Indus Motor successfully hosts First National Auto Journalists Workshop - May 29, 2007 Taking the initiative in continuation of its Corporate Social Responsibility program, Indus Motor Company successfully hosted Pakistan’s first National Auto Journalists Workshop at a local hotel. The workshop was conducted by Hormazd Sorabjee, a South Asian expert on auto journalism, and editor of one of the region’s most prominent auto magazines. The Working Sessions were attended by a number of leading auto journalists from across Pakistan’s media industry, along with industry stake holders, educationists and students, with Salahuddin Haider, Advisor Information & Archives Government of Sindh, as Chief Guest at the occasion. The Workshop Convener, Hormazd Sorabjee is a member of the Guild of Motoring Writers and a jury member for the International Engine of the Year awards and the World Car of the Year Awards. Considered an authority on the regional automotive market, he is widely quoted by the regional media for his view point. Hormazd has pioneered the concept of automotive journalism and road testing in the South Asian region. Acknowledging the initiative taken by Indus Motor Company, Chief Guest Salahuddin Haider said, ‘Despite the boom that has been witnessed in Pakistan’s media industry over the last few years, the fact remains that specialization is still very rare. I must appreciate the effort made not only by Indus Motor Company, but also the participants of the workshop who have taken part in today’s event, which will take auto journalism in Pakistan to a whole new level. Last but not least, I must also thank our friend from across the border, who has come all the way to Pakistan to help us in our efforts. Addressing the gathering, Parvez Ghias, CEO Indus Motor Company commented, ‘Our effort today has been with the objective of enabling local working journalists to develop the requisite professional skills, knowledge and competencies to specialize in Auto Journalism. The workshop aims to offer a platform to understand best practices and modern methodologies in auto reporting practiced internationally. We are highly grateful to Hormazd Sorabjee for his untiring efforts in bringing our vision to reality, and also to Mr. Salahuddin Haider for honoring us with his presence today. Workshop Convener, Hormazd Sorabjee added, ‘It has been a privilege not only coming to Pakistan for the Workshop, but also working with my local colleagues and sharing the many similar experiences that we have had in our respective careers. I must thank Indus Motor Company for giving me the opportunity to come to Pakistan to work with such high profile media representatives and enrich my own experiences.’ Indus Motor Company also announced the launch of Pakistan’s First National Auto Journalists Awards at the event, an initiative taken by the organization to acknowledge and encourage qualitative, interpretive and analytical reporting in the area of auto journalism in Pakistan. The Awards, to be judged by an independent jury over a period of one year, with the Awards to be announced in mid 2008. As a good corporate citizen, Indus Motor Company participates in various social causes under its slogan, Concern Beyond Cars, including initiatives in health, education, environment and community development, and several Road Safety Projects. The company allocates 1% of its profit before tax for CSR. Through this program, the company is trying to not only make a contribution for the present, but also striving to make continuous sustainable investment for the future of Pakistan.