popup stores offering free clothes and shoes for the homeless serves as a great message in bridging the gap between the rich and poor. JS Bank as part of their CSR approach supported this initiative in association with Bay View College. The 505th Street Store took place on the 25th of September at the artistic location of the Commune in Miskeen Gali Karachi, welcoming a huge number of volunteers who helped out during this event catering to more than 100 families

Caption: The Bay view College team along with volunteers at the 505th Street Store held in Karachi, Pakistan.

About JS Bank: JS Bank is considered as amongst the fastest growing banks within Pakistan’s banking landscape with the support of its vast experienced management. The bank now has an online network of 277 branches and presence in over 138 cities across Pakistan. JS Bank is part of JS Group, one of Pakistan’s most diversified and progressive financial services groups controlling and operating market-leading financial services companies in Pakistan across sectors including commercial banking, insurance, asset management and securities brokerage

JS Global held an Exclusive Dinner where Global Fund Managers, Regulators and big domestic Family-owned Groups alongside CEOs of large Financial Institutions were invited. Global Investment Managers representing ~USD3.0 trillion AUMs, included UBS Financial Services, Prusik Investment Management., Lazard Asset Management., Henderson Global Investors, M&G Investments, amongst others.

The event was honored by Mr. Muneer Kamal (Chairman Pakistan Stock Exchange), Mr. Nadeem Naqvi (MD, Pakistan Stock Exchange) and Mr. Muhammad Hanif Jakhura (CEO, CDC).

The Chairman PSX praised increased foreign investors’ interest in the Pakistan economy, particularly the capital markets where a number of new funds/investors alongside seasoned ones are planning to place/reroute greater portion of their funds towards Pakistan due to a number of positive developments taking place. The most notable being; Pakistan being reclassified into the Emerging Markets Index, buying interest from the world’s leading stock exchanges for the majority stake in the PSX and country’s improving macros and strong growth story with a game changer CPEC around the corner.

The MD PSX highlighted the major capital market reforms that took place over the last few years, including the demutualization of the domestic stock exchanges, significantly improved surveillance of the regulators, better risk management and compliance and increased confidence of the Corporate sector in the capital market with the rising preference to raise funds from equity investors thereby gradually increasing the depth and breadth of the market.

He praised the efforts of JS Global for being on the forefront for the development and promotion of country’s capital market and attracting foreign investors while providing a highly professional institutional model of securities business in Pakistan.

He appreciated JS Global for playing an important role in the advocacy efforts for getting Pakistan reclassified into the MSCI Emerging Market Index, through roadshows and conference.

In the end, Mr. Kamran Nasir, Chief Executive, JS Global Capital, thanked all the foreign and domestic investors and the regulators for their participation in the event with a collective pledge to take Pakistan capital markets to a truly global level through continuous development and support.

Some of the key big local Family Business Groups who attended the Dinner were Cyan/Dawood Group, Khaadi, Daewoo Pakistan, Agha Steel Industries, Gul Ahmed, Elahi Group, TPL, Fatima Group, Tapal, Maple Leaf, Bestway Group, B.P. Industries, Metro Group, Shafi Tanneries, Mega & Forbes, Fecto Group, Pak Int’l Bulk Terminal, Multinet, Excel Insurance, National Foods, amongst many others.

Other key Financial Institutions were Al Meezan Investments, NBP, UBL Funds, MCBAH, HBL AMC, JS Investments, just to name a few.

In addition to JS Global’s top management being present, Chairman BoD JS Global, Mr. Akbar Kazmi was also present at this Exclusive gathering.

JS Global hosts an exclusive dinner for distinguished investors, attended by Global Fund Managers, Regulators and big domestic Family-owned Groups alongside CEOs of large Financial Institutions.

JS Global Capital Limited, Pakistan’s Premier and the Largest Brokerage and Investment Banking Firm was again recognized at the 13^th Annual CFA Excellence Awards organized by the CFA Society Pakistan on October 03, 2016.

JS Global’s nominated Equity Sales Trader has been awarded the “Best Equity Trader for Year 2015” with JS Global being the “Best Brokerage House for Year 2015 – Runners Up”. 

These annual awards are considered the capital markets’ industry benchmarks and are based on a confidential poll surveying respondents comprising the buy-side asset managers and investment professionals from Pakistan’s financial sector including Banks, Asset Management Companies, DFIs and other Financial Institutions.

JS Global is the only capital markets firm which has successfully been able to secure Two Awards in the same prestigious category of Equity Brokerage, as “Best Equity Trader” and “Best Equity Brokerage House” for two consecutive years in a row (2014 and 2015).

Mr. Kamran Nasir, Chief Executive, JS Global on receiving the award said “we are delighted and honored to win these awards and would like to thank CFA Society of Pakistan and the esteemed panel of judges who continued to acknowledge the equity brokerage services of JS Global. We would also like to congratulate and thank our entire House’s Team in general and Equity Broking Team in particular, for making this possible. Continuity of such recognitions also endorses the firm’s focus to attract the most talented human capital with focus on best business practices, transparency and above all the high ethical standards that form the core of our business execution strategies. We thank our valued clients and colleagues for their continued trust and support and pledge to remain ahead of the curve in years to come.”

Mr. Syed Murad Ali Shah, Chief Minister Sindh (Chief Guest) and Mr. Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq Hijazi, Chairman Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan (Guest of Honor) graced the occasion and presented the Awards to the winners. Mr. Jahangir Siddiqui, Chairman JS Group was warmly welcomed at the event ceremony by all the distinguished guests for his prominent role and visionary thoughts in developing the financial industry of Pakistan. Due to his efforts, JS Group has become an international investment and industrial conglomerate.

We thank our valued clients and colleagues for their continued trust and support and pledge to remain ahead of the curve in years to come.

Caption: Mr. Kamran Nasir, CEO JS Global receiving the “Best Brokerage House for Year 2015 – Runners Up” award from Mr. Zafar-ul-Haq Hijazi, Chairman SECP