Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Bank Alfalah, one of the largest commercial banks in Pakistan, has announced the evolution of its Tap and Pay service, which is for Near-Field-Communication (NFC)-enabled cards at point-of-sale (POS) terminals at retail outlets. This Innovative solution is now extended to mobile devices where customers can make secure, tokenised payments using their NFC-enabled Android smartphones at POS and e-commerce merchants worldwide. Payment tokenisation is a process which swaps your real card number for a secret code, protecting your data and making transactions through smartphones more secure.

With Bank Alfalah Tap and Pay, more than one million Bank Alfalah credit and debit cardholders can perform their daily transactions using a Digital Token without the need to carry their wallet. This token replaces their sensitive cardholder information, such as their 16-digit Personal Account Number (PAN) and CVV with randomly generated strings of numbers, ensuring cardholder data is never exposed during their transaction at POS machines and e-commerce platforms.

Bank Alfalah offers an added layer of security by ensuring actual card details are not stored with the merchant while using digital tokens to protect against data breaches and cyber fraud. These tokens play a fundamental role in securing digital payment, providing a necessity for enhanced security.

Bank Alfalah has always been at the forefront of providing a seamless and secure transaction experience. Tap and Pay enhances their payment journey by enabling contactless payments via NFC-enabled Android smartphones.

Mehreen Ahmed, Group Head Retail Banking Group said,“We are further enhancing Bank Alfalah Tap and Pay functionality to enable tokenised payments, allowing our cardholders to seamlessly make transactions conveniently and securely with their Smartphones. Innovation in payments is a key priority for us. We firmly believe that evolution powered by new technology, which provides a frictionless user experience is what we desire for our cardholders.”

Customers can activate Bank Alfalah Tap and Pay in just a few simple steps.

• Login to the Alfa App.
• Tap on “Tap & Pay” Or “Card” menu to start the process.
• Select Your Card (Debit or Credit).
• Enable NFC and set Alfa as the default for contactless payments.
• Confirm and your Digital Card is ready to use!

This service currently works only on NFC-enabled Android devices.

Bank Alfalah continues to lead the way in digital banking solutions in Pakistan, empowering customers with advanced payment technologies that redefine convenience and security. Tap and Pay underscores the Bank’s dedication to driving financial inclusion and embracing technological advancements in the banking sector.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

TECNO Pakistan, a leading phone brand, has teamed up with Artisan Coffee Roaster in Lahore to offer an exclusive coffee experience like never before.

As part of this collaboration, a limited-edition coffee drink has been introduced exclusively for the occasion. Even more exciting, all TECNO users can enjoy a 10% discount on everything.

Syed Asjad, Co-Founder of Artisan Coffee Roasters, says, “Phones and coffee shops have always gone hand in hand—most of us use our phones while enjoying a cup of tea, coffee, or any drink. This campaign perfectly captures that relationship. The exquisite drink created in collaboration with TECNO is set to be a hit, and I’m sure there will be strong demand to keep it around.”

You can also see the new TECNO CAMON 30 LOEWE Edition displayed at these coffee shops. This partnership provides a unique opportunity for customers to experience and explore the exceptional features and design of the new version in person while sipping their coffee and enjoying the ambiance of Artisan Coffee Roasters.

“As a big coffee lover, even the idea of this campaign made me super excited. That’s the beauty of coffee—you can enjoy it in any form, depending on the mood and weather. I’m sure our fans and followers are going to love this deal we’re offering in collaboration with Artisan Coffee Roasters,” says Shiekh Mahad Arif, PR Manager TECNO Pakistan.

The campaign is already live and will continue until July 15th. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or just in need of a caffeine fix, this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss. So, no matter what the mood is, head over to Artisan Coffee Roasters and take advantage of this amazing offer now!

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Jazz announces the appointment of Farrukh Khan, CEO & Managing Director of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and CEO of Micro-Finance Holdings (MFH), effective September 15th, 2024. Farrukh will also join the board of Mobilink Microfinance Bank.

Gábor Kocsis, the outgoing CFO, will remain with Jazz until the end of the year, focusing on strategic projects to facilitate a smooth transition and maintain momentum in ongoing initiatives.

Farrukh Khan brings over 30 years of leadership experience in major financial institutions, including roles as CEO of Acumen Fund, co-founder and CEO of BMA Capital Management, and CFO at American Express. His expertise in mergers and public offerings will enhance Jazz’s financial strategy and innovation.

Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of Jazz & Chairman MMBL, commented, “We are thrilled to welcome Farrukh Khan to our leadership team. His rich expertise and leadership in capital markets are crucial as we evolve into a ServiceCo.”

This announcement comes as Jazz unveils its vision to transition from a Mobile Telco to a dynamic ServiceCo. Leveraging core strengths in data and connectivity, Jazz is poised to disrupt various sectors including financial services, software development, data centers & cloud solutions, and entertainment. With a projected compound annual growth rate of 20%+, Jazz aims to double its revenue by 2027, with significant contributions from its new ventures including fintech platform JazzCash, clould offering Garaj, and the digital streaming service Tamasha.

Farrukh Khan shared his enthusiasm about his new role, stating, “I’m excited to join Jazz during such a transformative time. The team has built outstanding businesses, and I’m eager to help drive the company’s ambitious vision to evolve into a ServiceCo. I look forward to driving financial innovation and supporting the company’s expansion into new sectors.”

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab) hosted an official possession ceremony for Plot #4 and Plot #5 of Lahore Prime CBD Punjab Quaid District. The possession of the plots was given to Pakistan Consortium Company Reit Fund (PCC). The event was attended by distinguished members of PCC including Gohar Ijaz, Mian Amir Mehmood, Naeem Butt, and representatives from Habib Rafiq Group. On behalf of CBD Punjab, CEO Imran Amin, Chairman Board Barrister Syed Azfar Ali Nasir, and senior officials of CBD Punjab were present to mark this significant milestone. CEO CBD Punjab Imran Amin, emphasized the strategic importance of this development in his address, stating, “In the next five to ten years, our vision is to create a master plan and development projects that not only instill confidence and trust within the business community but also lay down a robust infrastructure foundation. The trust bestowed upon us by the business community, represented by Gohar Ijaz, is a testament to our commitment to delivering high-quality infrastructure. This project is a pivotal step towards realizing that vision.” While addressing the ceremony Chairman Syed Azfar Ali Nasir said, “We have worked diligently to build an organization that introduces customer-friendly policies and earns the trust of the business community. The support from our consortium and the public sector has been instrumental in reaching this milestone. Today, we are proud to see Pakistan’s first super high-rise infrastructure taking shape.” Business Tycoon Gohar Ijaz, representing PCC, added, “The possession of these plots is a significant milestone for us and reaffirms our commitment to contributing to Punjab’s economic growth. The collaboration with CBD Punjab will enable us to develop state-of-the-art infrastructure that will attract further investment and foster a thriving business environment.” The technical and commercial teams, along with partners such as NLC and NESPAK, have played a crucial role in this development. The project includes the construction of a four-kilometer road connecting Main Boulevard to Walton, incorporating advanced elements like vertical electric conduits approved by LESCO, rainwater harvesting systems, and smart services. The cost of this infrastructure development is estimated at 25 billion PKR, reflecting the significant investment in creating a business-friendly environment. The possession of Plot # 4 and Plot # 5 marks the beginning of a new era of development and commercial growth in Lahore. With projects such as the completion of Kalma Chowk, CBD Route 47 and the Walton Road development, CBD Punjab continues to pave the way for innovative infrastructure and commercial corridors that will drive economic growth.

Soneri Bank is proud to announce the grand opening of its 500^th branch, located in Karachi, Khayaban-e-Shamsheer. This milestone event underscores Soneri Bank’s commitment to bringing banking services closer to our customers’ doorsteps and supporting SBP’s objective of bringing the unbanked sector into the banking fold. 

The grand opening ceremony was a significant event, graced by Mr. Jameel Ahmed, Governor State Bank of Pakistan, as Chief Guest, and attended by distinguished members of Soneri Bank’s leadership. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by Mr. Jameel Ahmed, Governor of SBP, and Mr. Amin Feerasta, Chairman of Soneri Bank, alongside several high-ranking dignitaries from the Soneri Management Team.

Mr. Jameel Ahmed praised Soneri Bank’s expansion efforts stating, “Soneri Bank’s journey to this milestone is commendable. Their dedication to enhancing banking services aligns with our vision of a robust and inclusive financial sector.”

Mr. Amin A. Feerasta, Chairman, Soneri Bank, expressed his enthusiasm for the new branch and its offerings saying, “Today, as we celebrate the opening of our 500^th branch, we reinforce our dedication to innovation, growth, and excellence in customer service.” 

Mr. Muhtashim Ahmad Ashai, President & CEO of Soneri Bank, stated, “The opening of our 500^th branch is a testament to our collective commitment to delivering the best banking experience to our customers.” and Mr. Ahsan Mushahid, Deputy CEO, Soneri Bank, shared his appreciation for the team’s efforts stating, “We are immensely proud of our team for their dedication and hard work in reaching this remarkable milestone.”

Soneri Bank’s journey to 500 branches has been marked by strategic growth and a deep commitment to customer satisfaction. As Soneri Bank continues to expand, it remains dedicated to its core values of Customer Centricity, Ownership, High Moral Standards, being Proactive and Collaborating. 

Looking ahead, Soneri Bank plans to continue its strategic expansion with further investments in technology and customer service initiatives. The bank’s commitment to efficient customer service will drive its future growth.

inDrive and oladoc Partner to Promote Health and Wellbeing in Pakistan

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)   inDrive, a leading global ride-hailing service, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with oladoc, Pakistan’s premier digital healthcare platform, to provide free healthcare subscriptions to inDrive users. This initiative aims to enhance healthcare accessibility and convenience, offering inDrive users complimentary medical benefits and exclusive discounts to support their health and wellbeing.

inDrive: Committed to Safety and Wellbeing

inDrive, with its presence in over 750+ cities across 46 countries, is dedicated to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of its users. As a market leader for the past 3 years in Pakistan with millions of users globally, inDrive continues to innovate and prioritize user experience by integrating essential services into its platform.

The partnership between inDrive and oladoc represents a significant step towards transforming the healthcare experience for inDrive users in Pakistan. Both companies are recognized leaders in their respective sectors—inDrive in ride-hailing services and oladoc in digital healthcare. This collaboration leverages the strengths of both platforms to deliver state-of-the-art healthcare services to inDrive’s extensive user base in Pakistan.

Starting from the 24th of June, 2024, inDrive users will be eligible to receive an oladoc subscription upon booking a ride. This subscription entitles users to a wide range of healthcare benefits, which can be conveniently accessed through the oladoc app.

This partnership brings numerous healthcare benefits for inDrive users; with an oladoc subscription, inDrive users will enjoy up to 40% discounts on several medical services and can avail perks such as video consultations with top doctors in Pakistan.

GTM Manager – SA, Hassan Zaman stated that; “This partnership empowers our passengers and drivers with top-notch digital healthcare services, reinforcing our commitment to safety and health. We strive to deliver the best value, making health a key focus alongside safety.”

inDrive’s partnership with oladoc underscores its dedication to supporting the health and wellbeing of its users in Pakistan. By providing essential healthcare benefits, inDrive is taking a proactive approach to enhance the overall user experience and promote a healthier community.

 

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)  Beme leading tech brand, is excited to announce the launch of its groundbreaking new product Beme Nomad Boost on 06 July 2024, the 15-in-1 Powerbank.This innovative device combines the functionalities of a charger, powerbank (10000mAh), wireless charger, and wall charger, offering unparalleled convenience for modern tech enthusiasts.

Beme Nomad Boost is designed to meet the diverse needs of consumers seeking reliable and versatile charging options. With a powerful 22.5W direct charging capability, it ensures rapid charging for even the most power-hungry devices. The device’s wireless charging surface provides a sleek and effortless way to charge compatible smartphones without the hassle of cables.

“This isn’t just a powerbank; it’s a complete charging ecosystem designed to enhance convenience and reliability,” said Rahmeen Syed, Marketing Manager at Beme. “Whether you’re at home, in the office, or on the move, our 15-in-1 Powerbank delivers the performance and flexibility you need.”

Key Features of the Beme Nomad Boost Include:

• Multi-Functionality: Charger, Powerbank (10000mAh), Wireless Charger, and Wall Charger in one device.
• Powerful Performance: 22.5W direct charging capability for rapid device charging.
• Wireless Charging: Convenient wireless charging surface for compatible smartphones.
• Durable and Desirable: Stylish design combining durability and functionality.
• Versatile Usage: AC wall plug functions independently as a cell phone charger; powerbank section offers PD, Quick Charge, and wireless charging functions.
• Sim Slot Availability: Integrated SIM slot for SIM cards, providing additional utility beyond traditional powerbanks.
• Sim Ejection Tool: Includes a tool for easy SIM card ejection and management.
• iPhone Standby Mode Support: Ensures compatibility and efficient charging for iPhones.
• Travel Adapters: Includes adapters for international travel convenience.
• Built-in Wires: Integrated cables for seamless charging without the need for extra accessories.Beme remains committed to innovation and quality, aiming to redefine industry standards with products that empower users worldwide. The 15-in-1 Powerbank Beme Nomad Boost reflects this commitment with its user-centric design and robust features.

The Beme Nomad Boost is priced at PKR 14,999 for its full retail price. However, customers can take advantage of a special pre-order price of PKR 7,999 for one day after the launch exclusively on Saamaan.pk.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the Beme Nomad Boost 15-in-1 Powerbank. Visit Beme.pk and Saamaan.pk starting 06 July 2024 to secure your device.

 

Group CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Bill Winters Visits OICCI, Highlights Economic Challenges and Opportunities.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)  Bill Winters, Group CEO of Standard Chartered Bank (SCB), visited the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) on Friday. During an interactive session with the top executives of OICCI member companies, Bill Winters shared that “We see a greater potential in Pakistan and will continue to invest more as per the opportunity. There are excellent opportunities for talented young people”, Bill continued to add “and the government need to make it easier for brilliant Pakistanis to work from Pakistan for the leading companies across the globe”.

Bill Winters is a leader in climate finance. Under his leadership Standard Chartered Bank chairs the Net Zero Banking Alliance and the Taskforce for Scaling Voluntary Carbon Markets.

As the oldest chamber in South Asia, OICCI provided a platform for Winters to discuss the Pakistan franchise and other markets operating in a challenging economic environment. During the meeting, Bill Winters addressed the future of globalization, climate change and international trade, considering recent geopolitical tensions and conflicts. Additionally, he highlighted the transformative role of emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and quantum computing, emphasizing the adoption of digital currencies by regulators.

M Abdul Aleem, OICCI CE/Secretary General, gave a briefing to Winters on the history and legacy of the chamber. Highlighting the positive contributions of foreign investors to Pakistan’s economy, he emphasised that OICCI members not only contribute one-third to the tax revenue of Pakistan but are also highly regarded for their efforts on the transfer of technology and managerial skills. Many of our senior members and past presidents have over the years been engaged by the government towards driving reform and lead the government organisation towards change.

Winters has also been engaged with OICCI previously, particularly at the Pakistan Climate Conference in 2022 and 2023, where he emphasized sustainable climate resilience.

 

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