PAKISTAN AMERICAN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

PABA NEWS Issue No. 14 February , 2015

The end of 2015 was defined by the frenzy around the Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting. The words

“Applicable Large Employer”, “Pay or Play”, “Form 1095”, “Penalties” were often heard and seen on the internet and in the publications. So what is it all about and how does it affect your business?

Effective January 1, 2015 any party that provides health insurance guaranteeing minimum essential coverage (MEC),

including insurance companies and self-insuring employers, are required to report information on this coverage to the Internal

Revenue Service (IRS) as well as provide appropriate statements to the individuals who are covered under the medical plan.

Large companies that employ more than 50 full-time employees and their equivalents, or in IRS terms “Applicable Large

Employers”, fall under specific requirements. Shall such large employers fail to comply with ACA requirements they may be a

subject to harsh penalties under the Employer Shared Responsibility Provisions or “Pay or Play” Mandate.

So what if you are a small employer company and you do not employ more than 50

full-time employees and/or their equivalents? What is it exactly you need to do in order to

stay compliant?

If your health plan in place is a classic fully-insured one your insurance company

will do most of the work on your behalf. It will complete the required forms and report all

necessary information about minimum essential coverage to Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

by using Forms 1094-B and 1095-B. Your insurance carrier will also provide a copy of the

individual statement (Form 1095-B) for each covered employee.

Also in this Issue

Gaming Institute

Education

Pakistan students at George Mason

Pakistan Briefs

Continued …….. P - 4

One of the fastest and most transformational

community programs in the region today, the Mason

Game & Technology Academy (MGTA) integrates all of

the STEM core competencies in a challenging, fun, and

engaging way. This program combines both the sciences

and the arts, with creative & critical thinking and problem

solving skills.

MGTA is the Youth Outreach Division of the Mason

Computer Game Design Program, and the nationally renowned

Virginia Serious Game Institute (VSGI). Many of our Instruc-

tors, who are graduates of the Game Design Program, are also

young entrepreneurs, with start up companies at the VSGI -

an economic incubator that helps new and established compa-

nies bring innovative new teach products to the market.

So, in addition to being terrific teachers, they are also

excellent mentors for students with great ideas and dreams of

one day founding their own tech start up.

MGTA offers age appropriate classes for Elementary,

Middle, and High School students in 3D Game Design, Game

Art, Modeling, & Animation, Mobile App Development

(Multi Platform & iOS), Digital Art, Beginning and Advanced

Programming for all ages (Java, C++, C#, Java, Javascript,

HTML, and Python), as well as Writing for Games, Music and

Sound for Games, Intro to Computer Hardware (build your

own computer), CyberDefense/Ethical Hacking, and the ever

popular Minecraft modding with Java.

The MGTA Honors Program is new this year, and will

provide the rare opportunity for High School students to engage

with university professors from the game industry, and upper –

level undergraduate and graduate students from the nationally-

recognized Computer Game Design Program at Mason, and

delve deeply into all the roles and responsibilities found in the

serious and entertainment game design

and production industry.

The unique curriculum will also infuse aspects of entre-

preneurship, team dynamics, and game production, enhanced

by industry guest speakers, evening game jams, and tours of the

Virginia Serious Game Institute. This program will offer both

one-week and two-week sessions on the Fairfax Campus.

Students will also be able to register for a residential

option and stay in the Mason dorms for an enhanced pre-college

experience.

Scott Martin, the founding Director of the Mason

Computer Game Design Program and the Virginia Serious

Game Institute states that “Computer Game Design- a federally

defined STEM field, combines both the Sciences (physics, math,

and programming) and the Arts (theater, digital art, writing,

music) to allow new discovery through 3D mediums and plat-

forms to solve some of the world most pressing problems.

Moreover, Game Design also allows for the creation of

huge data point analytics and the greatest assessment outputs for

education and training games than any other mediums available.

Classes in Game Design at an early age can spark a student’s

passion for STEM subjects and the arts, and can help them

prepare for advanced studies and careers in both.”

For those students who are unable to take our on-site

classes, MGTA will soon offer on-line classes for ages 9 to

adult, powered by Scriyb (Scriyb.com), built exclusively for

MGTA at the SGI. Scriyb is the virtual classroom that is revolu-

tionizing on-line education. MGTA-Scriyb courses captures the

Energy and Magic of a live classroom, along with the peer to

peer social learning that makes on-line learning like playing a

game, and so much fun!

Students will be able to interact with instructors as they

deliver courses in real-time, and they will be able to chat with

each other, share ideas, and even collaborate on projects with

ease.

An experienced educator I know once said, “there

is a way we teach, and a way we learn – and there is a gap. We need to find ways to close that gap.” Never is that more true than today!

Beyond this, there is wide disagreement on just what

constitutes a modern education. The questions are: Is the best

education obtained by studying the classics (as in the past), or

should it be focused on today’s jobs, which are increasingly

rooted in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)?

What about the arts and the humanities, what role do they play?

How about a second foreign language for the global citizens we

have all become?

As an experienced educator, my advice to our readers is

“all of the above.”

First, the brain and the body are one – along with our

spiritual existence. It’s a false premise that separates the three.

An educational approach that embraces body, mind and spirit is

what works best in both the short term and over a lifetime.

The classics and the arts contribute lessons learned and

deep truths about the human condition to the next generation.

They contain great beauty and are a source of inspiration.

STEM continues to make our material lives better and we need

to devote bright minds to its advancement. And, as we witness

the conflicts of the planet, we need to anchor our individual and

collective existence in a spiritual philosophy that loves our

neighbors around the globe and realize that we can no longer

sustain a imbalanced existence which concentrates wealth and

opportunity on only a few.

I am a fan of some period of “immersion” learning.

This can be accomplished in many ways. Learning a new

language over a summer. Playing a musical instrument, with

daily practice. Deep concentration on problem solving activi-

ties in

almost any subject. In the immersion experience, we learn just

how pliable the brain actually is – and like other muscles of the

body grows when it is exercised and challenged deeply.

I also believe that belonging to a community that in-

tentionally serves others is desirable. This can be done through

a church, mosque, temple, or service organization. Experienc-

ing at an early age the power of sharing and the importance of

giving to others is a powerful source of courage in our own

lives.

And finally, studies show that students who engage in

exercise on a regular basis are more optimistic, have more ener-

gy and are happier – and perform better in both study and under

pressure in testing.

Above all, there is simply no substitute for direct paren-

tal involvement in the education of their children. It can take

many forms. Reading to younger children, at least three times

per week, develops a love for learning and encourages a life of

the mind. For older children, reading a challenging text togeth-

er, followed by a discussion will help them develop curiosity

and they will learn from your personal example of involvement

with them. Get to know your children’s teachers. Make an

appointment to visit them and to discuss their views on what

support your child would need to be a success in school. Most

teachers are thrilled to hear from parents, and are glad to have a

partner in your child’s success.

There are gaps in the way we teach and the way we

learn, but we can close them with a balanced approach and

through direct involvement.

By William “Bill” Reader

<a href="http://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/icon">Icon vector designed by Freepik</a>

Continued from P - 1

Shall you as an Employer have more than 50 full-time employees and/or their equivalents you

would have to file the Forms 1094-C and 1095-C to the IRS.

The information contained in those forms allows Inter-nal Revenue Service to understand whether your company offers “affordable” coverage that provides “minimum value” or not. Accordingly all covered company’s employees are entitled to receiving a copy of the Form 1095.

“Minimum value” means your health benefits program pays on average at least 60% of the total cost of the plan and the total out-of-pocket costs for your employees in the form of copayments, coinsurance, deductibles etc. do not exceed 40%.

As for the affordability of the health plan, ACA provi-sions allow for multiple methods to determine it. Which method to choose will depend on employer’s individual circumstances, business, HR, payroll and taxation practices. It is best to consult with a trusted accountant and/or lawyer as well as your health benefits broker. They will be able to advise you on what method is best suited for your company.

Companies, which offer self- or level-funded health plans are required to report to IRS about their offer of coverage by completing Forms 1094 and 1095 of either B or C type (depending on their size ).

If you are an employee expect to receive a copy of the Form 1095 for the calendar year 2015 on or before March 31, 2016. This form containing the information about your employ-er-sponsored health coverage may be required by the IRS when

you file your federal and state tax return. So check if the infor-mation on the form is correct and keep it for your records.

In the future your employer or insurance company will be providing you with a copy of the Form 1095 on or before January 31 of each year immediately following the calendar year to which the information relates.

And what if you have obtained health insurance inde-pendently through so called Health Insurance Marketplace, also known as the Exchange? Marketplace will file the Form 1095-A and send it to both the individual enrolled in the Marketplace and to the IRS. The due date for sending this form to individu-als is January 31 of each year.

Form 1095-A will allow you to have the ability to claim the premium tax credit as well as “true-up” any advance pay-ments of the credit you had received by filing federal income tax return.

This article has been contributed by Beaini Financial Solutions and is only for general informational purpos-es. BSF makes no representation or warranties regard-ing its accuracy or completeness. The information pro-vided is not a legal or tax advice or recommendation of any kind.

For contact: info@BFS-Partners.com (703-610-4094)

The George Mason University Pakistani Student Association held

its annual Winter Show in December as part of an array of activities to raise

awareness about Pakistan and its rich culture and heritage.

The five-hour show held on December 18 drew a large number of

students who were eager to celebrate the last day of their exams, and were regaled

by a number of performances reflecting various facets of Pakistan, the world’s

sixth most populous country.

Among notable events were a full-scale fashion, dance performances as

well as a concert by Haider Afzal and Hum Band.

A number of student organizations also participated in the performances

including GMU Bhangra and Mason Ke Rang. Clothes for the fashion show were

provided by Royal Gemz, a local boutique based in the VA/DC/MA area. Food

was provided by Mughal Oasis. DJ Angad kept the crowd entertained with some

wonderful music.

The event overall was a success with many of the guests appreciating the

hard work put in by GMU PSA, which is planning a number of events during the

Spring Semester.

Located near Washington D.C., Mason is widely known for its interna-

tional diversity and has been a top choice of students from Pakistan. Mason is aggressively reaching out overseas, particularly for

Pakistan, to make potential students aware of what the school has to offer.

Mason already has a relationship with the National University of Scienc-

es and Technology, one of Pakistan’s top universities. The partnership with

NUST provides a two-way flow of knowledge across the ocean with the inten-

tion of creating an interconnected world. Mason’s programs to accommodate

international students are plentiful.

Nearly 5,000 Pakistanis studied on U.S. college and university campuses

during the 2013-2014 academic year. Since 2005, over 300 Pakistani students

have traveled to the United States to study fields related to business and entre-

preneurship through our Fulbright and Community College Initiative programs.

Mason’s Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Multicultural Education is a

campus resource that connects, engages and builds relationships among students

of all nationalities, assuring assimilation without sacrificing cultural distinction.

While the Mason community takes inclusion very seriously, they like to have fun

as well.

There are plenty of events PSA is planning to host during our spring

semester. PSA will also make full benefit of the upcoming International Week

by the University which will be a time show Pakistani culture to the Mason com-

munity. There is a dance being performed by PSA .

Students Hold Pakistan Show at George Mason By Agha Muhammad Ali Khan

Agha Muhammad Ali Khan is a student at George Mason University, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in

Business Management. He is also the Vice-President of the GMU Pakistani Student Association.

PARTNERS

Universal Air & Vacuum

Services

Mr. M. Siddique Sheikh,

Chairman of the Pakistan

American Business Associa-

tion (PABA), met Congress-

man Alex Mooney at his

office in Capitol Hill and

discussed matters of mutual

interest.

Mr. Sheikh informed

the Congressman about the

large American Pakistani

community and the contribu-

tion it was making to the econ-

omy of Virginia and the socie-

ty as a whole.

Congressman Mooney

expressed his appreciation for

the community and hoped that

American Pakistanis will con-

tinue to play their role as re-

sponsible and productive

members of the greater Ameri-

can society.

The young Congress-

man is a member of Republican Party and has been the U.S. Representative for West Virginia’s

2nd congressional district since 2015. He is the first Hispanic elected to Congress in West Virgin-

ia’s history.

Earlier, Congressman Mooney served in the Maryland State Senate, representing the Dis-

trict 3, from 1999 to 2011 where he was held in high esteem by the Pakistani Americans for his

support to the welfare of the community.

He is very keen to reach out to Pakistani Americans living in north Virginia.

Mr. Sheikh also informed the Congressman about PABA which is working since 1986 to

promote young entrepreneurs and provide leadership training, community services and business

networking. The Chairman said that PABA’s mission was to create economic prosperity for both

the United States and Pakistan through collaboration and partnership.

He also informed the Congressman about PABA’s plan to host an International Conven-

tion and Trade Show in Washington D.C. which will bring together Pakistani and American com-

panies under one roof to discuss business collaboration and joint ventures.

Congressman Mooney lauded the role PABA was playing to promote Pakistani American

community and business linkages between Pakistan and the United States and assures all his sup-

port in this regard.

He also accepted an invitation by Mr. Sheikh to visit the PABA office in Burke.

Congressman Mooney and his wife live in Charles Town in Jefferson County with their

three children.

Chairman PABA Meets Congressman Alex Mooney

* Pakistan Expects Bumper Potato Crop This Year Pakistan is expecting record production of potato this year estimated at 3.71 million tons. This in turn

will increase potato exports to Russia, Sri Lanka and Turkey. The demand for potato is also on the

rise in Europe due to refugee influx and Pakistan will likely have a fair share of it. Pakistan has made

potato exports duty-free.

* Trade Deficit Declines in First Half of 2015-16 Pakistan’s trade deficit was recorded at $11.9 billion in the first half of the current financial year (July-December). This compared

with $12.1 billion in the same period of last year. Inflation was recorded at 2.08 percent during the same month compared with

6.08 percent in the likewise period last year. Remittances from overseas Pakistan amounted to $9.7 billion in the same period,

showing 6.3 percent increase over the same period of last year.

* Pakistan to Sign 15-Year LNG Accord With Qatri Company

The Economic Coordination Committee, the highest economic-decision-making body, has approved the signing of the LNG Sale

Purchase Agreement with Qatar Gas Operating Company-2 for a period of 15 years. State-owned Pakistan State Oil (PSO) has

been authorized to execute the agreement under government to government arrangement after completing the due process.

* Pakistan Approves 600,000 Tons Wheat Export Pakistan has approved export of surplus wheat to the tune of 600,000 tons. Considering the low prices of the commodity in the

international market, the government will provide subsidy to exporters.

* Pakistan to Export One Million Ton Rice to Indonesia Pakistan has signed an agreement with Indonesia to export one million ton of rice estimated at $400 million over four years. The

export agreement will be implemented by Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) and Indonesian Government’s organization

BULOG (State Logistic Agency). TCP has finalized first tender of 15,000 metric tons of rice export to Indonesia which includes

5,000 metric tons of basmati rice and 10,000 metric tons of non-basmati rice. Pakistan is the first country out of the Association

of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) to have rice export agreement with Indonesia.

*World Bank President to Visit Pakistan on Feb. 9-10 President World Bank Dr. Jim Yong Kim will visit Pakistan on Feb. 9-10. The Vice President, World Bank’s South Asia Region,

Annette Dixon would also accompany the President. The visiting dignitaries would have a special interaction with economic min-

isters and experts during the visit.

*Prof. Schwab Lauds Turnaround of Pakistan’s economy Professor Klaus Schwab, Chairman of the World Economic Forum , appreciated the turnaround in Pakistan’s economy during a

meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on the margins of the WEF meeting. He said there was no hope in 2013 but now the

business community says there is a lot of change in Pakistan. Sharif told him that Pakistan GDP has grown by 4.24 % in 2015.

*Pakistan Wants Free Trade Accord with Iran After Sanctions Pakistan is interested in negotiating a Free Trade Agreement with Iran in the wake of lifting of sanctions, Commerce Minister

Khurram Dastiger Khan told newly appointed Iranian envoy to Pakistan in a meeting in Islamabad. He said that the lifting of sanc-

tions has provided Pakistan with a historic opportunity to raise mutual trade and investment. Pakistan already have a Preferential

Trade Agreement with Iran. The two countries had close $1 billion of two-way trade before the sanctions reduced it drastically.

Pakistan Briefs

The Pakistan American Business Association, commonly known as PABA, was established in

1986 to bring together business people of diverse occupations, providing opportunities for

them to flourish and help others grow.

Through our board, active members and leadership in the United States of American and in

Pakistan, PABA has been able to achieve many successes at local, national and international level. PABA nurtures

business opportunities between Pakistan and the United States and enables its members to develop new businesses

and promotes dialogue between Pakistani and American government officials. we have don

PABA AT A GLANCE

Local, state, national and international conventions

Job fairs for aspiring business people

Relief efforts for Katrina Hurricane and 2010 Pakistan Flood victims

International Trade Conference in Pakistan in 2004

Raised Funds for Shaukat Khanum Hospital in 1995

And much more,,,,,,,,,

PABA To Host International Trade Show in Washington D.C. Soon

Pakistan American Business Association

9302 Old Keene Mill Road Suite B

Burke, VA 22015 - 4278 www.pabausa.org

What we have done

Editorial Team :

M. Siddique Sheikh

Shakeel Tufail

Augustine Anthony

Khalid Noufal