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Risk Associates Certifies Meezan Bank as Pakistan’s First PCI 3DS Standard Compliant Bank.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) Risk Associates, Pakistan’s leading PCI Qualified Security Assessor (QSA), has recently announced Meezan Bank’s certification with the PCI 3DS (Payment Card Industry Three Domain Secure) standard. This milestone positions Meezan Bank, the country’s Premier Islamic bank, as the first in Pakistan to attain such an accreditation.

The certification ceremony was held at Meezan House, Karachi where Mr. Aziz A. Rahim – Chief Operating Officer of Risk Associates presented the PCI 3DS Certificate of Compliance to Mr. Faiz Ur Rehman – Group Head Information Technology, Syed Fahd Azam – CISO & Head Information Security and Syed Iftikhar Ul Haq – Group Head Consumer Finance, from Meezan Bank.

The certification highlights Meezan Bank’s focus on maintaining a secure banking infrastructure that ensures data protection and provides secure transactions for its clientele. Aimed at mitigating online transaction fraud, this accreditation follows a thorough evaluation, ensuring compliance of the Bank’s systems with the PCI 3DS protocol that has been mandated by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council. The 3DS protocol serves as an additional layer of security, that authenticates consumers with their card issuer during online purchases.

Commenting on this achievement, Mr. Kashif Hassan – Managing Director of Risk Associates, applauds Meezan Bank as the first bank in Pakistan to achieve PCI 3DS certification at present. It signifies Meezan Bank’s commitment to implementing robust security measures.

“We are pleased to certify Meezan Bank with the PCI 3DS standard,” said Aziz A. Rahim – Chief Operating Officer at Risk Associates. “This achievement highlights Meezan Bank’s dedication to ensuring the security and integrity of its digital transactions, setting a benchmark for other financial institutions in Pakistan.”

Risk Associates congratulates Meezan Bank on this milestone and remains committed to promoting a secure digital ecosystem in Pakistan through its certification and compliance services.

While speaking at the occasion, Mr. Faiz Ur Rehman – Group Head, Information Technology at Meezan Bank said, “This achievement reflects our ongoing commitment to safeguarding our customers’ financial well-being. As the first bank in the country to achieve PCI 3DS certification, Meezan Bank remains steadfast in providing our customers with the highest standards of security and reliable banking services.”

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

easypaisa, has signed an agreement with IGI Life and IGI General, laying the foundation for digital distribution of various insurance-based products, ensuring provision of ease and convenience to millions of Pakistanis.

The signing ceremony was attended by senior management of Telenor Microfinance Bank (TMB)/easypaisa & IGI General & IGI Life. As part of the collaboration with IGI Life, easypaisa users will be able to avail Vitality Rewards, providing weekly rewards based on customer activity and health status, monitored through the Vitality App connected to their smartwatches, along with natural death cover ranging from PKR 500,000 to PKR 2,000,000.

With IGI General, easypaisa will be launching car and travel insurance products with an end-to-end digital journey on its Miniapps platform, allowing customers to insure their vehicle or obtain travel insurance with one tap. The insurance covers various aspects including accidental death, emergency evacuation, and emergency dental care. For car insurance, easypaisa employees along with their spouses, and easypaisa customers will be able to avail market-competitive and affordable rates.

Remarking on the strategic alliance with IGI Life & IGI General, Kashif Ahmed, Acting President & CEO, TMB/easypaisa stated: “This transformative partnership underscores our unwavering dedication to elevating every facet of the customer journey for our insurance-based product offerings, symbolizing our relentless pursuit of seamless convenience and unparalleled user experience. As we transition toward establishing a digital retail bank pending regulatory approvals, these strategic alliances magnify the significance of our vision to become Pakistan’s leading digital bank, serving the diverse digital financial needs of millions of Pakistanis with ease and convenience.”

Commenting on the collaboration with easypaisa, Ali Nadim CEO, IGI Life Insurance, said “This collaboration will help improve financial inclusion and access to simple and affordable products by enabling a fully digital journey.”

Faisal Khan CEO, IGI General stated, “Traditionally general insurance has had a lengthy enrollment process; with this innovation, we will provide a completely digital onboarding journey for customers that will bring unmatched convenience to our customers.”

With over 40 million registered mobile accounts and counting, easypaisa continues to lead Pakistan’s digital financial services landscape, dedicated to fostering financial inclusion through the power of collaboration and technology.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

TCL, Pakistan’s No.1 LED TV brand, organised a screening event featuring the highly anticipated clash between Arsenal and Manchester United. The event took place at the TCL Experience Lounge, offering football enthusiasts a premium viewing experience like never before.

The TCL Experience Lounge transformed into a vibrant arena where fans could immerse themselves in the excitement of one of English football’s most iconic rivalries. As the regional partner of Arsenal FC, TCL ensured that attendees were guaranteed an unparalleled viewing experience.

“We were excited to bring together football fans for what promised to be an electrifying encounter between Arsenal and Manchester United at our state-of-the-art experience lounge,” said Majid Khan Niazi, Director of Marketing, TCL Middle East and Africa. “At TCL, we were committed to enhancing the way people enjoy entertainment, and this event exemplified our dedication to delivering unforgettable experiences.”

The TCL Experience Lounge provided the perfect setting for fans to come together, connect, and celebrate their passion for football in style. Located at 24 A XX, DHA Phase 3, Lahore, the venue offered a sophisticated and comfortable environment designed to elevate the viewing experience.

Attendance to this exclusive event was limited, so football enthusiasts were encouraged to secure their spot early to avoid missing out on this unforgettable experience.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

With 800 households, Megwarh is a small village near Umerkot Sindh, birth place of the great Mughal Emperor Akbar. Coca-Cola has set up a filtration plant in the village with a maximum capacity of disbursing 1000 liters per hour. The solar-powered pump uses ultrafiltration system to clean water which women of this community earlier fetched from another pump which is five kilometers away.

To ensure sustainability, the new plant has been installed with Solar, GPS system and flowmeters. A team of Coca-Cola Pakistan visited Umerkot, spent a day with the community, and learnt about its rich culture and the challenges it faces with utmost resilience. Megwarh is also the village of Marvi, who rose to fame after she featured in Coke Studio Season’s 15’s song, Aayi Aayi.

Speaking about the experience, Aisha Sarwari, Senior Director Public Affairs said, “By coming to Marvi’s village we are commemorating her love for her land, and her people. But it is not easy to have a folklore without water. Pakistani women struggle with access to clean drinking water nationwide, especially in arid areas. Their children often fall sick to gastrointestinal diseases. This here is us adding a very tiny drop to sustainably solving an ocean of an issue.”

Speaking about the experience of hosting the Coca-Cola team at her village, Chand Kumari, a mother of three said, “My feet used to hurt carrying water-filled pitchers and walking for hours under harsh sun. I am happy that I got to meet the people who have brought this source of clean drinking water closer to our homes.”

At the heart of Coca-Cola’s #WaterForWomen Program lies the belief that when women thrive, communities prosper. So far, the umbrella, Paani Project has served about 17 million to date across 53 plants across the nation.
The team also planted tree saplings around the pump at Megwarh that shall provide shade for women who come to collect water.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

KalPay – the leading Shariah-aligned Buy Now Pay Later fintech service provider in Pakistan has closed an undisclosed early stage round as it hits profitability.

The early-stage investment round was led by Orbit startups and joined by institutional investors like Super Capital VC, Bansea, Sabr Capital, and renowned angel investors like Yaser Alghamdi amongst others. KalPay has strategically positioned itself as a pioneer in the consumer lending industry, offering accessible and shariah-aligned credit to people across Pakistan.

KalPay’s Founder & CEO, Mr. Shershah Hassan, commented “I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our incredible investors and partners. Their belief in our vision is the cornerstone of our success. Because of their support, we have been able to impact thousands of individuals and households across Pakistan.”

KalPay empowers customers to access a wide range of products and services through its innovative Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) service. In addition to facilitating online shopping with merchant partners, KalPay has diversified its offerings with the launch of KalPay Rasayi and KalPay Taleem. These verticals extend BNPL services beyond e-commerce, enabling customers to finance the purchase of productive assets such as smartphones, cover education-related expenses for skill development and academic pursuits, and also finance travel expenses for local and international trips on installments.

KalPay is proud to collaborate with esteemed industry leaders and partners such as Foodpanda, Careem, and Bank Alfalah, and renowned educational institutes like LUMS and UCP. These partnerships further strengthen KalPay’s commitment to providing convenient and accessible BNPL services to a wide range of customers, fostering financial empowerment and inclusion in collaboration with trusted and reputable organizations.

KalPay’s success is a testament to its innovative approach to BNPL services, catering to the diverse needs of consumers while upholding Islamic standards and financial transparency.

Speaking on KalPay’s journey, Mr. Shershah Hassan commented, “KalPay began as a simple idea in a classroom, and seeing it become profitable is a major achievement for us. Our focus on sustainable growth is paying off, and it’s exciting to see the industry take notice. A huge shout out to my dedicated team for their unwavering support through thick and thin. But this is just the beginning. The potential is enormous, and there’s still much more to do.”

Mr. Hasan Mubarak, Chief Commercial Officer at KalPay added, “It is a great achievement for KalPay to hit profitability in these challenging times. On a daily basis, Team KalPay experiences the great social and economic impact our services are having on the lives of our customers. Achieving this milestone is only going to encourage us further to expand our reach and serve the underserved with more zeal and passion.”

Moving forward, KalPay is focused on further enhancing its product offerings, strengthening partnerships, and continuing to drive a positive impact in the financial technology landscape of Pakistan.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

OPPO, the global leader in smart devices, proudly announces the newest member of its A series smartphones the OPPO A60, in Pakistan with pre-orders starting from May 13. The OPPO A60 combines unmatched durability with cutting-edge features, now available for pre-orders at PKR 54,999/- from OPPO stores, authorized dealers, and Naeem Electronics nationwide. With a premium and ultra-durable design, OPPO A60 is certified with US Military-Grade Shock Resistance, guaranteeing its ability to withstand everyday challenges.

Unmatched Durability and Magnetic Particle Design:

Crafted with a focus on durability without compromising style, the OPPO A60 boasts a sleek and ultra-slim design, measuring just 7.68mm in thickness. Its strong craftsmanship is certified with US Military-Grade Shock Resistance, guaranteeing resilience against the severities of everyday use.

Available in two captivating colors, Ripple Blue and Midnight Purple, the OPPO A60 features a unique Magnetic Particle Design and a double-circle camera layout, elevating its aesthetic appeal while maintaining its practicality and resilience.

Immersive Display that Outshines:

Experience visuals like never before with the OPPO A60’s 950-nit Ultra Bright Display, offering exceptional clarity even under direct sunlight. Coupled with a high refresh rate of up to 90Hz, this display ensures smooth and immersive viewing experiences for users.

Stay Connected in All Conditions with the OPPO A60’s Superior Water Resistance:

Never worry about the rain or spills again with the Splash Touch feature. The OPPO A60 screen can be easily operated even when used with wet or oily hands.  It is perfect for outdoor use or in environments where water exposure is common.

Extended Battery Life and Fast Charging

Say goodbye to frequent charging with the OPPO A60’s massive 5,000mAh battery, accompanied by 45W SUPERVOOCTM Flash Charge technology. Enjoy extended usage times and rapid charging speeds, ensuring you stay connected throughout the day without interruptions.

With Smart Charging technology, the OPPO A60 optimizes battery health, prolonging its lifespan for up to four years of reliable performance.

Seamless Performance and Enhanced Storage

Powered by the efficient 6nm Snapdragon® 680 Mobile Platform, the OPPO A60 delivers enhanced performance and reduced power consumption. Paired with 8GB of RAM and ample storage options of 128GB or 256GB, the device offers unparalleled multitasking capabilities and storage flexibility.

Captivating Multimedia Experience

Immerse yourself in rich sound quality with the OPPO A60’s Dual Stereo Speakers, enhanced by Ultra Volume Mode for crystal-clear audio even in noisy environments. Capture every moment in stunning detail with versatile triple camera setup, equipped with features like Portrait Mode and AI Portrait Retouching for professional-quality images and videos.

OPPO A60 is now available for pre orders in all over Pakistan in PKR 54,999. Get your device now from OPPO stores, authorized dealers, and Naeem Electronics nationwide. Embark on a journey of innovation and reliability with OPPO A60. Pre-order yours today and get your most reliable partner. 

MENA region leads global growth in luxury travel, reveals Mastercard Affluent Travel report.

Dubai (Muhammad Yasir)  The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has emerged as one of the main regions driving growth in affluent travel, recording high spends, while also displaying an appetite for sustainable eco-luxury and meaningful cultural experiences. Mastercard’s latest report, ‘Affluent Travel: A Middle East Perspective’, released during the Arabian Travel Market 2024, unpacks some of the key trends.

The appetite for new experiences in unexplored destinations, micro-trips and ‘bleisure’ will likely drive the growth of the global luxury travel market, which is expected to grow by 7.9% (CAGR) between 2024 and 2030, according to Grand View Research². While the world awaits the emergence of the first trillionaires, high-net-worth travelers contribute approximately 36% of the global spend on travel as stated in a Jones Lang LaSalle study³.

“At Mastercard, we are committed to connecting people to their passion for travel. This report gives a great snapshot of how high-net-worth individuals choose to travel, and it’s wonderful to see sustainability, cultural immersion and purpose as key considerations, along with quality accommodation, seamless technology and loyalty benefits. We will continue to harness the power of partnerships with leading industry players to come up with innovative solutions that unlock access to a whole new world of unparalleled travel experiences,” said Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President, Market Development EEMEA, Mastercard.

As per YouGov research, over a third (36%) of luxury travelers say they want to experience different cultures⁴. The combination of business and leisure, or ‘bleisure’, is also resulting in more remote-work trips as digital nomads change the face of travel. Affluent travelers are almost twice as likely as the global average to have taken a vacation as an extension to a business trip⁴. Furthermore, Marriott Bonvoy research also showed that solo travel is being embraced, with 70% of respondents in the UAE and 69% in Saudi Arabia saying they’ve travelled solo⁵.