Pkrevenue.com

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.

  • Import of mobile phones surges by 106% to Rs96.33 billion in first half

    Import of mobile phones surges by 106% to Rs96.33 billion in first half

    KARACHI: Pakistan has imported mobile phones worth Rs96.33 billion, showing an increase of 106 percent during first half (July – December) of 2019/2020.

    According to data released by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the import of mobile phones increased to Rs96.33 billion during first half of current fiscal year as compared with Rs46.82 billion in the same period of the last fiscal year.

    The rise in imported mobile phones was due to sharp decline in Pak Rupee during the period.

    According to State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) the exchange rate in December 2019 was Rs154.92 to the dollar as against the exchange rate of Rs138.47 in December 2018.

    In terms of US dollar the growth in imported mobile phones is still significant. The country spent $616.14 million during first half of current fiscal year as compared with $364.04 million in the corresponding period of the last fiscal year, showing growth of 69 percent.

    Despite this growth, the government reduced withholding income tax and sales tax on imported mobile phone.

    Through Tax Laws (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 2019 the government reduced sales tax and withholding income tax on import of mobile phones. The FBR attributed the reduction to promote digital economy in the country.

  • IT ministry organizes cyber security workshop

    IT ministry organizes cyber security workshop

    ISLAMABAD: An awareness workshop on ‘Cyber Security’ was organized by Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication along-with National Information Technology Board (NITB) organized on Friday.

    The goal of the event was to highlight the issue of cyber-attacks and how we can protect government’s sensitive data and work towards cyber security as governments around the world are bringing more attention to cybercrimes.

    Federal Secretary Ministry of IT and Telecommunication Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui, Syed Junaid Imam, Member (IT) MoIT, Syed Shabahat Ali, CEO NITB and Bilal Abbasi, Director (IT) MoIT along-with numerous officials from different Federal ministries/divisions were present at the workshop.

    Speaking on the occasion, Federal Secretary Ministry of IT and Telecommunication Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui highlighted that it is important for the government to become more vigilant and secure data to avoid any security and data breaches.

    He further added that conventional warfare has been replaced by Cyber warfare and it brings a collective responsibility towards government officials to be prepared against cyber-attacks.

    In the end it was shared that MoIT will be conducting more of such events for policy makers, legislators and other government officials, as cyber security awareness is a key priority by MoIT.

  • Telecom services to pay 19.5 percent as per SRB working tariff

    Telecom services to pay 19.5 percent as per SRB working tariff

    KARACHI: Sindh Revenue Board (SRB) issued working tariff updated up to December 31, 2019 under which the sales tax on services will be 19.5 percent on telecommunication services. (more…)

  • Customs announces auction of mobile phones in huge quantity

    Customs announces auction of mobile phones in huge quantity

    ISLAMABAD: Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Islamabad has announced auction of huge quantity of mobile phones to be held on December 24, 2019 at the state warehouse of the collectorate.

    Following is the list of mobile phones to be presented for auction by the collectorate:

    01. Q-Mobile Model K-650: 600 pieces

    02. Nokia 1202: 20 pieces

    03. Nokia 101: 20 pieces

    04. Nokia 105: 30 pieces

    05. Nokia 1280: 29 pieces

    06. Nokia 1616: 17 pieces

    07. Nokia 108: 40 pieces

    08. Nokia 3310: 50 pieces

    09. Vego Tel Classis I-10: 70 pieces

    10. Super Jamboo 1700: 49 pieces

    11. Vego Tel I 650: 20 pieces

    12. Kechadda K 116 Plus: 10 pieces

    13. Q-Mobile IE 4: 70 pieces

    14. Q-Mobile SP 3000 PRO: 50 pieces

    15. Q-Mobile Power 500 Music: 39 pieces

    16. Q-Mobile XL 100 Music: 13 pieces

    17. X-100 (i): 40 pieces

    18. Max X-7: 20 pieces

    19. KV-K2: 17 pieces

    20. KV-K400: 01 piece

    21. KV-K300: 01 piece

    22. KV-K200: 01 piece

    23. Mobile Phones: 25 pieces

    24. Q E-4: 50 pieces

    25. Q X-5300: 23 pieces

    26. Q Super Star Music: 22 pieces

    27. Q J-55: 03 pieces

    28. Q K-180: 44 pieces

    29. Q Super Star Power: 25 pieces

    30. Q Power 9: 22 pieces

    31. Q XL-8: 13 pieces

    32. Q Canodro I: 24 pieces

    33. Q Power 2000: 236 pieces

    34. Q J-2000: 20 pieces

    35. Q Power Pro: 20 pieces

    36. Q 3310: 14 pieces

    37. China Cromax: 14 pieces

    38. Q S P2000: 150 pieces

    39. Rivo R-800: 135 pieces

    40. Vigo Tel: 200 pieces

    41. Q Gold Pro: 50 pieces

    42. Voice V-60: 100 pieces

    43. Q-S P2000: 150 pieces

    44. Rivo R-800: 135 pieces

    45. Vigo Tel: 200 pieces

    46. Q Gold Pro: 50 pieces

    47. Voice V-60: 100 pieces

    48. Mobile Phones assorted make and model: 2,592 pieces

    49. Q-Mobile Q-3330: 315 pieces

    50. Q-Mobile CS-3: 155 pieces

    51. Q-Mobile I-Stone X-20: 08 pieces

    52. Q-Mobile K-180: 1220 pieces

    53. Q-Mobile Hero Power: 648 pieces

    54. Q-Mobile E-1000 P: 838 pieces

    55. Q-Mobile E4: 753 pieces

    56. Q-Mobile 4000 PRO: 348 pieces

    57. Q-Mobile LI Classic: 498 pieces

    58. Sony Sov 33: 30 pieces

  • Mobile phones import through legal channels surges by over 100pc on mandatory verification

    Mobile phones import through legal channels surges by over 100pc on mandatory verification

    ISLAMABAD: The import of mobile phones has increased by over 100 percent due to mandatory verification of International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI).

    (more…)
  • Listing of TPL Trakker announced through IPO

    Listing of TPL Trakker announced through IPO

    KARACHI: TPL Corp on Friday formally announced the listing of its subsidiary TPL Trakker Limited at Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) through an Initial Public Offering (IPO).

    In a notice to PSX, the company said that the board of directors of TPL Trakker Limited (TPLT), a wholly owned subsidiary of TPL Corp Limited, had accorded its approval to TPLT for listing at the PSX.

    The board also granted approval to submit its listing applications before the PSX and SECP as per the applicable rules and regulations.

    TPLT will be offering around 115.72 million ordinary shares of the face value of Rs10 each, at a price of Rs12 aggregating up to Rs1.4 billion by way of an IPO at a fixed price in accordance with the Public Regulations, 2017.

    Earlier, TPL Corp Limited (TPL) held a Corporate Briefing on November 18, 2019 to discuss the financial results of FY19 and future outlook of the company.

    In order to further grow in the vehicle and container tracking business, IoT Business as well as expand into markets abroad, TPL Trakker will file for an IPO, aiming to raise PKR 1.4 billion.

    Moreover, the company is in talks with two foreign strategic investment partners for equity injection.

    TPL Group includes TPL Trakker Limited, TPL Insurance, TPL Properties, TPL Life, TPL Maps, TPL Security Services Private and TPL Rupiya.

  • TPL Trakker plans IPO to raise Rs1.4 billion for vehicle, container tracking business growth

    TPL Trakker plans IPO to raise Rs1.4 billion for vehicle, container tracking business growth

    KARACHI: TPL Trakker is planning for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) to raise Rs1.4 billion in order to grow vehicle and container tracking business, analysts said on Tuesday.

    TPLCorp Limited (TPL) held a Corporate Briefing on November 18, 2019 to discuss the financial results of FY19 and future outlook of the company, said analysts at Arifh Habib Limited.

    In order to further grow in the vehicle and container tracking business, IoT Business as well as expand into markets abroad, TPL Trakker will file for an IPO, aiming to raise PKR 1.4 billion.

    Moreover, the company is in talks with two foreign strategic investment partners for equity injection.

    TPL Group includes TPL Trakker Limited, TPL Insurance, TPL Properties, TPL Life, TPL Maps, TPL Security Services Private and TPL Rupiya.

    Despite decline in sale of vehicles, TPL Trakker business reported revenue growth of 7 percent YoY led by Container Tracking and new IoT Business.

    During the year, the company launched four IoT businesses (video telematics, fuel management solution, water management solution and smart warehousing and inventory management) and usage based insurance.

    Moreover, the company is also venturing into software-as-a service platforms, such as Pay-How-You-Drive Insurance and Predicative Maintenance.

    Though, investment in new business initiatives and higher interest rates led to decline in Bottom-line of the business by 63 percent YoY in FY19, the analysts said.

    TPL Maps and TPL Rupiya are now merged with TPL Trakker Limited since these companies will benefit from TPL Trakker’s large customer base along with TPL Trakker benefiting from technical expertise of TPL Maps.

    TPL Maps during the year has developed four new solutions; i) goconnect (location based advertising service), ii) LEAP (solution with respect to demographics, based on location), iii) TPL Maps Service (serving clients such as Bykea, Ufone, Telenor, Cheetay and Eat Mubarak) and DART (solution related to workforce and supply chain monitoring, currently serving KFC and Dominos).

    Furthermore, TPL Maps Solution will be making its way in Middle East market in 2020, partnering with HERE Technologies.

    In order to further grow in the vehicle and container tracking business, IoT Business as well as expand into markets abroad, TPL Trakker will file for an IPO, aiming to raise PKR 1.4bn.

    Moreover, the company is in talks with two foreign strategic investment partners for equity injection.

    TPL Insurance has entered into the company’s first livestock insurance covering 2000 cattle’s in Thar District.

    Furthermore, Afghan Transit Trade Guarantee was also initiated in July 2019. Other than this, TPL has also entered into partnerships with nine companies in Pakistan.

    The company has also launched a mobile app which can instantly start insurance plans without many formalities and documentations.

    In the TPL Properties Business, the revenue has climbed up by 8 percent YoY in FY19, on account of growth in rental income.

    Furthermore, the company has ventured into providing real estate development services to corporates.

    However, due to cessation of commercialization in Karachi land acquisition of Project Alpha has been delayed.

    Whereas, for Project Beta a new real estate commercial land is being acquired, which will be used for mixed purposes such as Hotels and offices.

    Furthermore, One Hoshang Project, which will be a residential apartment tower and showroom, is slated to be completed in 2023.

    Moreover, the company is underway to enter into REIT management business. With this, Centre point building will be included in REIT Scheme. Along with this the company also plans to setup Logistics Park.

    In TPL Life Business, the topline has seen 31% YoY in FY19, amid time based life insurance via mobile. The company offers usage based life insurance for individuals through mobile app.

    Also TPL Sahulat, health solution via mobile app, is also successful. The app offers doctors at home, delivery of medicines at home, lab tests at home and settlement of claims. Furthermore, in order to target low income earners the company offers Life Insurance through scratch cards, available at as low as Rs375. For the purpose of growth, the company seeks funding of PKR 400-500 million.

    The company is currently working on developing a social and corporate messaging platform (Tello Talk) which will enable the users to transfer payments and manage transactions with businesses.

    Furthermore, its rider service app will provide a delivery platform to e-tailers (online retailers).

    Overall, consolidated profit after tax of TPL Corp plummeted by 74 percent YoY, settling at Rs172 million in FY19 against PKR 670 million in the FY18.

    This massive decline is attributable to Pak Rupee devaluation against USD, and interest rate hikes.

  • Hafeez Shaikh calls for early resolution of pending issues between PTCL, Etisalat

    Hafeez Shaikh calls for early resolution of pending issues between PTCL, Etisalat

    ISLAMABAD: Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue on Thursday directed early resolution of pending issues between PTCL and Etisalat.

    Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh has called for an early resolution of all outstanding issues regarding the PTCL privatisation with Etisalat and asked the stakeholders to finalise proposals on the subject within the next couple of weeks.

    He made this statement while chairing an Inter-Ministerial Committee constituted by the Prime Minister to discuss and resolve the issues related to the PTCL’s Privatisation.

    Minister for Privatisation Muhammad Mian Soomro, Minister for Information Technology Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Secretary Finance, Secretary Privatisation, Secretary Information Technology and Telecommunication and other senior officials were also present.

    During the meeting, the adviser was given a detailed briefing on the issues concerning the transfer of properties to Etisalat and the pending payments still to be made by Etisalat.

    The adviser called for greater efforts to resolve the outstanding issues in a smooth and amicable manner and asked the government team to contact the senior management of Etisalat to listen to their viewpoint and decide the unresolved issues at the earliest as any further delay was not in the interest of both the parties.

  • Mobile phone imports sharply increase by 86 percent to Rs61 billion in four months

    Mobile phone imports sharply increase by 86 percent to Rs61 billion in four months

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan – the country endeavoring to reduce import bill to control external sector challenges – has imported mobile phones amounting Rs61 billion, during first four months (July – October) 2019/2020 which is 86 percent higher than corresponding period of last fiscal year.

    The mobile phone import was Rs61 billion during first four months of current fiscal year as compared with Rs32.7 billion in the corresponding months of the last fiscal year, Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) said on Tuesday.

    The unprecedented growth in mobile phone can be attributed to significant decline in rupee value during the last year.

    However, in dollar terms the import remained higher by 49 percent. The country spends $388 million on import of mobile phones during July – October 2019/2020 as compared with $260.41 million in the corresponding period of the last fiscal year.

    Sources in Pakistan Customs said that the phenomenal increase in mobile phones was due to anti-smuggling measures taken by the government.

    They said that now a mobile phone would have active network only when it was verified through a system introduced by Pakistan Telecom Authority (PTA).

    The sources said that mobile devices are required to verify their IMEI through phone registration system of the PTA otherwise such phones would not have connections of existing cellular networks in the country.

    The source said that in the past a huge number of mobile phones were brought in the country without paying duty and taxes. But now those mobile that were not offered for registration would not be activated.

    The import of mobile phone witnessed even sharp increase in October 2019 to $118.65 million as compared with $61.19 million in the same month of the last year. Similarly, in terms of rupee the import registered 132 percent to Rs18.5 billion in October 2019 as compared with Rs7.98 billion in the same month of the last year.

  • Committee directs PTA to take harsh measures against hate speech on social media

    Committee directs PTA to take harsh measures against hate speech on social media

    ISLAMABAD: The Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat on Wednesday directed Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to take harsh measures against hate speech and religious intolerance on social media.

    The Committee met under the chairmanship of Syed Amin-ul-Haque, MNA in Parliament House and directed PTA to assert its regulatory role on telecommunication sector for improvement in service delivery and coverage in far flung areas.

    The Committee also directed PTA to take stringent measures to address the menace of hate speech and religious intolerance on social media.

    The Committee was given a comprehensive briefing about the regulatory mechanism of PTA and its future initiatives.

    The Chairman PTA apprised the Committee that PTA was actively pursuing its role as regulator on the telecommunication sector.

    He informed that PTA had ensured service delivery in accordance with the terms and conditions specified in the telecommunication licenses, modernization of services, regulate competition between telecom operators besides protecting consumers’ interests.

    Responding to a query of a Member, the Chairman PTA apprised that the Authority also ensures effective compliance of telecom services in far-flung areas by operators through Universal Support Fund (USF).

    He assured that PTA would take up the provision of telecom services through USF in Baluchistan and erstwhile FATA Districts.

    The Chairman PTA further informed that installation of Mobile Towers especially in the residential areas was allowed after a stringent process of verification and compliant to universal health and safety standards.

    The Committee appreciated the performance of PTA, however, directed to take appropriate measures against fraudulent element defrauding people of their money through mobile networks, obscenity, spreading hate speech, sectarianism and religious intolerance.

    He informed that investment conducive environment created by government had resulted in 70 percent rise in mobile devices assembly which would ultimately result in their manufacturing in Pakistan.

    The Committee while reviewing compliance of Committee’s earlier directives/recommendations appreciated the timely response by the Establishment Division.

    The Committee recommended for developing Standard Operation Procedure for disposal of cases of deputation in Federal Government Department under wedlock policy.

    The Committee directed Federal Public Service Commission to conclude inquiry into the alleged unauthorized amendment in FPSC rules within six weeks.

    The meeting was attended by Ali Muhammad Khan, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs MNAs; Ali Nawaz Awan, Aamir Talal Gopang, Muhammad Aslam Khan, Ms. Uzma Riaz, Mir Ghulam Ali Talpur, Mohsin Dawar, Additional Secretary, Establishment, Chairman PTA, Secretary Federal Public Service Commission and Senior Officers of the concerned departments.