Category: Business

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)  As part of providing tailored solutions and unique value added features for our customers, Silkbank has launched All-in-One Current Account offering complimentary insurance coverages in collaboration with TPL Insurance as an insurance solution provider. To mark the occasion, an MoU signing ceremony was held at the Silkbank Head Office, Karachi on 29th June 2022. Present at the ceremony from Silkbank were Vaqar Hussain Khan – Head of Bancassurance, Ali Kashif Rizvi – Head of Treasury and Financial Institutions and Arsalan Raza – Product Manager Deposits. Present from TPL Insurance were, Aurangzeb Javed Siddiqui – Head of Financial Institutions Group (FIG), and Mansoor Iqbal – Manager (FIG). All-in-One Current Account is tailored to be an ultimate power packed current account that provides various complimentary protections and transactional benefits for its customers. Unlike most retail based banks that do not offer many value added features to their current account customers, this alliance will allow individuals maintaining an average balance of Rs. 100,000 and above with Silkbank to avail FOC value-added features such as health, life and travel insurance via TPL Insurance. Being digitized, it would be the first of its kind on current accounts with fastest claim processing. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Aurangzeb J. Siddiqui – Head of FIG, TPL Insurance said, ‘’Through our collaboration with Silkbank, our focus is to reach large audiences to build awareness and usage of our innovative insurance solutions. Moreover, through its Insurtech platforms, TPL Insurance intends to provide Silkbank customers with the experience of real time & hassle-free insurance and claim servicing.’’ Talking about the initiative, Mr. Anwar ul Haq Majeed – Head of Branch Banking & Consumer Assets, Silkbank said, “We are excited to start this new journey with TPL Insurance by adding innovative and rewarding solutions for our customers. This collaboration will enable our customers to opt for complimentary insurance coverages while enjoying several free of charge transactional benefits. Silkbank Limited is committed to continuously strengthening its retail product suite with laser sharp focus on service delivery and innovative products.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Xiaomi Pakistan today announced Redmi 10C, the latest entrant to its popular Redmi 10 series, with an aim of making high-quality products accessible to more consumers across the globe.

Redmi 10C offers efficient and powerful performance thanks to the Snapdragon® 680 processor, which is built on an efficient 6nm process. With its large 6.71″ DotDrop display, Redmi 10C offers immersive entertainment for all your favorite content, and is compatible with Widevine L1 HD streaming for your favorite movies and shows.

Setting it apart within its segment, Redmi 10C is equipped with a 50MP high-resolution main camera for crisp photos and videos, as well as a 2MP depth sensor that helps to achieve a natural bokeh effect. Backed by a long-lasting 5,000mAh battery, Redmi 10C provides enough power to last you through the day, letting you spend more time playing and less time charging. When you do need to charge, 18W fast charging helps get you juiced up quickly.

Market Availability:

The new Redmi 10C comes in two memory variants – 4GB+64Gb and 4GB+128Gb are available at top distributor partners such as M&P, Airlink, Smartlink, Phonezoo and CoreTech. For those looking to purchase these online, we’ve news for you  too as these are also available on MiStore and Corecart. 

Redmi 10C

4GB+64GB: PKR 29,999/- 

4GB+128GB: PKR 32,999/-

 

Quick Specs: 

Redmi 10C

Display:	6.71’’ Drop Dot Display
Rear Camera:	50 MP
Front Camera:	5 MP selfie camera
Battery:	5000mAH battery
Processor:	SnapDragon 680

 

Xiaomi Smart Band 7

Xiaomi is now launching the latest version of the Xiaomi band. The high tech band consists of multiple features but the feature that significantly differentiates it from the other versions is that it is specifically carved out for a fitness cognoscente. The band includes 110+ sports modes which means that it offers both; accuracy and precision for all individuals.

Xiaomi Smart band now comes with 3 unique training functions that expand its credibility and allows the user to excel in their fitness routine. Furthermore, the band comes with a substantial display which grants ease to the eye. The portable AI device monitors an individual 24/7 which gives you unambiguous interpretations in your weekly fitness report.

Moreover, coming towards the variety, Xiaomi went above and beyond to prove that a Smart Band can divide hassle for its users. The Smart Band comes with 100+ custom designs, an impeccable battery time of 14 days and the ability to remain waterproof. 

Xiaomi concludes the watch with these incredible features. Furthermore, the opening sales for the  Xiaomi band 7 is going to be on the 4th of July,  2022.  It’s market price is 8,500/- however,  after an  early bird discount the price is 8,000/-.

 

Dimensions	46.5 x 20.7 x 12.25mm Weight: 13.5g
Design	1.62”AMOLED high-resolution display Resolution: 326 PPI Brightness: up to 500 nits (adjustable) 100+ watch faces 5ATM water resistance
Sensors	PPG heart rate sensor 6-axis sensor: Low Power-consumption 3-axis accelerometer and 3-axis gyroscope
Connectivity and compatibility	Mi Fitness app Bluetooth 5.2/BLE Android 6.0 and above IOS 10.0 and above

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) Pak-Qatar General Takaful came into an agreement with Auto One (The largest Automotive marketplace for car buyers and sellers in Pakistan. They deal with numerous certified second-hand and used, cars from large numbers of dealers and private sellers. After a signing ceremony was held in Karachi. The agreement will allow Auto One to officer Motor Takaful for their clients.

The agreement was signed between Mr. Azeem I. Pirani, (CEO, PQFTL), Saqib Zeeshan (Depty-CEO, PQGTL) Junaid Ibrahim (Chairman Auto One) and Zeeshan Haider (Head Alternative Distribution & Banca Takaful) along with other officials from the organization.

 

Islamabad (Muhammad Yasir) Mobilink Microfinance Bank (MMBL), Pakistan’s Largest Digital Bank has signed a Term Life Insurance Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the country’s leading insurance service provider, Adamjee Life Assurance. This strategic partnership is designed to promote enhanced access to premium insurance products from Adamjee’s portfolio for customers in unserved and underserved regions through MMBL’s vast nationwide branch network. The arrangement is well-positioned to positively impact the financial inclusion landscape of the country.

Senior members from both organizations gathered earlier this week for the signing of the agreement at the MMBL Head Office in Islamabad. Speaking at the occasion, President and CEO, MMBL, Ghazanfar Azzam, opined, “We are excited to collaborate with Adamjee Life Assurance, to collectively drive our vision of providing quality services to our customers and promote financial inclusion. MMBL’s widespread branch network, amassing upwards of 100 branches, will greatly aid in realizing our shared agenda and consequently accelerate economic growth.”  

These insurance products and services will be notable additions to the ones already an active part of MMBL’s portfolio, which includes life and health insurance for customers, and animal insurance for livestock loans. Adamjee Life Assurance will primarily offer three key products under this partnership, including Adamjee Life ‘Sehat Kafalat’, Adamjee Life ‘Nigraan’, and Adamjee Life ‘Mustaqbil Ki Zamanat’. Initially, these offerings will be made available through Adamjee Life Assurance desks at designated MMBL branches nationwide. Existing and walk-in MMBL customers can explore and subscribe to the product solutions per their requirements. For added convenience, MMBL will facilitate seamless payments directly to Adamjee Life through existing payment channels as well as its one-stop digital financial platform – DOST.

President and CEO of Adamjee Life Assurance, Manzar Mushtaq, while stressing the importance of the subject collaboration, stated, “We are excited to partner with MMBL, the country’s largest digital bank, to promote our flagship insurance products across the country. Our Life, Health, and Pay continuation products are exclusively tailored to fulfill the needs of the masses. We hope that we will be able to make them more accessible to prospective customers through our alliance with MMBL”.

As Pakistan’s leading digital financial institution, MMBL is currently serving over 40 million registered users, including 15 million monthly active mobile wallets and has over 100 branches across Pakistan. The Bank strives to facilitate customers by streamlining nationwide access to simplified and convenient financial solutions. MMBL, over the past decade, has introduced multiple innovative and customized digital and financial initiatives, such as digital onboarding of customers, self-service banking through the DOST App (available on both iOs & Android), Internet Banking, the Women Inspirational Network (WIN) program, and the Humqadam program to provide employment opportunities to the differently-abled and much more.

 

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)  Engro Fertilizers, Pakistan’s premier seed-to-harvest solutions provider, has released its first-ever Sustainability Report to highlight the Company’s progress toward environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and governance (ESG) goals.

The comprehensive sustainability report is based on Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards and has been externally validated by an independent certification agency.  The report details how the core values and governance model of Engro Fertilizers incorporate sustainable practices into its day-to-day operations, thus, ensuring a sustainable future.

Key highlights of the report include:

• Prioritization of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to address education, healthcare, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, decent work and economic growth, responsible consumption and production, climate action and forging partnerships for the realization of SDGs.
• Initiatives to lead the agri-industry towards holistic digitization and innovation, ranging from customer and vendor support to digital payment solutions, including online ordering and payments.
• Key measures to safeguard the interests of farmers and national food security through farmer education, free of cost soil testing and timely product delivery through an extensive distribution network of more than 100 warehouses and 4,000 dealers across the country.
• Recognition of the Company as “Industry Stewardship Champion” by the International Fertilizers Association (IFA) for efficient operations and minimizing environmental footprint through DuPont world-class environment management systems, solarization of all warehouses.
• Engro Fertilizers continued to make significant headway in its efforts to create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace. In 2021, women made up 15 percent of new hires, with placements in unconventional roles as trade apprentices, graduate trainee engineers, workshop supervisors, warehouse in-charges and field-sales. The Company secured the first runner up position in the category of “Leadership Commitment” at the prestigious UN Women 2021 Asia-Pacific WEPs Awards. It was also recognized for its diverse and inclusive workplace culture at the CFA Society Pakistan Annual Excellence Awards 2021 and the Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Benchmark (GDEIB) Conference and Awards 2021 by winning ten awards in different categories, including being named as the ‘Most Inclusive Organization’ of Pakistan.

Ghias Khan, President & CEO, Engro Corporation, stated, “Engro Fertilizers sustainability report speaks to the company’s commitment towards building a sustainable future for its stakeholders through robust core values and a governance model that helps incorporate sustainable practices in its day-to-day operations. As one of Pakistan’s largest conglomerates, it is our duty to work towards the environmental, social, and economic health of the communities we work with and operate in.

He reiterated that, “For over five decades, Engro Fertilizers has worked diligently towards an equitable and prosperous Pakistan, with our efforts focused on food security, farmer literacy & financial inclusion, managing our carbon footprint, responsibly disposing waste, as well as education and health. I hope this report will help you gain an understanding of our sustainability efforts but more importantly be a catalyst for change across various sectors and industries. We will continue to view our businesses through the lens of sustainability so that generations to come may have a safe and bright future.”

 

Lahore (Nut Desk) Huawei Cloud-managed network platform helps enterprises to build a one-stop network management center powered by an industry-leading cloud management architecture Ooredoo Business announced a collaboration with Huawei and signed an MoU for new cloud managed network services in Kuwait and PTCL launched new smart solution to enable enterprise digital transformation in Pakistan ISLAMABAD, June 30 2022: During the ‘Network-as-a-Service Forum’ held recently at Atlantis Hotel, Dubai, Huawei announced its latest & innovative Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) offering for the Middle East region, powering enterprises across different industries to build a strong foundation for digital transformation. These new-generation services will enable enterprise businesses from government, education, healthcare, retail, banking, manufacturing industries and other SMEs to keep pace with innovation, meet rapidly changing business needs and optimize network performance and user experiences through a cloud-like subscription model. Enterprise NaaS models allow enterprises to outsource provisioning, deployment, ongoing management, and decommissioning and end of life for their enterprise networks. The advantages of enterprise NaaS models include faster access to new technology, simplification of network deployment and management, and improved refresh cycles for enterprises to dynamically scale network components as needed. IDC predicts the enterprise NaaS market will mature rapidly in 2022 and beyond, growing to become a prominent way that enterprises procure, operate, and manage their networks. Close collaboration of technology vendors with their carrier/MSP partners is essential to leverage new growth opportunities fuelled by digitalization. Len Padilla, Senior Research Director at IDC spoke at the event and said, “Huawei have clearly understood the enterprise demand for Network-as-a-Service (NaaS). In order to meet that demand they are investing in systems and enablement for their network operator partners, equipping them to address the requirements of current and future clients.” Using Huawei’s NaaS offering built on the CloudCampus MSP platform, carrier/MSP partners can provide a depth of services to enterprise customers. CloudCampus MSP combines AIOps and a unified infrastructure for wired, wireless and SD-WAN management, providing MSPs a single platform to manage all customers in their environment. With best-of-breed network hardware, a comprehensive set of APIs, and integration with hundreds of smart solutions offered by Huawei’s technology partners, the CloudCampus MSP platform enables partners to quickly build and deliver a wide variety of managed service offerings that meet their customers’ specific needs. “Digital transformation requires a network that features integrated security, scalable advanced routing, full visibility into network traffic and sophisticated analytics. Enterprises today need the flexibility and security of cloud as well as the agility and ability to scale up infrastructure as per customer demand – and all of this in a cost effective, simple yet comprehensive manner. This is where Huawei’s NaaS solution comes in – it is built with the focus on business agility & continuity, security & compliance resulting in achieving greater efficiencies & optimization for our customers,” said David Shi, President, Huawei Enterprise Business Group, Middle East. Zarrar Hasham Khan, Group Chief Business Solutions Officer, PTCL & Ufone, spoke at the event about “how carriers are transforming from being a pure-play connectivity provider to an end-to-end solutions provider. PTCL is launching a series of smart solutions for digital transformation across various industry verticals in Pakistan, such as workplaces, banks, educational institutes & healthcare. Furthermore, he shared the experience of PTCL’s Smart HealthSuite solution as an example, that integrates several technologies like Fiber-to-the-Room, Wi-Fi 6, IoT asset tracking and patient medical record management, to deliver a single medical center solution for better experience and high reliability. In the future, these smart solutions will offer a one-stop shop, pay as you grow & cost-effective services model to help businesses contribute effectively to the digital vision of Pakistan.” During the forum, Ooredoo Business and Huawei signed an MoU to launch a new generation of cloud-optimized managed network services in Kuwait called “Cloud Connect” to improve business performance & enable them to establish secured high-speed connections. Through this partnership, Ooredoo Business will be able to deliver SD-LAN and SD-WAN managed services to their customers by leveraging leading technologies such as 5G, Wi-Fi 6, AI, SD-WAN, Passive Optical LAN (POL) from Huawei.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) iPath (Pvt) Ltd has become Pakistan’s first company to attain the PCI Secure SLC Certificate. Secure SLC is the first global PCI standard to focus on the vendor’s software development process and methodology rather than the payment application itself. This standard aims to embed payment application security principles early in the software development lifecycle and provides security controls and processes implemented into current industry-accepted SDLC practices. By obtaining this compliance, iPath’s software development is validated to protect sensitive customer payments data by building necessary security features and processes deep into the software development lifecycle. This certification was attained via PCI QSA Firm Risk Associates, a premier global information technology company, which is a certification body of Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC).

The PCI Secure Software Lifecycle (standard SLC) emphasizes implementing security concepts and activities throughout the software development lifecycle. Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Ali Shah Asani, CEO – iPath, commended the entire team for their hard work and efforts towards achieving this milestone. He expressed, “Over the course of the past few years, we have witnessed that the definition and methods of security threats in the payment sphere have largely evolved and require new strategies of building security deep-rooted within payment software to reduce attack surface; our journey towards becoming the first Pakistani company to attain PCI Secure SLC compliance has imparted our entire team with a modern-day approach at global best practices to infuse security in our software development lifecycle”. He added, “Achieving Secure SLC not only validates our adherence to a cutting edge PCI standard enabling us to deliver high-quality, secure software, but it is also a testament to our commitment towards providing our customers with best-in-class payment solutions.” Mr. Abdus Samad Khan, COO iPath, applauded the entire team and expressed, “Traditionally, payment software vendors developed applications and then evaluated security vulnerabilities.

PCI secure SLC, on the other hand, changes the equation by shifting security towards the very left and in every aspect of the organization, not confined to the payment app alone. Prior to becoming the first IT Company in Pakistan to obtain the PCI Secure SLC, we had to undergo an extensive validation process, and the ongoing support from Risk Associates encouraged us to take all the preparatory actions to achieve this milestone.” He added, “And this compliance with the PCI Secure SLC showcases our adaptability to changing security threats, leading to increased customer trust. Banks are lately focusing on remote teams and resource augmentation, and having a Secure SLC vendor instills trust of the institution in our abilities”. The occasion was attended by Mr. Kashif Hassan, Managing Director at Risk Associates, who stated, “Working with iPath throughout the certification process has been a pleasure and witnessing their commitment to protecting the integrity and confidentiality of payment transactions and customer data by accommodating the Risk Associates team with the required information.

The Secure SLC Certification is proposed for vendors developing payment applications/software that supports or facilitates payment transactions. We commend iPath on becoming the first Pakistani PCI Secure SLC vendor and the 7th globally”. This certification proves that software developed by the iPath team is secure in design and protects payment transactions and sensitive consumer data. In addition, achieving this certification shows iPath’s higher commitment to the ongoing changes in the payment application landscape.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) The Hunar Foundation’s (THF) vision is to create a new cadre of Skilled Pakistanis with internationally recognized technical qualifications, thus opening up a new world of opportunities. Subsequently, HarKaam.com was launched to facilitate 1 million earning opportunities in Pakistan in the next 5-years. Thus, to accelerate the achievement of this common dream, THF today joined hands with HarKaam and signed an MOU with HarKaam at THF Korangi Campus, to strengthen and enable the gig economy in Pakistan. This collaboration will facilitate the students, trainees and alumni of THF, providing them with an enabled digital platform & app to maximize their earning opportunities through leveraging digital tools. HarKaam and THF will be working together to make the gig economy one of the biggest contributors to the GDP of Pakistan. Chairman THF Mr. Aslam Khaliq, expressed his delight at partnering with HarKaam and said “Pakistan is being introduced to digital transformation, and we are glad to play our part in it by partnering up with a home-grown freelancing and service marketplace, as HarKaam. We want to take this opportunity to enable the freelancers and service providers to digitally cater to the local market, Founder and CEO of HarKaam, Khurram Bashir, stressed the importance of promoting local talent. “We have to provide young people every possible opportunity to not only make a living but build their skill sets. This partnership with THF is a key milestone in creating million income opportunities for the youth of Pakistan.” Mr. Ali Faraz Siddiqui, Chief Operating Officer THF, was also present on this occasion. He expressed his views by saying, “With the prevailing economic conditions and the increasing demand of learning new skill sets and applying them to generate supplemental income streams, a comprehensive local platform such as HarKaam is the need of the hour, to ensure the digital inclusion of freelancers and service providers to participate in lifting the economy in these trying times.” HarKaam’s Co-Founder Omar Abedin reiterated the company’s commitment to create income opportunities. “We started HarKaam with an underlying vision of creating opportunities for young people, which is the need of the hour, given the challenging economic environment we are facing as a nation. This will not only stimulate the local economy but prepare the fast-growing Pakistani freelancing community for opportunities from across the globe.”

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) Hysab Kytab – a leading FinTech that offers a suite of financial management solutions has signed a strategic partnership with Winikon – IT services company specialized in the banking business to enhance the banking experience of customers. This collaboration will help in providing individual-level personalized financial management products and services to banking customers.

The partnership between Winikon and Hysab Kytab will facilitate banking customers to manage their finances more efficiently and securely. It will improve the banking experience, and better money management and help the customers proactively manage their finances.

 Viktor Weininger, CEO at Winikon said ’’Winikon is serving Temenos Transact clients backed up with 15+ years of experience in Temenos ecosystem. PFM is a key element of digital transformation as mobile is the most essential touchpoint with banking clients nowadays. I’m delighted to onboard Hysab Kytab as our partner. Through our partnership with Hysab Kytab, we are offering a best-of-breed, innovative PFM solution integrated with Transact”

Yasir Ilyas, Head of Hysab Kytab said “Hysab Kytab’s PFM is available at Temenos Exchange (Temenos Marketplace) as pre-integrated with Infinity and Transact for global customers. As a product company our expansion/scale strategy demands finding well reputed partners that have track record of successful projects. This partnership with Winikon is key for our scale strategy and I look forward to creating success together with Winikon”.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)  TPL Trakker Limited has recently partnered with Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) for fleet management solutions.

SNGPL is the largest integrated gas company that serves over 7.22 million consumers in Pakistan through and extensive network in Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu & Kashmir.

As a result of this partnership, SNGPL will benefit from being able to better monitor and manage its transport network with an objective to streamline their fleet health, and safety of employees across Pakistan.

Commenting on the occasion, CEO of TPL Trakker, Sarwar Ali Khan said, “A great chunk of our population in North and Central Pakistan relies on SNGPL for the provision of natural gas for residential, commercial and industrial purposes. This partnership will ensure improved operational efficiency as well as cost optimization for SNGPL. We are firm believers of low-carbon-future and have successfully maintained transformative improvements for such large scale operations, by offering a robust set of solutions and services in actively responsive environments.”

TPL Trakker is revolutionizing various industries across Pakistan through a vibrant array of Tracking, Digital Mapping and IoT services that enhance operational capabilities for government and private organizations.