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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.

  • Air Link signs deal for distribution of realme smartphones

    Air Link signs deal for distribution of realme smartphones

    KARACHI: Air Link Communications on Tuesday said it has signed an agreement for the distribution of realme smartphones, which is world’s number one fastest-growing brand.

    In a communication sent to Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), the company said it had entered into a distribution agreement of a full range of realme mobile devices and accessories, IoT products, TVs in Pakistan with Extra Tech (Private Limited).

    The company said that realme is the World No. 1 fastest-growing smartphones brand for five consecutive quarters.

    “realme is also the world’s fastest smartphone brand to reach 100 million smartphones sales cumulatively worldwide,” the company added.

    Air Link Communication Ltd. is one of the largest smartphones distributors, manufacturers and retailers in Pakistan with over a decade-long brilliance in the telecom industry.

    “We have a nationwide network linked with over 16+ hubs and Regional offices, 1100 + wholesalers and 4,000+ retailers with after-sales support service centres in all major cities of Pakistan,” according to the company.

    The company is the official partner of leading global brands that include Samsung, Huawei, Tecno, TCL, Alcatel, iTel and is Apple Authorised Reseller.

    Airlink recognizes the importance of access to technology for a better, more digitally literate Pakistan. Therefore, the company has worked towards the provision of affordable technology to every household of this country.

    The vertical and backward Integration of the business supports airlink’s vision of putting Pakistan on the global technological map by synchronizing its business functions for bringing innovation for the betterment of its consumers.

    Keeping in line with the company’s vision, we established a state-of-the-art smartphone manufacturing facility which is going to produce top-notch products that will enable us to take technology to every nook and corner of the country.

  • Ericsson Pakistan, IT ministry discuss digital Pakistan

    Ericsson Pakistan, IT ministry discuss digital Pakistan

    KARACHI: Ericsson Pakistan and the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications held a meeting held this week to discuss digitalization, skill development, and training for engineers in line with the vision of Digital Pakistan.

    READ MORE: Aamir appointed Ericsson Pakistan country manager

    Ericsson Pakistan showed keen interest to deploy advanced networks as well as scaling up the Near Shore Centre to create job opportunities for engineers in Pakistan.

    Syed Amin Ul Haque, Federal Minister for IT and Telecom, Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications, says: “Strong measures are underway for connectivity in urban and rural areas of the country. Pakistan is the mega-market of technology and there is great potential in our youth. We are committed to supporting Ericsson Pakistan in achieving the digital objectives as per the vision of Digital Pakistan.“

    READ MORE: Ericsson strengthens network services portfolio

    Ekow Nelson, Chairperson of Ericsson Pakistan at Ericsson Middle East and Africa, says: “Ericsson is committed to expansion and diversification to bring investment and the best technology to Pakistan in line with the vision of Digital Pakistan. The successful meeting with the Ministry is promising and we are looking forward to the future of technological advancement in the country.” 

    READ MORE: Google Cloud, Ericsson to jointly develop 5G, edge cloud solutions

    Present at the meeting, Secretary of IT & Telecom discussed the regulatory and financial business models and policies for ease of conducting business. Also present at the meeting was Member Telecom who briefed about the investment areas of technological advancement and the telecoms ecosystem in Pakistan.

  • State Bank launches easy mobile phone account

    State Bank launches easy mobile phone account

    KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Sunday said it is launching a new initiative of Asaan (easy) Mobile Account (AMA) on Monday, December 13, 2021.

    The central bank in a statement said that the initiative was developed under the National Financial Inclusion Strategy with the objective to bring further ease in remote account opening under branchless banking.

    This means that the customers would be able to open and operate their accounts in the comfort of their homes, without having to visit the branches, with any of the participating branchless banking providers.

    The solution has been developed through a collaboration of SBP, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), 13 Branchless Banking (BB) Providers, all Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs) and Virtual Remittance Gateway (VRG). ForAMA, the branchless banking providers and cellular mobile operators are collaborating to deliver an interoperable platform, allowing any Pakistani to open account with a bank.

    AMA will play a crucial role in reaching out to the low-income segments that do not have access to internet. Moreover, AMA will be a perfect conduit to onboard women customer segments as well.

    SBP directs biometric verification of branchless banking accounts by March 31
  • Facebook launches flagship ‘Rise’ in Pakistan

    Facebook launches flagship ‘Rise’ in Pakistan

    KARACHI: Facebook on Wednesday launched its flagship skill development program ‘Rise’ in Pakistan to help advertising agencies and marketing professionals develop new and contemporary skills for professional success and fulfillment.

    Initially launched in Brazil in 2020, Rise has now grown to 18 countries across 4 continents to supplement global efforts for economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic by empowering and up-skilling the advertising communities across these markets.

    ‘Rise’ was launched in Pakistan in an online ceremony led by Jordi Fornies, Director for Emerging Markets at Meta (formerly Facebook), with representatives from Pakistan’s advertising community, industry leaders, Facebook’s Authorized Sales Partner (ASP), students and faculty of leading universities, bloggers, and influencers in attendance.

    Speaking at the launch, Reseller Partner Manager – Meta, Ali Khurshid Ahmed said, “Rise is created to help the advertising community in Pakistan to continue their journey of personal growth and professional development by developing new skills, hone old ones, or even completely pivot their careers.

    He said, Rise was designed to suit the needs of all levels of experience and the program is about celebrating the resilience of the members of the advertising community, besides providing them the spark to learn, grow and thrive in their personal as well as professional lives.”

    The program will span over 2 months, where the participants will have access to free online content and development sessions, including free Blueprint training and certifications under mentorship of Meta experts.  In addition, they will be able to develop necessary soft skills and have the opportunity to interact with successful entrepreneurs and industry leaders to receive inspiration and guidance for success.

    A number of leading universities, industry experts, bloggers and digital influencers have endorsed the program as a valuable opportunity for advertising and marketing industry professionals for career development.

    The program will especially benefit those who faced difficulties with regards to employment during the pandemic. Once skilled and motivated for success, they can re-enter the market with enhanced prospects for employability and career development.  Rise is equally beneficial for new entrants as well as the more experienced professionals who want to refresh their knowledge and skill to stay relevant in the market.

    Facebook changes name to Meta
  • 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