ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Computer Association (PCA) has lauded the role of computer and IT industry for timely and much needed contribution to provide immediate relief to flood affectees across the country. In response to mobilization of PCA, various international companies i.e. HP, Acer etc. and individuals associated with IT business including computer vendors from all over Pakistan have not only sent million of rupees in cash but relief goods as well to cater the immediate needs of the affectees.  

Munawar Iqbal, Central President of PCA, while appreciating the role of computer industry, said that the ongoing unprecedented torrential rains and flash floods have caused immense human and financial loss to our country and it is the need of the hour that business community should come forward with generous donations so that maximum relief could be provided to the million of displaced families.

Considering the devastation caused by flood, he said, PCA has mobilized the community including various multinational companies working in Pakistan to come forward and play their role in order to provide maximum relief to flood affected families.  He said that the international friends from IT and computer business belongs to every part of the world and various faiths and they are helping the cause of humanity. He said that it’s our collective responsibility to rise up to the occasion and contribute wholeheartedly to the ongoing relief efforts. 

Munawar Iqbal said that the IT and computer sector have done a marvelous job of collecting relief goods in all major cities of Pakistan which are being sent to flood-hit areas swiftly.

He said the flood-affected people are confronting with various problems. Hence, the nation needs to come forward and contribute its share to provide reasonable shelter and food to the affectees.

ISLAMABAD: To achieve sustainable development, Pakistan not only needs to enhance its power generation capacity but also to adapt effective power conservation technology. By using effective technology, almost 40 % energy could be saved and it would be the right answer to deal with power crisis in Pakistan as well. “We have already made significant investment in Pakistan and we are ready to expand our operations as well as investment in Pakistan to improve effective usage of electric power in Pakistan”, Mr. Munib Khawaja vice president IT of Schneider France (Pakistan & Afghanistan), said this while talking to a delegation of Pakistan Computer Association (PCA) here on Last day.

The PCA delegation, led by Munawar Iqbal, Central President of the Association was comprised on senior members including Abdullah Malik, President PCA, Islamabad, Arshad Janjua,  Furqan Murtaza, Mohammad Younis, Abdul Rehman Tahir, Asad Haider, Shahid Mehmood and Rashid ALi . Mr. Khawaja also said that APC is willing to help Pakistan to combat with energy related problems resulted by present flood in the country, which has destroyed infrastructure in many areas of Pakistan.

On the occasion, Munawar Iqbal presented the overview of energy crisis in Pakistan and said that the energy shortage in Pakistan has become a growing problem for economic growth and international companies should come forward to help Pakistan in overcoming energy crisis for smooth promotion of manufacturing and industrial activities.  

He said that Pakistan was endowed with tremendous amount of alternative energy resources including hydro, coal, wind, solar & waste energy potential. However, Pakistan needs effective power management systems to confront with the challenge of growing demand of the electricity. In this sector, he said, a combination of the capital & expertise of international companies with Pakistani potential in the sector would be a win-win equation for both sides.  

Munawar Iqbal briefed Mr. Munib Khawaja about the potential in different sectors of Pakistan’s economy including energy conservation sector and said that international companies like Schneider France should invest in these areas to earn lucrative returns.   

Mr. Munib Khawaja said that Schneider terms Pakistan as an important country to make new investments and it would initiate projects keeping in view the specific needs of Pakistan in energy sector. He said that the brand name APC by Schneider is popular in Pakistan as is the case worldover. Earlier, Munawar Iqbal presented a detailed outlook of computer and IT industry in Pakistan and the role of PCA for the promotion of this vital sector of the economy.

Mr. Munib Khawaja appreciated the role of PCA and said that his company desires to work with Pakistani stakeholders in various sectors of the economy including IT sector. He said that Schneider would offer Pakistan university student internship and scholarships to provide them an opportunity to study in France and it would serve the pupose of transfer of technology in Pakistan. He said that his comapny welcomes suggestions made by the PCA in regard with effective power management in local industry.

• Aug 06, 2010

HP announced in a released statement that Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President Mark Hurd has decided with the Board of Directors to resign his positions effective immediately.

The Board has appointed CFO Cathie Lesjak, 51, as CEO on an interim basis. Lesjak is a 24-year veteran of the company who has served as HP’s CFO and as a member of the company’s Executive Council since January 2007. She oversees all company financial matters and will retain her CFO responsibilities during the interim period.

Hurd’s decision was made following an investigation by outside legal counsel and the General Counsel’s Office, overseen by the Board, of the facts and circumstances surrounding a claim of sexual harassment against Hurd and HP by a former contractor to HP. The investigation determined there was no violation of HP’s sexual harassment policy, but did find violations of HP’s Standards of Business Conduct.

A Search Committee of the Board of Directors has been created, consisting of Marc L. Andreessen, Lawrence T. Babbio, Jr., John H. Hammergren, and Joel Z. Hyatt, which will oversee the process for the identification and selection of a new CEO and Board Chair. HP’s lead independent director, Robert Ryan, will continue in that position.

Hurd said, "As the investigation progressed, I realized there were instances in which I did not live up to the standards and principles of trust, respect and integrity that I have espoused at HP and which have guided me throughout my career. After a number of discussions with members of the board, I will move aside and the board will search for new leadership. This is a painful decision for me to make after five years at HP, but I believe it would be difficult for me to continue as an effective leader at HP and I believe this is the only decision the board and I could make at this time. I want to stress that this in no way reflects on the operating performance or financial integrity of HP."

"The corporation is exceptionally well positioned strategically,” Hurd continued. “HP has an extremely talented executive team supported by a dedicated and customer focused work force. I expect that the company will continue to be successful in the future."

Robert Ryan, lead independent director of the Board, said, “The board deliberated extensively on this matter. It recognizes the considerable value that Mark has contributed to HP over the past five years in establishing us as a leader in the industry. He has worked tirelessly to improve the value of HP, and we greatly appreciate his efforts. He is leaving this company in the hands of a very talented team of executives. This departure was not related in any way to the company’s operational performance or financial condition, both of which remain strong. The board recognizes that this change in leadership is unexpected news for everyone associated with HP, but we have strong leaders driving our businesses, and strong teams of employees driving performance."

"The scale, global reach, broad portfolio, financial strength and, very importantly, the depth and talent of the HP team are sustainable advantages that uniquely position the company for the future,” said Lesjak. “I accept the position of interim CEO with the clear goal to move the company forward in executing HP’s strategy for profitable growth. We have strong market momentum and our ability to execute is irrefutable as demonstrated by our Q3 preliminary results.”

Lesjak has taken herself out of consideration as the permanent CEO but will serve as interim CEO until the selection process is complete. Candidates from both inside and outside the company will be considered. The selection of a new chairman will occur in conjunction with the CEO decision.

The company does not expect to make any additional structural changes or executive leadership changes in the near future.