Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) TECNO HiOS is breaking borders by taking its HiOS Fan café to Pakistan. The meetup will be a gathering of CAMON 18 and HiOS 8.0 users who are expected to mingle with the TECNO HiOS Family, well-known mentors, industry pacesetters, and Innovators. This will all be done over the best demonstration and highlights of what HiOS is and has achieved in the past years.

The leading smartphone brand TECNO is globally known as a User-Centric brand through its Operating System, HiOS. This system focuses on building relationships by creating a community where it engages users, gets their feedback and suggestions to ensure that all updates and features within the Operating System (OS) are user-friendly and provide what the user wants.

HiOS in the recent release of HiOS 8.0 proved to be its most advanced Operating System Version to date and has won the “Most Innovative Operating System of the year” and “User-Friendly Mobile Operating System of the year” at the Nigeria Technology Awards (NiTA). To show appreciation to the users, HiOS decided to have a global exclusive fans’ meetup known as HiOS Fans café which is expected to come to Lahore on 26th December 2021.

The registrations for all those willing to participate in this engaging event have already started on social media. After application, 25 users will be invited to attend the invite-only, exclusive meetup, who will get a chance to share their experience with HiOS and suggest future updates and improvements. Moreover, they’ll get the front row seat on what to expect from the TECNO operating system.

After the successful meetups in Nigeria and Kenya, Lahore is expected to light up to glamour and a great time from the Tech Giant. As this is the first time TECNO HiOS is holding such an event in Pakistan, it promises to be a worthy gala of glitz and glam. Much anticipation is going on about the event already on social media as to what the event will unfold.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) Lahore Chapter President Muhammad Ejaz Tanveer has called upon the corporate sector, social and civil society organizations to join hands for breaking the barriers and building ‘inclusive societies’ as global problems require collective efforts to ensure solution.

In a message on the occasion of International Human Solidarity Day, Muhammad Ejaz Tanveer said that people are living better lives and progressing rapidly which is the result of the global developments during last two decades.

International Human Solidarity Day is observed globally on 20 December every year to celebrate unity in diversity and raise awareness about the importance of solidarity. According to the United Nations Millennium Declaration, solidarity is among the fundamental values that are essential to international relations. Ejaz said despite these advancements, the prosperity has not yet been shared by all. Inequalities, poverty, unemployment, social differences and environmental pollution are yet the great challenges to the growth of the societies.

He added that the corporate sector, social and civil society organizations should join hands to break the barriers to building inclusive societies because global problems require collective solutions. ‘We must work together to improve the quality of life for others to secure the future we want,’ he concluded.

Lahore (NUT-Business)

The Cellular Mobile Operators have opposed the government’s move for jacking up the Withholding Tax (WHT) by 50 percent, increasing it from 10 to 15 percent on customers in the upcoming mini budget for 2021-22. The federal cabinet is most likely to take up the Tax Laws Fourth Amendment Bill for approval in today’s meeting (Tuesday) under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Imran khan.

The sources said that the government had brought down the WHT rate from 12.5 percent to 10 percent on the eve of the last budget for 2021-22 and it made a commitment that it would be further brought down to 8 percent in the next budget for 2022-23.

“Now the government is making reversal from its commitment, then how investment can be lured in such circumstances when there is no certainty in policies,” said the sources working in telecom sector and added that it would be disastrous if the internet services or SMS would be brought under the tax net.

The cabinet had opposed such moves in the last budget and it was hoped that it would be resisted again because if the WHT was jacked up by 50 percent, then no one from the market would trust any official word from the incumbent government.

“How the CMOs could put in place medium to long term investment plans when there is complete uncertainty in policy-making process,” they raised the question and added that under the IMF program, this booming sector would be made a scapegoat for the short-term objectives.

The government is looking to increase the WHT from 10pc to 15pc in the upcoming mini-budget — a reversal of the WHT reduction announced in the federal budget 2021-22, just a reflection of the overall governance model pursued by the incumbent regime.

They also argued that out of over 220 million, approximately 2.9 million file taxes, which is one percent of the total population.

Even though a majority of the country’s population had non-taxable income, they are paying the WHT, which they can never claim back. So this kind of withholding tax becomes part of national kitty although it was claimed by the official circles that it was adjustable and refunds could be taken back after filing due Income Tax return.

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How realme Brought real Quality in 2021 through its C-Series Line-up?

realme Gave the Entry-level Market a real Quality Overhaul with its C-Series

realme unveiled its league of C-Series smartphones with TÜV Rheinland High Reliability Certification thereby bringing true quality and great value-for-money to its consumers

realme’s entry-level C-Series is synonymous with being budget friendly. But that’s not all it offers. The league of stellar phones with high-end features are a class apart in not just affordability but their secret ingredient i.e. Quality. At the beginning of 2021, realme secured the world’s first TÜV Rheinland High Reliability Certification for its C-Series smartphones, making them the gold standard of quality and reliability amongst entry-level smartphones.

The realme C-Series has received an excellent response from realme fans, resulting in over 32 million C-Series sales worldwide. The C-Series caters to the hectic routine and go-getter approach of the youth that perfectly aligns with the brand’s slogan ‘Dare to Leap’. The brand empowers youth to explore new opportunities and maximize their experience wherever they go and is synonymous with technological innovation and quality expertise. It is dedicated to optimizing the youth’s experience with premium performance and powerful experience, making realme the best value brand in terms of quality and money.

Topping the charts amongst them were realme C21, realme C21Y, realme C25, realme C25s, realme C25Y. While the entire C-Series line-up offered something for everyone and suited all pockets, realme C25s was a hot favourite amongst users. Here’s what made the realme C25s stand out from the crowd throughout 2021:

Performance:

The performance of a powerhouse is what realme C25s promises right from the start. It’s fitted with a MediaTek Helio G85 Gaming Processor that makes gaming an exhilarating experience. Since gaming is all about crisp graphics and no lag, Helio G85 keeps the fun running and doesn’t let you get bored with lag-free and super smooth gameplay.

Battery:

So, gaming can be addictive and one doesn’t want the fun to end. To cover that up, realme C25s comes with a 6,000mAh mega battery that gives you a good two day-run on a single charge. So, indulge in all the gaming and fun stuff on social media apps with a battery that doesn’t tire. And if it runs out, then the 18W Quick Charge fuels it back up superfast.

Camera:

Now what’s a camera that is affordable yet doesn’t take good photos? That’s a problem you’ll never face with realme C25s. Its 48MP AI Triple Camera is a photography experience like none other in its price bracket – crisp, well defined, bright images that can tickle the photographic senses in you. It takes great photos in dimly lit situations, so all the indoor night hangouts can create great memories with the realme C25s.

Display:

You’re into gaming or spending time gorging on video streams on different apps – but what’s that one thing that keeps you engaged? The phone’s display. It has to be picturesque and large, else the experience isn’t fully immersive. With realme C25s, you get a 6.5-inch screen space that a lot to handle. It captures your most vivid imaginations while socializing, or keeps you hooked during your favourite gameplay. It’s a wide field of view allowing for pretty less noise and visual disturbance.

 

 

Telenor Pakistan hosts businesses in Karachi to showcase its #FitForFuture suite of enterprise solutions

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Forwarding its efforts to make businesses ready for the future, Telenor Pakistan hosted businesses and enterprises in Karachi toshowcase its diverse range of solutions that enable businesses to be ready for future. The event featured live demonstrations of Telenor Pakistan’s Internet of Things (IoT), Enterprise Solutions, and Data as a Service solutions for its corporate customers.The event was attended byMonis Alvi, CEO K-Electric, Ghias Khan, CEO Engro Corp., Samad Dawood, Vice Chair Engro, DH and Dawood Foundation, Hassan Khan, CEO Trax Pakistan, MirzaIkhtiar Baig, Hon. Consul General of Yemen and President Consular Cops Sindh,Asif Peer, CEO Systems Ltd, Kamran Nishat, CEO Muller & Phipps and Dr. Amjad, CEO NBP Funds,Duraid Qureshi, CEO Hum Networks and MuddasarAqil, CEO Telenor Micro Finance Bank among others.

Speaking at the event, Irfan Wahab Khan, CEO Telenor Pakistan said “Preparing your business for the future is not just about foreseeing industry trends of digitalisation and automation, but also about allowing change to happen and adopting cutting edge technology to give your enterprise the edge that comes from improving efficiency in a high inflation environment. The businesses that hold the foresight today and equip themselves with latest solutions are destined to remain a step ahead of all uncertainties. The future of business is knocking at the door and it’s time to answer.”

“Businesses of tomorrow require greater flexibility when it comes to growth and future-preparedness. Our state-of-the-art business solutions have been designed to enable that flexibility in businesses, allowing complete control and unparalleled peace of mind.” said Omer Bin Tariq, Chief Business Officer Telenor Pakistan.

Telenor Business recently launched its array of business solutions including avant-garde solutions utilising IoT, advanced data analytics to make informed decisions and customised enterprise solutions.

For more information, please visit https://www.telenor.com.pk/business/

 

Bank Alfalah and Dastgyr entered into a strategic partnership to digitize transaction streams via BAFL Digital channels

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Bank Alfalah and Dastgyr Technologies have entered into a strategic partnership to facilitate SMEs, merchants and their allied supply chains, helping them digitize their operations and avail banking services.  Dastgyr is working to create efficiencies within the SME space through their digital technology solutions covering supply chain management, ordering and logistics.  Simultaneously, Bank Alfalah with its focus on payment solutions and digital assets is creating solutions for Dastagyr customers that will allow them to avail banking and payment services as well as financing in a seamless manner.

On this occasion, Atif Bajwa, President and CEO of Bank Alfalah said, “At Bank Alfalah, we are continuously striving to facilitate the growth of a digitized ecosystem within the banking and finance sectors. Our focus on creating robust infrastructures, not just for our customers but for other entities as well will Insha’Allah allow us to leave a lasting impact on the economy holistically.”

Muhammad Owais Qureshi, Founder of Dastgyr Technologies commented, “This is a landmark partnership for Dastgyr that enables us to provide deeper customer facilitation and takes us further on our mission of financial inclusion for SME retailers in Pakistan. With the strength of BAFL’s digital payments and lending arm, we will incentivize online transactions and expand our “Buy Now Pay Later” credit facility, improving access to external working capital for kiryana shop owners. We’re pioneering what will eventually become new standard operating procedures for cross-industry collaborations between banking & e-commerce.”

Partnering with State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan, Bykea insures its customers against hospitalization, disability, and demise.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) Considering the high rate of motorbike accidents and the road safety situation in the country, the widely popular ride-hailing service, Bykea, is now offering insurance coverage to all its customers if they meet any unfortunate road accident while using its service. According to research, bikes are five times more likely to meet accidents than a normal four-wheel vehicle, making the rider and the passenger vulnerable to life-threatening injuries.

The insurance offered by Bykea in partnership with the State Life of Pakistan covers hospital charges, injury-treatment charges, and compensates the bereaved families in case of human lives lost. The Bykea users now have the option to pay a nominal amount on each bike taxi trip to get themselves an insurance cover of PKR 25,000 for hospitalization and injuries. In case, the accident results in a tragic death or causes permanent disability to the user, his/her next of kin will be eligible to receive PKR 400,000 in lieu of the life insurance cover.

Rafiq Malik, Chief Operating Officer, Bykea, said, “We are constantly trying to provide access to services leveraging technology for the middle class in Pakistan. We feel our partnership with State Life of Pakistan is a first in offering coverage to the most vulnerable on the roads in Pakistan and we hope that in the odd instances of road accidents, our customers are covered when traveling using our platform.”

Shoaib Javed Hussain, Chairperson, State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan at the occasion said, “This is truly a first in Pakistan of digital and protection innovation, providing social protection to working Pakistanis at a nominal price. State Life’s endeavor and vision is to transform health, life, and financial protection in Pakistan; to enable Pakistanis to achieve life goals with the confidence that State Life protects them and their families. This is the first and important step in achieving that vision through true product and tech innovation.”

“As someone who is the sole breadwinner of his family and barely manages to make ends meet, I am thankful to Bykea for introducing the customers’ protection. God forbid, if something happens to me, at least I know my family will be taken care of,” says 37-year-old Shabbir Ahmed, a resident of Gulistan-e-Jauhar.

While Bykea, along with the city administration, has been encouraging the use of a helmet for motorbike drivers and pillion riders, very few citizens have any kind of insurance cover in the event of a mishap on the road. With this optional feature on the trip, the customers can rest easy as they get the insurance cover for all sorts of injuries sustained; do not have to pay for hospitalization; and do not have to worry about their family’s well-being in case of permanent disability or demise. The insurance cover feature is available on both Android and iOS, and users can choose to opt-in for it on bike taxi (Savari) rides with a single click while booking the rides.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) foodpanda, Pakistan’s leading food delivery platform and e-commerce company, exhibited its latestRider Kit at an exciting launch event held in Karachi. The event is a testament to foodpanda’s commitment to support the company’s biggest strength, i.e. its riders. The key features of the kit, among other things,include a newly designed jacket to protect riders from the cold weather during winters and helmet to provide additional safety during travelling. The event was attended by foodpanda’s management, top riders, restaurants vendors and homechefs.

Speaking at the event CEO foodpanda, Nauman Sikander Mirza, stated, “We are very excited to launch our new rider kit and showcase our appreciation to the delivery heroes who make it possible for us to provide excellent service to our customers. These delivery riders are critical to our business and providing them a safe and effective environment is a top priority for foodpanda. We will continue to focus on improving working conditions for our riders and offer access to flexible economic opportunities across the country.

foodpanda is working tirelessly to ensure that support is available for the riders across Pakistan, as a commitment to their strategic roadmap to create economic opportunities and a favourable working environment. foodpanda cares deeply for people and for the communities in which it operates, and believes they have an essential role to play especially after the onset of COVID-19 crisis. So far foodpanda has created economic opportunities for thousands of people nationwide including 50,000+ riders and 5,000+home chefs.

 

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) AlfaMall, Bank Alfalah’s revolutionary e-commerce marketplace hosted another Grand Sale 12.12. With more than 65,000 products including electronics, motorcycles, smartphones and more, the sale was another major initiative by the leading platform in the country. Customers and debit card holders of any bank could shop and avail lucrative discounts.

After the resounding success of the massive 11.11 sales, AlfaMall gave customers another opportunity to shop to their heart’s content. Offering a significant portfolio of products divided across diverse categories, this year-end sale provided customers an ideal as well as convenient solution for their shopping needs. On top of the substantial discounts, the platform also offered installment plans with 0% mark-up for as much as 9 months. This was a unique chance for everyone to snag their favourite products while shopping from the comfort of their homes.

Commenting at the launch of the Grand Sale 12.12, Salman Ahmed Khan – Business Head AlfaMallstated:“Digitization and e-commerce have become the future of businesses and society in general. At Alfa, we are attuned with the times and are continuously making efforts to simplify experiences for our customers in this modern age. With our 12.12 sale, we provided people with unbeatable prices across the country along with a variety of other features.”