Category: Business

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

Befiler recently won a grant for a digital experiment from Karandaaz Pakistan, a not-for-profit funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF). Befiler participated in the recent round of Karandaaz’s Digital Experiment Program, and won the grant through a competitive application process. The grant will support Befiler’s vision of promoting tax compliance in Pakistan through digitalization of tax filing process; specifically encouraging women’s participation in financial and tax matters.

The grant will be specifically utilized for promoting tax filing among working women so that they could digitally file their tax returns and handle other business thereby. This will decrease women’s reliance on male family members for in-person meetings with consultants for legal and tax matters.

For Pakistan, embracing digital financial services remains a challenge. The gap is especially wide as only 7% of women in Pakistan are financially included compared to 20% of men. However, Befiler’s user stats reveal that although female users are only 5% of total users, their conversion rate from sign up on Befiler to successful tax filing is more than double compared to male counterparts. This demonstrates that women are more serious about financial and tax matters in comparison to males. Through this grant, Befiler plans to test out interventions specially designed to encourage more women to become active tax filers through Befiler’s user friendly mobile app and outcomes of communication using A/B testing. The lessons learned through the experiment will be widely disseminated for diffusion and uptake to push the entire ecosystem forward.

Akbar Tejani, CEO Befiler Pakistan expressed, “Befiler aims to directly target women for tax filing in hopes to have a higher involvement from them in finance and tax matters. Through this exercise, we hope to give rise to opportunities to women to experience focused and directed marketing encouraging them to engage in tax filing process. This will help in moving past the stereotype that the financial and tax matters are to be led by men in their families. Our alliance with Karandaaz Pakistan is directed towards the execution of strategies to support women empowerment through focused targeting, and facilitation.”

Waqas ul Hasan, CEO Karandaaz Pakistan said, “Karandaaz is pleased to join hands with Befiler, the pioneer of the digital tax filing platform in Pakistan focusing on introducing women to the use of technology for the tax filing process. Through the Digital Experiments Program, Karandaaz is supporting businesses to research on and understand the gaps in the market with respect to uptake and usage of digital financial services. The objective of the program is to support digital financial service providers test out different hypotheses on a real consumer base and compare results of different versions to identify the sweet spot for successful interventions. We hope that the experiment by Befiler will help in determining possibilities for increasing tax filing among women leading to further self-sufficiency and empowerment. We are grateful to our sponsors UK’s FCDO and BMGF whose funding is helping us support such initiatives that make digitalization a common norm, providing footmarks for future ideas.”

The economy of Pakistan is undergoing a change in terms of increased women owned businesses and the need for women-specific tax training products is becoming imperative. The digital experiment of Befiler will start by creating user samples and as part of the first phase of the experiment, Befiler will roll out a new app interface to specifically engage women through in-app content and communication. In the second phase efficiency of incentive versus fear based communication will be tested. Through this experiment, Befiler looks forward to set a new way ahead for women to be addressed as a target group for tax and financial products.

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Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Zong 4G, Pakistan’s digital leader, has launched the ‘Multan Dhamaal Offer’ to better serve its clients in underserved areas. The offer exemplifies Zong’s proactive customer-centric attitude, which has helped it become Pakistan’s leading network.

Residents of Multan will be able to get 5 GB of Internet, 1,000 On-Net Minutes, 30 Off-Net Minutes, and 1,000 SMS for just PKR 80 per week through the Multan Dhamaal Offer.

Zong subscribers in Multan can take advantage of the deal by dialing *9900# or visiting a Zong franchise near them. The My Zong App can also be used to subscribe to the offer. Users on other networks can change their numbers to Zong by calling the helpdesk at 0314-3334455 or visiting a store or Zong franchise near them.

Zong’s official spokesperson stated, “We have led the market in introducing products and services that are based on the ever-evolving customer needs. It is our customers’ trust in us that has propelled us to the forefront of digital change in the country.”

“We proactively work for the digital enablement of Pakistanis across the country, shaping and supporting their digital lifestyles,” the spokesperson added.

Zong has also offered unique offers for Bahawalpur, Nowshera, Attock, Kamra, Hazro, and Bannu, in addition to the Multan Dhamaal Offer. In addition, the company has introduced a slew of incredible international roaming deals, allowing thousands of Pakistanis to stay in touch with their loved ones when travelling overseas.

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Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

To check sale of unregistered, unapproved and counterfeit seed, the Federal Seed Certification & Research Department (FSC&RD) has notified amendments in the Seed (Business Regulations) Rules 2016, asking the seed companies to establish a tracking system to enable growers to verify whether the seed in bag or a container that grower has acquired is of approved variety and duly certified.

For that purpose, the FSC&RD may issue binding directions or orders to any of the seed producing or importing companies to install, construct, establish or maintain such facilities or to follow such procedures for packing or lablelling as may be required by the FSC&RD, in its direction, to establish such a tracking system.

Welcoming this condition raised by the newly-notified amendment rules, stakeholders said it will effectively stop the sale of counterfeit seed sale. However, they said that the tracking system should be developed after industry consultation.

The demand was raised in a presentation to journalists at the seminar on “modern tools for sustainable agriculture” arranged recently by the CropLife Pakistan. Speakers urged the government to consult the seed industry and other stakeholders to make these rules more effective, developing a convincing seed tracking process and ensure local seed production to boost Pakistan’s agriculture.

Tallal Hakeem, member seed committee of the CropLife, while speaking on the amendments said stakeholders should also be consulted on amendment, which requires establishment and implementation of tracking system including a digital printing facility located in his premises but linked with a central database maintained by FSC&RD to enable traceability and verification of seed produced or offered to the farmers through a unique algorithmic label or a scratchable card, which could be affixed on or put inside each seed bag or container.

He further said amendments required that every importing company shall produce at least 10 percent of seed of its imported varieties locally per year reaching a target of 50 percent by fifth year.

He said this is binding on import only companies too against the import only principle. In his opinion all hybrid/varieties cannot be produced locally, germplasm security is a major challenge in this regard.

“Stakeholders think that local cost of production of seeds will be more than international due to economy of scales while setting up of infrastructure in this regard requires time and cost,” Tallal added.

He appreciated the mechanism introduced by the government i.e., signing of a performance contract with the FSC&RD, which lists down the performance obligations of the seed business company including the requirement of submission of a performance bond by the applicant and provides that the forfeiture of performance bond due to default on the part of seed business company shall result in immediate cancellation of registration.

He said it will help control the mushroom growth of seed companies and only genuine companies will remain in the field. However, he demanded that representatives of the seed companies should also be taken Seed Business Registration Committee on board.

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LAHORE (Muhammad Yasir)

ZEM Builders won the ‘Brand of the Year’ award for redefining the real estate industry of Pakistan at the 33rd RCCI International Achievement Awards held in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The awards aim to recognize the efforts of brands and business personalities for contributing to the economy of the country and for creating business opportunities. ZEM Builders bagged the ‘Best builder Brand of the Year’ award for their exceptional approach and extraordinary endeavors in the real estate industry over the past 15 years.

Continuing its legacy since 2016, RCCI aims to recognize the work of the business community of Pakistan in combating economic crises. The event is attended by thousands of business elite including members from chambers of commerce, senior members of prestigious companies, and social personalities associations, business groups, and individuals. Besides, RCCI presented 40 other awards to different business entities. The ceremony was also clubbed with melodic performances by renowned artists and singers.

ZEM Builders, the RCCI brand of the year award winner, is a renowned real estate organization in Pakistan. Over the last 15 years, ZEM Builders has revolutionized real estate in Pakistan by introducing projects focusing on cutting-edge design and sustainable development. ZEM is determined to bring world-class living and best practices of real estate to Pakistan.

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Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)  Keeping pace with changing needs of the customers in the country, Bookme.pk has joined hands with one of the leading transport companies of Pakistan, Road Master, with the aim to provide customers with the luxury and convenience that they deserve. The transport giant has taken a step ahead to provide the best travel experience to its users. Bookme keeps its customers at the heart of what they do and strives towards providing best in class customer services. And this is why Pakistan’s first and largest online ticketing platform has made Road Master a premium transport partner for travel to help people move around Pakistan in a much more economical way. But this collaboration holds exciting news for Bookme and Road Master loyalists, the companies have decided to offer the customers with the BIGGEST deal ever! Now you can avail a FLAT 50% discount on UNLIMITED online ticket bookings form Bookme.pk and Road Master. The offer started from 20TH of November. You heard it right, the offer holds NO LIMIT for discount. So make your travel plans and book your tickets now from Bookme.pk and Road Master App to avail the offer.

MD of Road Master, Faisal Sheikh says, “Transforming Transportation Industry through Innovation & Digitalization. As a Road Master I always had my firm belief that the future of the Bus Industry relies on SMART Bus Terminals i.e. having your Terminal at the palm of your hand in the mobile phone through booking apps. I feel honored to be part of Bookme.pk in this journey of revolutionizing transport Industry together.” Message from Faizan Aslam – CEO, Bookme.pk: “Being the leading e-ticketing platform in the industry, we aim to reform intercity transportation in Pakistan and this partnership with Road Master will lead us to achieve that aim. It is particularly gratifying to have Road Master as our premium partner. We look forward to this collaboration which will definitely result in earning more trust and support of the customers.”

realme Combines the Best of Quality, Value and Technology in the realme C25Y

realme C25Y carries the baton of realme’s C-Series forward with its top-notch quality, premium value-for-money and a gamut of technological features for everyone.realme has enticed the mid-range segment once again, adding a stellar C-Series smartphone that offers great quality, value and a host of technological features that will surely be perfect for any pocket. realme C25Y delivers an all-day performance with its 5,000mAh Massive Battery and brings out your photographic talent with its 50MP AI Camera. The realme C25Y is for people on-the-go, offering an 18W Quick Charge and a Unisoc T610 Processor – which with its powerful performance is an all-out winner.

realme’s C-Series is synonymous with the best-in-class quality, with the TUV Rheinland High Reliability Certification. So, one can be sure to have the utmost value-for-money with the realme C25Y. A 6.5” Large Display puts the realme C25Y in the league of all the must-have C-Series smartphones – that are truly a recognition for realme.

The realme C25Y debuts for PKR 26,999/- and comes in Glacier Blue and Metal Grey colours. The smartphone shall be available from Monday, November 29, 2021 so one doesn’t have to wait long enough to visit their nearest market or Daraz to get their realme C25Y soon.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) A multi-billion rupees investment agreement has been signed for Pakistan’s real estate sector as Dubai-based Samana Developers, one of the top 20 real estate developers in the UAE and a subsidiary of diversified Samana Group, has signed a key partnership with H&S Real Estate, a Dubai-based top performing real estate brokerage agency.

This decision was announced by senior officials of both the business giants at a joint press conference held in Dubai on Thursday.

The partnership has launched Emirates Developers, a new real estate development company incorporated in Pakistan. Emirates Developers will build mixed-used resort-themed communities in the tourist hotspots of Pakistan.

The agreement signing ceremony was witnessed by His Excellency Hassan Afzal Khan, Consul-General of Pakistan to Dubai, along with officials of the Consulate General of Pakistan, Samana Developers and H&S Real Estate.

His Excellency Hassan Afzal Khan, Pakistan Consul-General to Dubai, while appreciating the strategic partnership, said: “It is a proud moment for all of us and for the Pakistani community in Dubai that we are witnessing a double success story of Samana Developers and H&S Real Estate going to be replicated in Pakistan. I believe that the two well reputed real estate companies with their vision are going to create a new milestone in the real estate sector of Pakistan and attract much-needed investment to our homeland. I, on behalf of my colleagues in Pakistan mission in the UAE, share our best wishes to the success of Samana Developers, H&S Real Estate and the new venture Emirates Developers.”

Multi-award-winning and ranked amongst Top 50 Real Estate Companies in the Middle East, Samana Developers, is among top 20 real estate developers in the UAE. Throughout 2021 it was ranked number 16th in terms of the number of units sold out in a set timeframe. The ranking reflects the success of Samana Developers and its CEO Imran Farooq’s business strategy which focuses the end-user. For 2022, Samana Developers is looking at increased market share and expecting 35% more sales revenue projection in the UAE.

Mr. Imran Farooq, CEO of Samana Developers, said: “We are coming to Pakistan with high ambitions and bullish mindset. Despite the drop in currency, Pakistan’s real estate market is quite attractive with year-on-year growth projection as we see Pakistan’s population, which needs housing, continues to grow.

“We are not only developing another brick-and-mortar project but a lifestyle development with state-of-the-art amenities at par with the international standards, which we have achieved in Dubai. I believe today’s developers need to think outside the box to fill the gap between innovation, lifestyle and construction. That’s what we practiced in Dubai with Samana Developers. It gives a solid reason to buyers and end-users to invest in our projects. Our end-user business model has helped to be resilient during the Covid-19 pandemic. During the lockdown, we kept on building, and did not stop which continued the workflow, hence, cash flow from buyers to vendors.”

He added: “We had a choice of choosing a plot for single building but that would not be a lifestyle. That is the reason we picked up a cluster of large plots to create a community with facilities and amenities required for a good lifestyle. Anything one needs in a five-star hotel, will be available in the premium Emirates Developers projects at prime locations in Pakistan.”

Mr. Emad Haq, Vice-Chairman, and H&S Real Estate, said: “We believe it is a perfect synergy of two property experts with international experience – Emirates Developers and H&S Real Estate – who will present a living experience in Pakistan which will be unmatched. With group’s 50 plus years of combined experience in residential and commercial luxury real estate development, Emirates Resort project will be a jewel in the heart of beautifully landscaped Islamabad in close proximity to Murree, the lush green resort town in Pakistan.”

Emirates Developers will build a series of projects in Pakistan. Projects will develop a lifestyle with high-end luxury resort-themed apartments and fully-serviced. Residential projects will include one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, penthouses and suites of different size. Amenities will include round-the-clock concierge service, ambulance service, limo, chef-on-demand, nanny-on-demand, driver-on-demand, fine-dining, rooftop restaurants, basketball, volleyball, squash courts, gyms, jogging tracks, skate park, yoga studios, swimming pools, parks, rock climbing, kids play areas, access control system and round-the-clock security.

Emirates Developers will launch first mega project at a tourist hotspot of Pakistan in January 2022. Details of the projects will be revealed at a press conference to be held in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan.

Islamabad (Muhammad Yasir) Leading the digital innovation in the country, Zong 4G, Pakistan’s leading cellular and digital services provider has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Special Communication Organization (SCO), in a bid to work in-step towards the Prime Minister’s vision of Digital Pakistan. In a major development to offer their mutual subscribers a seamless and faster connectivity experience across the AJK & GB.

Through mutual collaboration, Zong and SCO will expand the network across the length and breadth of the AJK & GB to provide unmatched experiences to the customers. Along with SCO having unmatched coverage area in AJK/GB, and preferred business partner, Zong 4G will ensure the development of a state-of-the-art system by utilizing the new technologies in optimizing processes for network expansion and higher efficiency. With the company’s extensive experience in Mobile services and SCO`s remarkable infrastructure our mutual customers will be served with the most advance and reliable services across the country and especially in the AJK&GB region.

“We can confidently claim to have the most advanced network, providing cutting-edge mobile services to its valued consumers in the AJK&GB region,” stated Maj Gen Muhammad Shahid Sideeq, DG -SCO. “Zong is a highly innovative telecommunications firm in Pakistan leading the country’s ICT-powered digital transformation. I am confident that the biggest beneficiaries of this collaboration are going to be the people of AJK & GB.”

“Our strategic cooperation benefits both partners and, more significantly, the people of AJK & GB,” stated Wang Hua, Chairman & CEO Zong 4G. “This agreement will ensure that resource-sharing benefits both enterprises and that the public receives superior products and services, improving their quality of life. The partnership, which aligns well with our vision of Digital Pakistan, is a huge testament to our care for AJK & GB community and our commitment to meeting their ever-changing connectivity needs.”

In September, Zong (CMPak) emerged as the highest bidder for the 1800 MHz spectrum auction for Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K) and Gilgit Baltistan (GB). Earlier this month, Zong launched its LTE services in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, achieving exceptional results in user speed and traffic. Zong’s LTE testing in the region was recently completed with the throughput experience improving up to 10-20 Mbps depending upon backhaul capacity across AJK and its various districts.

SCO being the most reliable partner of ZONG having cutting edge technology in remote areas of AJK & GB and ZONG being the leader of digital transformation, together this partnership is a testament to the company’s commitment to providing unparalleled services to its customers.

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

60 to 70 per cent of the Pakistan State Oil (PSO) petrol pumps are operational across Pakistan, a spokesperson for the state-owned company said.

He said that there are more than 3,500 PSO petrol pumps in the country, 60 to 70% of which are operational.

The company has received purchase orders for 6,500 metric tonnes of petrol and 6,000 metric tonnes of diesel over the last five hours, meaning citizens are being provided fuel uninterrupted.

Most of the petrol pumps across the country discontinued selling fuel today as petroleum dealers went on a nationwide strike for an indefinite period in protest against low profit margin, troubling commuters and motorists.

Almost all petrol pumps were shut in Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta and other cities of the country. Panic gripped major cities on Wednesday as citizens rushed to petrol pumps to top up tanks of their vehicles.

The petroleum dealers are demanding an increase of up to six per cent from the current three per cent in their profit margin.

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Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Thursday that e-commerce is vital for employment generation and economic growth.

Speaking to Bjarke Mikelsen, Group CEO of Daraz, an online e-commerce platform, who called on him at the PM House, Prime Minister Khan said Pakistan offers huge potential for e-commerce that will generate employment opportunities and help in economic growth.

He said that the government is providing full support to foreign investors under its “Ease-of-doing-Business” policy.

The CEO Daraz expressed interest in further investment and expansion of e-commerce in Pakistan.

Adviser to the PM on Finance Shaukat Tarin, Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) Chairman Amir Hashmi, Senator Aon Abbas Bappi, and managing director of Daraz Ehsan Saya were present during the meeting.

On Wednesday, the prime minister appointed Senator Aon Abbas Bappi as his Special Assistant on e-commerce. The Cabinet Division issued notification of the appointment of Aon Abbas Buppi as SAPM. Buppi previously served as Managing Director Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal.

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