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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.

  • Pakistani fintech enables individuals to donate flood victims

    Pakistani fintech enables individuals to donate flood victims

    KARACHI: ABHI, a Pakistani fintech company, along with its clients, employees, users, and investors is channeling donations using its robust platform to support the bigger cause by partnering up with leading NGOs like JDC, Al-Khidmat, and Saylani who are at the forefront and are actively providing relief to flood victims on the ground.

    For the first time ever in Pakistan, employed individuals who are ABHI users can empower families that have been affected by floods, by donating from their earned but unpaid salary directly from the mobile app within 30 seconds through ABHI Dost – this feature enables them to transfer the donation money directly to JDC, Al-Khidmat, or Saylani’s bank account.

    In this time of urgent need, ABHI is determined to give its generous support to afflicted families and communities as they struggle to sustain themselves and rebuild their lives. With the help of the gathered donations, our partner NGOs will provide emergency support like shelter, household supplies, and food items to the ones in need.

    ABHI is here to support its fellow Pakistani brothers and sisters in these tough times. Donate, to financially empower people nationwide.

  • NdcTech becomes certified Temenos partner

    NdcTech becomes certified Temenos partner

    NdcTech has announced to become a certified development partner of Temenos. NdcTech is a leading IT consulting company providing digital transformational services for banks and financial institutions across the globe.

    A statement issued on Tuesday said that this accreditation distinguishes NdcTech’s engineering capabilities while carrying out digital transformations.

    The company’s extensive expertise on the Temenos product stack and in-depth knowledge of modern frameworks and development methodologies demonstrate its proficiency and skills.

    This certification enables NdcTech to deploy modern technology best practices and development frameworks that are accredited by Temenos to build effective enterprise software development processes and solutions.

    Through this certification, NdcTech will carry out customizations for bank-specific and country-specific regulatory requirements on top of Temenos open platform for composable banking.

    The company will now be able to develop solutions for banks and financial institutions keeping in view regulatory requirements and evolving customer demands.

    On this achievement, Ammara Masood, CEO & President of NdcTech said: “We are delighted to be certified by Temenos as a Development Partner. This certification will allow us to rapidly build innovative and country-specific solutions on the Temenos platform, paving the way for building banks of the future.”

    It is pertinent to mention here that NdcTech is a certified and award-winning partner of Temenos and has successfully transformed the Core and Digital banking platforms of more than 110 Banks across the globe.

  • Gang busted engaged in illegal SIMs activation

    Gang busted engaged in illegal SIMs activation

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in collaboration with Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) carried out a successful raid at three different locations in Peshawar against illegal activation of SIMs on Afghan passports, tampering in Afghan passports an issuance of SIMs on fake visas.

    During the raid, a total of 10 suspects were arrested whereas copies of 450 Afghan Passports, 3 Laptops, 4 PCs and 15 mobile phones were recovered.

    The raid shows PTA’s commitment and persistent efforts in curbing the menace of illegal issuance of SIMs.

  • Submarine cable connects Pakistan to France: PTA

    Submarine cable connects Pakistan to France: PTA

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Tuesday said submarine cable infrastructure has been completed for connectivity from Pakistan to France.

    Pakistan & East Africa Connecting Europe (PEACE) Cable International Network Co. Ltd has completed the construction of a submarine cable infrastructure, providing connectivity from Karachi to Marseille, France.

    READ MORE: Cellular mobile operators provide free calls in Pakistan

    The Pakistan-Egypt segment connects Karachi and Zafarana, Egypt total length of which is 5,800 KM. The connectivity from Pakistan to France is now fully completed and ready for service.

    This was informed by the management of PEACE Cable whose officials held online and in person meeting with Chairman PTA, Maj. Gen. Amir Azeem Bajwa (R) at PTA Headquarters.

    READ MORE: Flash floods affect internet services in Pakistan

    The delegation comprised of Peace Management COO, Sun Xiaohua, Peace Management Director Zhang Donghai, Commercial Director Chirs Zhang, (Online) and Peace Cable, Country Manager Pakistan, Shoaib Ashfaq Qureshi, (In Person).

    The delegation expressed its interest for investment opportunities in Pakistan and discussed future plans for development of innovative digital & technology solutions to accelerate progress towards Digitally Connected Pakistan.

    READ MORE: Floods affect telecom services: PTA

    PEACE cable is a 15,000 km submarine cable from Pakistan to France, extended from Pakistan to Singapore for an additional 6,500km, with main trunk landing in Singapore, Pakistan, Kenya, Egypt and France and branches to the Maldives, Malta, Cyprus, etc.

    This submarine cable adds an ultra-fast, high capacity, low latency and redundant connectivity to Pakistan’s international connectivity.

    READ MORE: Norwegian envoy calls on PTA Chairman

  • Xiaomi donates $0.1 million for Pakistan flood victims

    Xiaomi donates $0.1 million for Pakistan flood victims

    PAKISTAN: Xiaomi Foundation has donated $0.1 million to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency for flood victims in Pakisan.

    Since June, Pakistan’s landscape has been altered by torrential rain, which has submerged approximately one-third of the country under water, taken the lives of thousands, and forced millions to flee their homes.

    Forbes China recognizes Xiaomi for ESG practices

    According to the National Disaster Management Authority, more than 33,046,329 individuals have been displaced, and over 1,051,570 houses are damaged because of these devastating floods.

    UNHCR is on the ground already distributing life-saving support to affected communities, including many of the 1.3 million Afghan refugees who have been generously hosted in Pakistan for over 40 years. In the worst hit areas of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.

    READ MORE: Xiaomi declares increase in revenue to RMB 70.2 billion

    UNHCR has already provided refugee villages as well as host communities with more than 71,000 emergency relief items, including tents, plastic tarpaulins, sanitary products, cooking stoves, blankets, solar lamps and sleeping mats. In addition, UNHCR delivered 10,000 sandbags to help households build up defenses around their homes.

    State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has issued a list of IBAN (International Bank Account Number) of Prime Minister Flood Relief Fund 2022 maintained by commercial banks.

    READ MORE: SBP opens account for Balochistan Flood Relief, Rehabilitation Fund

    Following is the list of banks and IBAN:

    01. Allied Bank Limited (ABL), Title of Account # Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund Account, 2022, IBAN PK58ABPA001009849790015

    02. Albaraka Bank, Title of Account # Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund Account, 2022, IBAN PK11AIIN0000150583517016

    03. Askari Bank Limited, Title of Account # Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund 2022, IBAN PK82ASCM0000020100579916

    04. Bank Alfalah Limited, Title of Account # Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund Account-2022, IBAN PK60ALFH0005001007990397

    05. Bank Al Habib Limited, Title of Account # Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund 2022, IBAN PK32BAHL1001186690500301

    06. Bank Islami Pakistan Limited, Title of Account # PRIME MINISTER’S FLOOD RELIEF FUND ACCOUNT, 2022, IBAN PK02BKIP0100339720620001

    07. Bank of China, Title of Account # Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund 2022, IBAN PK37BKCH0100002600005375

    08. Bank of Khyber, Title of Account # Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund 2022, IBAN PK66KHYB0001002008277365

    09. Bank of Punjab, Title of Account # Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund 2022, IBAN PK52BPUN6010000181500176

    10. Citi Bank, Title of Account PRIME MINISTER’S FLOOD RELIEF FUND, IBAN PK28CITI1000000103660009

    READ MORE: SBP issues instructions to banks for flood relief donation awareness

    11. Dubai Islamic Bank Limited, Title of Account # PRIME MINISTER FLOOD RELIEF FUND 2022, IBAN PK22DUIB0000000807647001

    12. Faysal Bank Limited, Title of Account # Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund 2022, IBAN PK97FAYS3554Z17000001562

    13. FINCA Microfinance Bank, Title of Account # PRIME MINISTERS FLOODRELIEF FUND, 2022, IBAN PK25FINC0223183643011000

    14. Habib Metro Bank, Title of Account # PRIME MINISTERS FLOODRELIEF FUND, 2022, IBAN PK58MPBL0101027140665909

    15. Habib Bank Limited, Title of Account # PM’s Flood Relief Fund Account, 2022, IBAN PK43HABB000042792244003

    16 Habib Bank Limited Microfinance Bank, Title of Account # PRIME MINISTERS FLOODRELIEF FUND, 2022, IBAN PK62FMFB0021012862868015

    17. ICBC, Title of Account # Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund 2022, IBAN PK76ICBK0010000000239638

    18. JS Bank, Title of Account # PRIME MINISTER’S FLOOD ACCOUNT 2022, IBAN PK56JSBL9001000002029796

    19. Khushhali Microfinance Bank, Title of Account # Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund 2022, IBAN PK85khbl0000012075443288

    20 MCB, Title of Account # Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund Account, 2022, IBAN PK13MUCB0729483241037873

    READ MORE: Tax exemption granted to donations for PM flood relief fund

    21. MCB Islamic Bank, Title of Account # Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund Account, 2022, IBAN PK58MCIB0351004196150001

    22. Meezan Bank Limited, Title of Account Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund Account, IBAN PK39MEZN0001540107020124

    23. National Bank of Pakistan, Title of Account # Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund 2022, IBAN PK92NBPA0002004181048973

    24. NRSP Microfinance Bank, Title of Account # Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund Account, 2022, IBAN PK60NRSP0000020010002760

    25. Samba Bank, Title of Account # PRIME MINISTER’S FLOOD RELIEF FUND, 2022, IBAN PK83SAMB0000002000117199

    26. Silk Bank, Title of Account # Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund Account, 2022, IBAN PK68SAUD0000012010847043

    27. Sindh Bank, Title of Account # PRIME MINISTER’S FLOOD RELIEF FUND ACCOUNT,2022, IBAN PK21SIND0003016411713500

    28. SME Bank, Title of Account # PRIME MINISTER’s RELIEF FUND, 2022, IBAN PK16SMES1001000664000001

    29. Soneri Bank, Title of Account # Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund Account, 2022, IBAN PK81SONE0000220010110875

    30. Standard Chartered Bank, Title of Account Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund 2022, IBAN PK75SCBL0000001701259101

    31. Summit Bank, Title of Account # PRIME MINISTERS FLOOD RELIEF FUND ACCOUNT -2022, IBAN PK57SUMB0201027140181164

    32. U Microfinance Bank, Title of Account # Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund Account, 2022, IBAN PK26UMBL0107000093500096

    33. United Bank Limited, Title of Account # Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund 2022, IBAN PK86UNIL0109000286613095

  • Tax rates on mobile phone, internet users during 2022-2023

    Tax rates on mobile phone, internet users during 2022-2023

    KARACHI: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued amended income tax law to notify the tax rates on users of mobile phones and internet during 2022-2023.

    FBR issued Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 updated up to June 30, 2022 incorporating changes made through the Finance Act, 2022.

    READ MORE: FBR launches campaign to ensure return filing by due date

    The revenue body collects these taxes under Section 236 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.

    Under this section, in the case of telephone subscriber (other than mobile phone subscriber) where the amount of monthly bill exceeds Rs1,000, then the tax rate shall be 10 per cent of the exceeding amount of bill.

    Similarly, in the case of subscriber of internet, mobile telephone and pre-paid internet or telephone card, the tax rate shall be 15 per cent of the amount of bill or sales price of internet pre-paid card or pre-paid telephone card or sale of units through any electronic medium or whatever form.

    READ MORE: FBR promotes 56 Inland Revenue Officers to BS-17

    According to the Section 236: Telephone and internet users.- (1) Advance tax at the rates specified in Division V Part IV of the First Schedule shall be collected on the amount of –

    (a) telephone bill of a subscriber;

    (b) prepaid cards for telephones;

    (c) sale of units through any electronic medium or whatever form; and

    (d) internet bill of a subscriber; and

    (e) prepaid cards for internet.

    (2) The person preparing the telephone or internet bill shall charge advance tax under sub-section (1) in the manner telephone or internet charges are charged.

    READ MORE: FBR transfers six IRS officers of BS-19-20

    (3) The person issuing or selling prepaid cards for telephones or internet shall collect advance tax under sub-section (1) from the purchasers at the time of issuance or sale of cards.

    (3A) The person issuing or selling units through any electronic medium or whatever form shall collect advance tax under sub-section (1) from the purchaser at the time of issuance of sale of units.

    (4) Advance tax under this section shall not be collected from Government, a foreign diplomat, a diplomatic mission in Pakistan, or a person who produces a certificate from the Commissioner that his income during the tax year is exempt from tax.

    READ MORE: FBR issues paper return form for tax year 2022

  • Cellular mobile operators provide free calls in Pakistan

    Cellular mobile operators provide free calls in Pakistan

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) directed cellular mobile operators to provide free on-net voice calls to their subscribers in flood hit areas.

    In a statement, the PTA said cellular mobile operators will provide free on-net voice calls to all their subscribers in flood affected areas with Zero / Nil balance.

    According to the PTA, there will be no call setup charges applicable on call connection and customers having no balance will be able to make on-net calls.

    PTA is continuously monitoring the communication channels in the affected areas, ensuring connectivity and providing updates, where necessary.

    READ MORE: SBP issues IBAN list for donations to PM flood relief fund

    Furthermore, the PTA has allocated a short code of 9999 to enable mobile phone subscribers to donate to Prime Minister Flood Relief Fund 2022. Users can donate Rs10 by typing ‘fund’ in SMS option and sending to 9999.

    The PTA in another statement said that due to flash floods, damage to optical fiber cable and power outage, connectivity services have been impacted in Chitral, Upper Dir, Donbala, Swat, Medan, Lal Qila Samarbaghidar, Tank and Dera Ismail Khan.

    In comply with the directives of PTA, Telenor has announced free calls to people in flood affected areas.

    The company said that it had allowed free Telenor to Telenor calls to victims of flood hit areas. The company said that it stand with the people of such areas in these difficult times.

    Another leading mobile phone operator i.e. Jazz announced to facilitate with free calls to people of flood hit areas. In this regard, the company provided free minutes to Jazz to Jazz and Jazz to PTCL to support relief activities in the areas.

    The company further said that subscribers in Balochistan can make calls without having balance for one tonight. Furthermore, it announced to start this free calls services soon in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

  • Flash floods affect internet services in Pakistan

    Flash floods affect internet services in Pakistan

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Saturday announced a major breakdown of internet connectivity in the areas affected by flash floods.

    READ MORE: Floods affect telecom services: PTA

    The authority said that due to flash floods, damage to optical fibre cable and power outage, connectivity services have been impacted in Chitral, Upper Dir, Donbala, Swat, Medan, Lal Qila Samarbaghdir, Tank and Dera Ismail Khan.

    READ MORE: Norwegian envoy calls on PTA Chairman

    PTA is monitoring the situation closely. Work is underway to fully restore services.

    Telecom services were affected yesterday due to multiple fiber cuts in Central and Northern Balochistan but they have been restored.

    READ MORE: FBR, PTA introduce temporary registration of cell phones

  • Sony hikes PlayStation 5 prices on high inflation

    Sony hikes PlayStation 5 prices on high inflation

    JAPAN: Sony Interactive Entertainment has decided to increase prices of PlayStation 5 due to global economic environment and high inflation rates.

    The company on Thursday August 25, 2022 made this difficult decision to increase the recommended retail price (RRP) of PlayStation 5 in select markets across Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), Asia-Pacific (APAC), Latin America (LATAM), as well as Canada. However, the prices will remain same as previous in the market of the United States.

    The new RRPs below are effective immediately unless otherwise noted.

    Europe

    • PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – €549.99

    • PS5 Digital Edition – €449.99

    United Kingdom

    • PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – £479.99

    • PS5 Digital Edition – £389.99

    Japan (effective Sept. 15, 2022)

    • PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – ¥60,478 yen (including tax)

    • PS5 Digital Edition – ¥49,478 yen (including tax)

    China

    • PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – ¥4,299 yuan

    • PS5 Digital Edition – ¥3,499 yuan

    Australia

    • PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – AUD $799.95

    • PS5 Digital Edition – AUD $649.95

    Mexico

    • PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – MXN $14,999

    • PS5 Digital Edition – MXN $12,499

    Canada

    • PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – CAD $649.99

    • PS5 Digital Edition – CAD $519.99

  • Forbes China recognizes Xiaomi for ESG practices

    Forbes China recognizes Xiaomi for ESG practices

    BEIJING: Forbes China on Thursday named Xiaomi Corporation to its “China ESG 50” list for 2022.

    Forbes China launched its China ESG 50 report to recognize companies that adhere to best practices in environmental, social and governance (ESG).

    “We are honored to receive recognition for our ESG practices,” said Wang Xiang, Partner and President of Xiaomi Group.

    READ MORE: Xiaomi declares increase in revenue to RMB 70.2 billion

    He further said “As a top-three global smartphone company and a leading consumer AIoT platform, Xiaomi is fully committed to leveraging its scale and efficiency to create a sustainable economy for our users, employees, partners and the planet. We look forward to leading by example and continuing to integrate ESG practices into our products, services, governance structure, and operations.”

    Forbes China’s selection criteria for the ESG 50 are based on the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Companies named to the list are also on Forbes Global 2000 list.

    Xiaomi views ESG management as fundamental to its corporate strategy. It has published an annual ESG Report since 2018 and has joined the UN Global Compact and committed to its ten stipulated principles of corporate responsibility since 2020.

    READ MORE: Xiaomi launches ultra-high resolution Pad 5 Pro

    Its achievements in ESG were recognized by the Chamber of Hong Kong Listed Companies in 2021 with the “Award of Excellence in ESG”.

    Xiaomi has reduced resource consumption and minimized the environmental impacts of its products by leveraging technology advancement and optimizing production processes. As shown in the graph below, environmental impacts are minimized throughout the life cycle of Xiaomi products.

    Examples of ways Xiaomi reduced its environmental impacts include the following. The Xiaomi 12 series smartphone features a rear cover made of BASF Haptex®, a low-carbon non-solvent polyurethane (PU) material that consumes 20 percent less energy, emits 20 percent less greenhouse gases, and uses 15 percent less water compared to synthetic leather.

    READ MORE: Xiaomi unveils CyberOne – first ever humanoid robot

    Lightweight pallets used for shipping smartphones abroad annually save up to 460 metric tons of aviation fuel or 1,423 metric tons of CO2e. Xiaomi also recycled more than 650 thousand smartphones in 2021, 80 percent to 90 percent of which were resold.

    When it comes to the social factor in ESG, Xiaomi has built a comprehensive governance structure to protect data security and user privacy. Xiaomi created its Security and Privacy Committee in 2014. Xiaomi adopted the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of European Union compliance assessment in 2018. It continues to submit to external expert scrutiny of its data protection and user privacy practices.

    READ MORE: Xiaomi launches ultra slim MIX Fold 2 smartphone

    Last year, Xiaomi published its first transparency report, making it the first Android smartphone brand to do so. Xiaomi this year obtained the certificate of registration of NIST CSF (National Institute of Standards and Technology, Cybersecurity Framework), further strengthening its data security protection capabilities.