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Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir) 

Telenor Microfinance Bank (TMB), operator of Pakistan’s leading digital financial services platform easypaisa has been awarded the prestigious ISO/IEC 27001:2022 by Risk Associates, a leading certification body accredited by UKAS.

The certification marks a significant milestone in the bank’s commitment to data security excellence. Key stakeholders from both organizations attended, including Aziz A. Rahim, Chief Operating Officer, and Hashim Mufti, Head of Business Development & Strategy from Risk Associates. TMB/easypaisa was represented by Muhammad Rizwan Ikram, Chief Risk Officer; Mustapha Salim Lotia, Head of Information Security; and Muhammad Ali, Head of App & Infra Security.

ISO/IEC 27001:2022 is an internationally recognized standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS), outlining best practices for identifying, assessing, and mitigating information security risks. By implementing and maintaining robust ISMS, TMB has successfully showcased its ability to effectively identify, assess, and mitigate information security risks, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive data.

During the ceremony, Aziz A. Rahim, Chief Operating Officer, Risk Associates presented the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification to Muhammad Rizwan Ikram, Chief Risk Officer, and Mustapha Salim Lotia, Head of Information Security, TMB/easypaisa.  In recognition of their contributions, certificates, and shields were also presented to the core team members

Congratulating the team on receiving the prestigious certification, Kashif Ahmed, Acting President & CEO TMB/eayspaisa, commented,  “Receiving the prestigious ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification is a testament to our robust risk management protocols and reaffirms our commitment to maintaining standards of excellence in data security. As we transition towards a full-fledged Digital Retail Bank, pending regulatory approvals, the certification represents an important milestone that underscores our high standards of excellence in information security.”

“We congratulate Telenor Microfinance Bank on this significant achievement, setting a new benchmark for data security in Pakistan,” commented, Aziz A. Rahim – Chief Operating Officer, Risk Associates, “This certification reflects TMB’s proactive approach to information security and its continuous efforts to uphold the highest standards of data protection.”

This certification strengthens TMB’s position as a reliable financial institution committed to maintaining the highest standards of data protection.

With over 40 million registered mobile accounts and counting, TMB/easypaisa continues to lead Pakistan’s digital financial services landscape, dedicated to fostering financial inclusion through technological innovation.

Alibaba.com Launches Inaugural KEL Award to Recognize Leading B2B E-commerce Talent

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)  Alibaba.com, a leading platform for global business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce, today announced the inaugural Key E-commerce Leader Award (KEL Award), designed to honor distinguished e-commerce suppliers within the South and Southeast Asia regions.

Launching this week and continuing through November 2024, the KEL Award will see eligible Alibaba.com suppliers from seven countries – India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam – compete in a national round in their respective markets from August to October. The 10 best performers from the national round will take the stage in the finale to be held in Vietnam in November, where the three most outstanding contestants among them will be crowned the winners of the KEL Award.

Contestants are expected to showcase their use of Alibaba.com in developing and expanding their export ventures, along with the strategies they employ to stand out in the global market. Evaluations of the KEL Award will be based on the substance and creativity of their presentations, effectiveness in communication and personal brand portrayal, in-depth understanding of the Alibaba.com platform, and adeptness in fielding questions and articulating plans to impact and inspire others within the e-commerce community.

The competition is open to owners, key personnel and managers of companies selling on Alibaba.com with a minimum rating of two stars and an active presence on the platform for at least six months.

Alibaba.com’s KEL Award aims to bring together top-notch suppliers across the region and foster mutual learning and engagement. It also offers a stage for participants to expand their influence within Alibaba.com’s community of global buyers and suppliers, enhancing their visibility and opening doors to collaborative opportunities.

Contestants will stand a chance to gain access to Alibaba.com’s expert-led training sessions designed to bolster their operational proficiency on the platform as well as develop their soft skills critical to leadership, public speaking and team management.

Outstanding suppliers in the competition will be entitled to exclusive benefits including enhanced product showcase slots and keyword advertising bonuses to boost their products’ exposure on Alibaba.com. The top three contestants will receive the additional award of a sponsored “Dream Trip” to Alibaba.com’s headquarters in Hangzhou, China. All winners from the country round will also be appointed as Alibaba.com lecturers, gaining opportunities to impart their insights and experiences with fellow suppliers from the South and Southeast Asia region.

“The Alibaba.com KEL Award aims to serve as a vital platform for high-caliber small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on our platform to showcase their business acumen and innovation while fostering cross-market collaboration and learning. By spotlighting the success stories of the contestants, we aspire to motivate countless other SMEs engaged in global trade to reach new heights of success on the international stage,” said Mr. Roger Luo, Head of South and Southeast Asia at Alibaba.com.

Registration for the KEL Award is open from now until late July 2024. For registration, please visit: https://survey.alibaba.com/apps/zhiliao/g9Iw8Uien

Saudi expects to welcome 2.7 million visitors from Pakistan this year

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)   Saudi, one of the top international destinations for Pakistani travellers, has eased tourist visa requirements with immediate effect, where applicants can now submit a bank statement showing a minimum monthly credit amount of USD 750 or its equivalent.

Pakistani tourist arrivals to Saudi grew 43% in 2023 compared with the previous year. Saudi is aiming to welcome 2.7 million Pakistani visitors in 2024. To accommodate this growing demand, Saudi is making it easier for Pakistani travellers to obtain the visa prior to travel through one of six Tasheer offices established across Pakistan in Peshawar, Quetta, Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and Multan.

The Tasheer offices offer a convenient and user-friendly experience, including visa application guidance, biometric enrolment, status tracking, and passport delivery. Travellers can schedule an appointment on the Tasheer website prior to their visit.

 In addition, Saudi has introduced the transit visa which is available for travellers arriving in Saudi via Saudia and Flynas, where they can transit and explore Saudi for up to 96 hours. Visa on arrival is available for those travellers who hold a valid and used UK, US or Schengen visa.

In the past year, Saudi introduced the one-year multiple entry visa for Pakistani travellers. This is a specific visa for those coming for personal visits such as attending weddings or functions or visiting friends or family. Holders of this visa can enjoy multiple visits to Saudi within a 12-month period, allowing them to explore the country’s vibrant cities, cultural richness, and natural wonders all year round.

Pakistani travellers with the one year multiple entry visa can also perform Umrah, underscoring Saudi’s commitment to fostering spiritual journeys and cultural exchanges.

 Making it easier to get a visa will encourage more Pakistani travellers to not only visit their friends and family and perform Umra but will also encourage them to explore Saudi; from Riyadh’s vibrant cityscape, Jeddah’s cultural richness, hidden treasures of the Red Sea, to the ancient marvels of AlUla. Saudi is a year-round destination with several regions offering a cooler escape in summer while the busy calendar of events through winter is attracting more and more tourists each year.

TECNO and Careem Announce Partnership for Exciting WIN TECNO Campaign MoU Signing Ceremony Held in Karachi.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) TECNO Pakistan, a leading smartphone brand, and Careem, the pioneer of ride hailing in Pakistan, are joining forces for an exciting Raffles Campaign, offering users the chance to win a CAMON 30 smartphone by TECNO. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony recently took place in Karachi.

TECNO Pakistan was represented by Shiekh Mahad Arif, PR Manager TECNO Pakistan, and Pernia Rathore, Marketing Supervisor TECNO Pakistan. Representing Careem Pakistan was Saad Qadeer, Head of Commercial and Special Projects, and Talha Noman, Sr. Commercial Manager.

To participate in the campaign, simply book as many rides as possible on Flexi Ride through the Careem platform using the promo code “WINTECNO.” Each ride booked with this promo code will increase your chances of winning the contest. This exciting opportunity allows users to enjoy convenient transportation while vying for the chance to own one of the latest, cutting-edge smartphones from TECNO.

The excitement doesn’t stop there. In addition to the primary campaign, there is another thrilling contest designed specifically for Careem Captains. Participants who take the highest number of Flexi Rides during the campaign period will also have the chance to enter the lucky draw and win exciting gifts. This collaborative campaign not only rewards customers but also incentivizes Captains to actively participate and be a part of this contest.

Imran Saleem, General Manager Ride Hailing at Careem Pakistan stated: “We are super thrilled to partner with TECNO Pakistan to bring this raffle to our mutual customer base. At Careem, we are adamant on providing exceptional service as well as value to all our customers and Captains. We are always looking for such partnerships that enhance the overall experience of taking a ride with Careem. Similarly, it will also give our Captains a chance to win exciting prizes that will enhance their everyday journey with Careem.”

The campaign will commence on July 1st and run through July 21st. During this period, there will be opportunities for both Careem customers and captains participating in the campaign to win a brand new CAMON 30.  Winners will be chosen through a lucky draw. This initiative aims to engage and reward participants throughout the campaign duration, offering multiple chances to win these smartphones.

“Having Careem as our partner in this exciting campaign is definitely going to be an amazing experience! Together, we are giving our customers a fantastic chance to win the popular CAMON 30 Smartphone just by using a promo code. At TECNO, we love coming up with exciting gifts, promotions, and high-quality products. I hope that in the future, we will continue our strategic relationship with Careem and come up with more collaborations”, says Shiekh Mahad Arif  .

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)  The Aga Khan University Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED), in collaboration with the U.S. Consulate in Peshawar, honoured its Climate Action Fellows and showcased their groundbreaking action plans at an event in Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).  The top 10 plans will receive funding for implementation, a significant step towards creating a more sustainable and resilient future. This marks a significant milestone in the “Raise Awareness and Inspire Action on Environmental Protection” project.

KP is inhabited by 30 million people and is categorized by hot summers and mild winters in the southern part and extreme cold climate in the northern part. Climate change has intensified extreme events like forest fires, water scarcity, sanitation issues, and urban flooding in the province. Furthermore, the rapid melting of ice and snow caps, along with erratic weather events, is severely impacting agriculture and livelihoods.

The project, running from September 2023 to October 2024, aims to equip educators in KP with the knowledge and skills necessary to nurture a culture of environmental stewardship. Through scholarship and inquiry-based learning, teachers are implementing action projects within their schools and communities, encouraging hands-on approaches to environmental education.

“When I envisioned a long-term action fellowship for the climate crisis through the training of teachers, I had little knowledge of the degree of awareness teachers held,” said Dr Fozia Parveen, Assistant Professor and Project Lead at AKU-IED. “Their motivation, reflected in their willingness to participate in a non-stipendiary fellowship, their action plans, and their commitment to implementing these action plans, has also motivated me to do more work in the future. I hope that we can all bring about the much-needed systemic change required for a sustainable planet through collective action.”

The fellowship received an overwhelming response with 500 applications, out of which 50 exceptional educators were selected through a rigorous process. The programme commenced with a series of workshops in Chitral and Peshawar, training teachers to lead climate change education and sustainability efforts. These workshops laid the foundation for ongoing mentorship and support as fellows developed and implemented their action plans.

U.S. Consul General Peshawar Shante Moore said the AKU-IED partnership underscores the U.S. commitment to environmental protection and education in KP.   “By empowering teachers, we are fostering a generation of environmentally conscious individuals who will drive positive change in their communities,” he said.  “Through the U.S. Embassy’s Green Alliance initiative, we aim to create a more sustainable future.”

One of the key elements of the project is the engagement of key stakeholders and policymakers in KP to support and promote climate change education. Mr Abdul Akram, Additional Secretary Education, Government of KP, remarked: “Teachers in our country hold the key to unlocking knowledge and a sustainable future. Through climate change education, they can motivate the next generation to act, innovate, and solve pressing environmental issues.”

As the project progresses, AKU-IED remains dedicated to building a network of environmentally conscious educators. Through continuous support and collaborative efforts, this initiative aims to make a lasting impact on environmental protection and climate resilience in KP

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

The Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), has successfully completed the fastest land transfer in its history, closing a transaction worth 6.9 billion PKR for plots Lahore Prime 4 & 5. Taxes deposited for this transfer exceeded 310 million PKR to the government treasury through the Board of Revenue (BOR), marking the largest plot transfer at auction price in Punjab. This significant transfer, involving a 23-kanal plot owned by the Pakistan Corporate Consortium REIT fund, is a milestone for both CBD Punjab and the Pakistan Corporate Consortium (PCC). It represents the first plot to be transferred by CBD Punjab to PCC, with the BOR recording its largest transfer fee on a single purchase for the year 2023-2024. In a groundbreaking move to boost investor confidence and streamline business operations, CBD Punjab has fulfilled its promise of transferring land to investors within record 24 hours of full payment. This achievement underscores CBD Punjab’s dedication to creating an efficient, investor-friendly environment. CBD Punjab has committed to providing a one-window operation for its investors, simplifying processes and ensuring a hassle-free experience. Demonstrating this commitment, CBD Punjab recently completed the transfer of ownership for two amalgamated plots in Lahore Prime CBD Punjab Quaid District to the Pakistan Corporate Consortium (PCC) following their full payment. PCC emerged victorious in the competitive auction for these plots, marking a significant milestone in their investment journey. Commenting on the swift transfer process, CEO CBD Punjab Imran Amin said, “This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to providing our investors with the best possible experience. At CBD Punjab, we believe in creating an environment where investors can thrive and contribute to the economic development of the region. Our one-window operation is designed to make the process as smooth and efficient as possible, and we are proud to see it in action.” With the land transfer completed, the next phase of development is set to commence. CBD Punjab will provide full support in building design and other formalities required for the construction of its first skyscraper. This landmark project is expected to set new standards in urban development and further reinforce CBD Punjab’s position as a premier investment destination.

Raqami Islamic Digital Bank Selects BenchMatrix for the Implementation of RiskNucleus® Anti-Money Laundering Solution.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)  Raqami Islamic Digital Bank, one of the most prominent upcoming Islamic digital banks in Pakistan, has selected BenchMatrix’s proprietary solution, RiskNucleus® as its Anti-Money Laundering (AML) transaction monitoring solution. This selection will empower Raqami to leverage innovative technology and advanced automation for a more intelligent approach to financial crime detection.

The Transaction Monitoring solution by BenchMatrix is a comprehensive and robust platform designed to monitor and detect financial, digital, and non-financial transactions originating from suspicious locations and multiple currencies, while monitoring deviations in behavior, and transactions from new accounts. The solution also offers a streamlined investigation process for faster resolution of alerts and increased efficiency and cost-savings through automation.

On the occasion, Umair Aijaz, CEO Raqami Islamic Digital Bank Ltd. stated, “Raqami’ s foremost mission is to incorporate the Islamic ethos of wellbeing, accuracy and security in its digital operations and products. We have taken a momentous stride by collaborating with BenchMatrix for the best security and confidentiality of all operations and transactions. We hope to lead the market with excellence in all our endeavors in future.”

Javaid Sher Ali, Head of Engineering at Raqami Islamic Digital Bank Ltd. stated, “This partnership between Raqami and BenchMatrix will play a key role in Raqami’s mission to provide seamless and secured digital financial services to its targeted customers. By investing in advanced monitoring tools, digital banks can enhance their security measures, ensure regulatory compliance, and protect both their assets and customers from the growing threat of digital fraud.”

The AML suite comprising modules of Watch-list screening, Transaction monitoring, AML / CFT Risk assessment, and Governance and Reporting Tools, is a robust AML solution that helps banks comply with regulations set by the State Bank of Pakistan and international bodies like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). RiskNucleus® AML helps banks identify and mitigate risks associated with money laundering and terrorist financing. The solution provides real-time transaction monitoring, allowing detection of suspicious activities more efficiently than manual processes. Being a proprietary solution, RiskNucleus® AML can be tailored to the specific needs of a financial institution and the regulatory environment in which it operates.

Taimur Kaleem, CEO BenchMatrix, shared his excitement on RiskNucleus® becoming integral to Raqami’s digital infrastructure, stating: “Pakistan has a developing digital financial sector, and BenchMatrix is focused on making it one of the most dependable and sound systems globally. With the layered security and shields provided by BenchMatrix, we look forward to helping Raqami Bank achieve its goal of providing secure digital financial services to Pakistan’s large population.” 

Together, Raqami and BenchMatrix stay strongly committed to continuously enhance and provide secure and compliant digital banking experience for their customers.