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Category: IT & Telecom

Explore IT and Telecom stories with Pakistan Revenue, your go-to source for the latest updates on Pakistan’s technology and telecom sector. Stay ahead with real-time industry insights and economic developments.

  • Mobilink Bank retains top slot in microfinance industry

    Mobilink Bank retains top slot in microfinance industry

    KARACHI: Mobilink Microfinance Bank Limited (MMBL), Pakistan’s largest digital bank, has retained its market standing as a leader in terms of microcredit and micro-savings during the third quarter of the financial year 2021.

    This was disclosed in the latest report released by Pakistan Microfinance Network (PMN).

    MicroWatch- A Quarterly Update on Microfinance Outreach in Pakistan, in its latest edition (Issue 61) evaluated Pakistan’s microfinance landscape for Q3, 2021 and stated that MMBL remains the largest provider of microcredit in terms of clients with over 2 million active borrowers and retained its position as a key industry leader by dominating 24.6% of the total market share.

    The primary driver behind MMBL’s growth was m-Wallets, which increased by 1.8 million in the third quarter. The report concluded that, in the microfinance industry, M-Wallets held 81% of the total depositors with 14% of the total value of deposits, while the remainder 19% were traditional branch banking accounts worth 86% of the deposits. MMBL’s market share grew by 51% in terms of depositors by the end of the third quarter. MMBL has also been one of the key drivers of the growth in the Gross Loan Portfolio (GLP).

    Commenting on MMBL’s growth in Q3 of 2021, President & CEO MMBL Ghazanfar Azzam said, “Digital payments are on the rise in Pakistan and MMBL is a frontrunner in providing digital financial services to the masses. Nearly two million new m-wallets resulted in a 51% growth in MMBL’s market share, which attests to the fact that the Bank is a major contributor to holistic economic growth. Digital financial inclusion is at the core of MMBL’s goals and to accomplish this goal, MMBL is striving to provide products and services to millions of Pakistanis through its expansive digital financial ecosystem.”

    The report also depicted a steady growth trajectory by the end of the third quarter of the year and stated that the microfinance industry in Pakistan is on a path to recovery from the adverse effects of the global crisis instigated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

    MMBL is dedicated to empowering people through its diverse digital portfolio, thereby enhancing access to equitable financial services all across the country. The sharp uptick in subscriptions is indicative of the growing customer faith in the bank, driven by its constant innovation and the corresponding technological advancements to stay ahead and relevant at all times.

    Mobilink Bank awarded as best retail bank in Pakistan
  • Pakistan offers huge potential for e-commerce: PM Imran

    Pakistan offers huge potential for e-commerce: PM Imran

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that Pakistan offered huge potential for e-commerce which will generate employment opportunities and help in economic growth.

    The prime minister expressed these views in a meeting with Group CEO of Daraz (online E-Commerce platform) Bjarke Mikkelsen.

    The Prime Minister Imran said that the government is providing full support to foreign investors under the ‘ease-of-doing-business’ policy.

    CEO Daraz Bjarke Mikkelsen expressed interest in further investment and expansion of e-commerce in Pakistan.

    Advisor Finance Shaukat Tarin, Chairman Special Technology Zones Authority Amir Hashmi, Senator Aon Abbas Bappi, MD Daraz Ehsan Saya and Emmad Khan from Daraz were present during the meeting.

    About Daraz

    Daraz is the leading online marketplace in South Asia, empowering tens of thousands of sellers to connect with millions of customers. Daraz provides immediate and easy access to 10 million products in more than 100 + categories and delivers more than 2 million packages every month to all corners of its countries.

    PM Imran launches tax monitoring ‘track, trace’ system
  • Jazz’s investment in Pakistan crosses $10 billion

    Jazz’s investment in Pakistan crosses $10 billion

    ISLAMABAD: Jazz’s investment in Pakistan, which has crossed $ 10 billion including $ 560 million in the last two years alone on 4G network expansion – taking the total number of 4G users to 34.2 million, cementing Jazz’s position as the number one 4G operator.

    This was informed by KaanTerzioğlu, Chief Executive Officer, VEON Group who called on Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad on Wednesday.

    Kaan reiterated the Group’s full support towards the Government’s Digital Pakistan agenda.

    VEON, a leading global provider of connectivity and internet services, is embarking on a journey to be a world-leading digital operator with over 213.8 million subscribers in nine countries, including 71.9 million in Pakistan through its operating company, Jazz.

    Kaan apprised the Prime Minister about Jazz’s investment in Pakistan, which has crossed US$ 10 billion including US$ 560 million in the last two years alone on 4G network expansion – taking the total number of 4G users to 34.2 million, cementing Jazz’s position as the number one 4G operator.

    During the meeting, Kaan also talked about the role Jazz is playing in improving digital infrastructure, enhancing connectivity, investing in digital skills and literacy, promoting entrepreneurship and innovation, and driving financial inclusion through JazzCash.

    Prime Minister Imran Khan valued the Group’s commitment to Pakistan including the sustainability initiatives that empower the young with digital tools and resources.

    “The government launched the ‘Digital Pakistan’ initiative to provide a platform to the youth and it is heartening to see private sector companies like Jazz carry the mantle,” the prime minister said. He also highlighted the key role mobile operators play in a country’s economic growth by bringing in foreign investment, fostering connectivity, and enabling other sectors to thrive.

    “Pakistan is a key market for VEON, and we see tremendous growth potential as the country continues to implement its ‘Digital Pakistan’ vision. To accelerate this and to encourage private sector investment in broadband connectivity and network expansion, a forward-looking regulatory regime in line with next-generation connectivity requirements, and a policy framework facilitating innovative business models are needed,” said VEON Group CEO KaanTerzioğlu.

    “Utilising our leadership position and global expertise, we are focused on creating a flourishing digital ecosystem in Pakistan. Constantly investing in expanding access to 4G to rural and semi-urban areas, and in innovating and adapting our digital services to become a digital lifestyle partner for our customers is at the core of this journey,” said Jazz CEO Aamir Ibrahim.

    PTA renews Jazz license for $449.2 million
  • Mobilink Bank, Daraz facilitate women entrepreneurs

    Mobilink Bank, Daraz facilitate women entrepreneurs

    KARACHI: Mobilink Microfinance Bank Limited (MMBL) and Daraz Pakistan have joined hands to facilitate MMBL borrowers specifically women entrepreneurs, by enabling them to become sellers on Daraz.

    Through this collaboration, MMBL and Daraz will provide adequate opportunities to promote Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs), more so now as the e-commerce platform is going through an all-time boom via the 11.11 sale.

    Both the organizations are firmly committed to promoting women’s financial inclusion through the provision of enabling digital financial ecosystem that contributes directly towards empowering this underserved, yet influential segment, which comprises almost half of the country’s population.

    MMBL’s flagship program, Women Inspirational Network (WIN), and Daraz’s Ibtida would together provide an incredible boost to our joint mission of upskilling women entrepreneurs and provide them easy access to digitally equipped growth opportunities.

    Sharing his enthusiasm, Ehsan Saya, Managing Director at DarazPakistan, said: “We strongly believe women are not only the cornerstone of our society but instrumental in securing a better future for Pakistan. One of the most amazing things about our platform is how easily female entrepreneurs can sell their products all over Pakistan – empowering them is the epitome of uplifting communities.”

    This partnership will allow freshly onboarded MMBL female sellers to be charged zero per cent commission for the first three months, giving them ample time to set up their businesses.

    Moreover, female sellers from Daraz will be able to apply for MMBL loans at concessional rates.

    Mobilink Bank awarded as best retail bank in Pakistan
  • Supernet awarded telecom projects worth Rs100 million

    Supernet awarded telecom projects worth Rs100 million

    ISLAMABAD: Supernet Limited, one of Pakistan’s leading telecommunications service providers and systems integrators, has secured telecommunication projects worth Rs100 million

    A statement issued on Monday said that the company had been awarded three equipment supply projects consisting of equipment and services in the domains of satellite communications, telecommunications, and power with a combined equivalent value of Rs. 100 million.

    The projects have been awarded by a strategic organization thereby expanding the customer base of its Telecommunications and Defense Business Unit, said a news release issued here on Monday.

    The equipment and associated support and warranty services shall support the customer’s large communications network in the country. Supernet has already successfully delivered one project in totality.

    The second project is on track to be completed by the end of November 2021 with the third one expected to reach completion in the 1st quarter of 2022. Head of BU, Telecoms and Defense at Supernet Ali Akhtar, said, “We are thrilled to have been awarded these projects with each one being awarded through a competitive bidding process resulting in our solutions being picked as the best techno-commercial ones.”

    “We have successfully been able to on board a new client, widening our customer base, and we’ve done it by winning significant business right off the bat. We are as always, grateful to our customers for their trust and confidence in us as well the cooperation of our partners in our supply chain”, he added.

    Supernet Limited, one of Pakistan’s leading telecommunications service providers and systems integrators, has been operating since 1995. Supernet offers a full portfolio of local-to-global integrated communications infrastructure solutions to Telecoms, Defense, Enterprise and government entities.

    Supernet’s “Connectivity” products and services include a broad spectrum of Wide Area Network (WAN) and Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) solutions based on satellite, fiber optics, microwave and radios.

    In recent years, Supernet has established its expertise in domains including cyber security, power, networking, and surveillance solutions as part of its “Beyond Connectivity” initiative thereby offering a richer portfolio of solutions and services to customers.

    PTA issues procedure to block telemarketing messages
  • Pakistan lifts ban on TikTok

    Pakistan lifts ban on TikTok

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has lifted the ban imposed on the services of TikTok, an online social platform, according to a statement issued on Friday.

    Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said that it had restored the services of TikTok on the assurance of the platform to control immoral/indecent content.

    Subsequent to the imposition of the ban on July 20, 2021, the PTA remained in communications with the TikTok management.

    As a result of continuous engagement, senior management of the platform assured PTA of its commitment to take necessary measures to control unlawful content in accordance with local laws and societal norms.

    The company also assured that the users who are continuously involved in uploading unlawful content will be blocked from using the platform.

    Keeping in view the assurances, the authority has decided to lift the ban on TikTok forthwith.

    The PTA will continue to monitor the platform in order to ensure that unlawful content contrary to Pakistan’s law and societal values is not disseminated.

    TikTok blocked in Pakistan due to immoral content
  • Aamir appointed Ericsson Pakistan country manager

    Aamir appointed Ericsson Pakistan country manager

    KARACHI: Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) has announced the appointment of Aamir Ahsan Khan as Country Manager of Ericsson Pakistan, according to a statement issued on Thursday.

    Aamir is set to lead a strong cross-functional team aided by a network of partners to support communication service providers and increase Ericsson’s digital footprint in the country.

    Having joined Ericsson 14 years ago, Aamir brings forward progressive and professional experience in information technology, telecommunication, and management, with a proven record of increasing business through relationship-based client management and streamlined processes.

    “I am thrilled to lead Ericsson Pakistan during such an exciting time when connectivity is transforming industries and helping us reimagine the possible,” Aamir said.

    “In my capacity as Country Manager, I aspire to build strong strategies that will not only innovate our current client offerings, but grow Ericsson’s regional business, and support the digital transformation momentum in the country. By working together with various public and private business partners in Pakistan, I aspire to accelerate digital innovation in the country and prepare Pakistan for the digital era.”

    Ericsson strengthens network services portfolio
  • PTA issues procedure to block telemarketing messages

    PTA issues procedure to block telemarketing messages

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Monday issued the procedure to bloc telemarketing communication and unwanted/spam messages.

    The PTA said that unwanted calls/messages can be disruptive, but there are measures to minimize them.

    For blocking telemarketing communication, a person needs to register his number on the “Do Not Contact Register (DNCR)”. In order to register the person need to send a message by typing ‘reg’ and SMS to 3627.

    To allow telemarketing communication again, type ‘unreg’ and SMS to 3627.

    The PTA said that concerned service provider may be contacted in case of issue or for details about tariff/subscription charges.

    To block spamming/unsolicited communication, the PTA issued procedure under which a person should type spammer’s cell number, give a space, paste the received message and SMS to 9000.

    SMS charges of PKR 0.10 (inclusive of taxes) apply for each SMS to prevent abuse of facility.

    For blocking obnoxious/unknown calls and SMSs, the PTA suggested to dial *420# (for Jazz, Telenor & Ufone subscribers) or 420 (for ZONG subscribers). Concerned service provider may be contacted to get detail about tariff/subscription.

    The regulator further said that in case an issue is not resolved, the complaint may be lodged to PTA through an online complaint management system:

    http://complaint.pta.gov.pk/registercomplaint.aspx

  • Ufone signs Rs21 billion agreement for 4G spectrum

    Ufone signs Rs21 billion agreement for 4G spectrum

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Telecom Company, Ufone has secured its largest syndicated financing facility jointly led by MCB Bank Limited (MCB) (Agent bank), Allied Bank Limited (ABL), Bank of Punjab (BoP), National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), and United Bank Limited (UBL) to fund the acquisition and rollout of its 4G services across Pakistan.

    President and Group CEO, PTCL & Ufone, HatemBamatraf signed the agreement for the syndicated financing of PKR 21 billion at a ceremony held in Islamabad, which was also attended by President, MCB Bank, Imran Maqbool; Group Head, Corporate Finance & International Banking, MCB Bank, Mr. ShoaibMumtaz; President Allied Bank, AizidRazzaq Gill; Chief, Corporate & Investment Banking, Allied Bank, OwaisShahid; Head Investment Banking, Bank of Punjab, Umer Khan, AbidKitchlew Divisional Head C&IBG, National Bank, and Farooq Ahmed Khan Group Head Corporate & Investment Banking, United Bank Ltd .

    Ufone has recently been awarded 4G Spectrum License as a result of competitive bidding during the spectrum auction held by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The company’s investment in 4G spectrum will go onto enhancing its network capacity and readiness besides delivering superior connectivity and user experience to its customers.

     Speaking at the ceremony President and Group CEO, PTCL & Ufone, HatemBamatraf expressed his gratitude to the banking consortium for the timely financial support and said “The Financing Solution will go a long way in bringing high quality mobile broadband services to the people of Pakistan. It will improve quality of network services  and usher in a host of socio-economic opportunities for growth and development for our customers” He further added “ It is a mutual goal that both Pakistan’s banking and telecom industries are working to achieve in order to create shared value for the communities we serve.”

    Ufone launches contact center for housing loans
  • Xiaomi joins hands with SELECT for phone production

    Xiaomi joins hands with SELECT for phone production

    KARACHI: Xiaomi, a global consumer electronics and smartphone giant, has decided to manufacture mobile phones in Pakistan. In this connection, Xiaomi has joined hands with Select Technologies (Pvt) Limited (SELECT), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Air Link Communication Limited (AIRLINK), as its manufacturing partner for Xiaomi mobile phones in Pakistan.

    “We are targeting a production of initially around 2.5 – 3 million handsets annually subject to smooth supply chain which is expected to add approximately $450 million annually in top line revenue numbers and will have a material incremental impact on the EPS [earnings per share] of the company other than the normal course of business,” said a statement issued by Air Link Communication Limited on Monday.

    According to the company, the production facility will be located adjacent to the AIRLINK’s existing state of the art mobile manufacturing facility at Quaid-e-Azam Industrial Estate, Kot Lakhpat, Lahore.

    The production facility will facility is anticipated to be operational within the month of January 2022.

    “… SELECT will be the manufacturing partner whereas AIRLINK will continue to be one of the largest distributors of Xiaomi phones in Pakistan,” the company added.

    Courtesy the manufacturing of Xiaomi phones by SELECT, AIRLINK expects to substantially increase its distribution and retail business of Xiaomi phones in Pakistan.

    Xiaomi plans assembly plant in Pakistan