Issues for May-Jun 2024

There are Men (and Then) There are Men

Stereotyping works both ways and advertisers must strive for balance in their depictions of both men and women, opines Tyrone Tellis.

AI and the Financial Decision-Making Process

Nabeel Qadeer discusses how Gen AI is changing the face of conventional finance.

The Song of Boycott

Faraz Maqsood Hamidi pens a poem in solidarity with the ongoing boycott.

“We view economic disruptions as opportunities for local industries to rise to the occasion”

Ali Rashid Khan, Director Marketing and Wajahat Eijaz, Head of Brands, National Foods, speak to Uzma Khateeb-Nawaz about the growth of their company and the challenges the current economic climate poses.

The Future of Reality and Format Shows

Jerjees Seja sees a bright and engaging future for Pakistan’s TV industry.

From Inflation to BDS: Survey Report

Insights from Aurora’s Dipstick Consumer Survey conducted in May 2024.

The East-West Convergence and Divergence

To be more effective, advertisers need to understand the nuances that drive different consumer cultures, argues Tamoor Mir.

Creativity and Risk

Technology and social media have given creativity layers of complexity that need skill in their handling, writes Patrick Collister.

Gaming – Pakistan’s New Digital Entertainment Playground

Pakistan could well be on the cusp of a gaming revolution. Faizan S. Syed sets the scene.

Kashmir Spreads Its Wings

Sadia Kamran covers Kashmir Cooking Oil's latest campaign.

How Well Does Your Consumer Behave?

Afzal Hussain writes about improving consumer marketing through behavioural change.

Haroon and the Ad-Blocker

Utopia or dystopia? Umair Kazi imagines a world without ads.

Hired and Fired

Khalid Naseem highlights some of the common malpractices deployed by Pakistani companies.

“My dream is for Rastah to be one of the biggest brands outside of Asia, not just South Asia”

Zain Ahmad, CEO and Creative Director, Rastah, speaks to Aurora about the journey that took his brand from the streets of Vancouver to celebrity status.

Meme Mandi

Mamun M. Adil on Heeramandi and the memes it has inspired.

Living The Design Dream

Sophia Khan profiles Purnia Farrukh, Founder and Lead Designer, Itereight.

Technology and Changing Consumption Lifestyles

The future of consumption in Pakistan is intricately linked to technological advancements, infrastructural development and sustainable practices, writes Amir Jahangir.

Localising the Global Strategy

As the BDS movement continues to make significant inroads in profitability, multinational companies need to modify their strategic thinking, writes Omar Farooq.

Build Brands, Not Products

Shoaib Qureshy discusses how local brands can beat multinationals and delight their customers.

A Shining Moment for Pakistani Brands?

Will the current BDS Movement translate into longer term local success? Umair Mohsin poses the question.

“In Pakistan, we want to be the number one sauce brand, not just a brand associated with ketchup and mayonnaise”

Syed Zeeshan Haider, CEO, ITT Foods (the company behind Dipitt), speaks to Mamun M. Adil about the brand’s growth since its launch.

To Boycott or Not to Boycott?

The question is: to what extent will Pakistan’s economy and socio-economic well-being be affected? Sami Qahar comments.

Choosing or Settling for Local?

The BDS Movement has seen consumer spending on local brands surge, but will they be able to sustain it for the long term?

Putting Corporate Governance at the Heart of Business Success

Good corporate governance within companies will not only support the bottom line; it will also result in higher profitability and longer-term sustainability, argues Nausheen Ahmad.