The Fantastic OPPO F21 Pro achieves new highs of anticipation – Goes on Sale Nationwide

Lahore (Nut Desk) The wait is finally over. The most awaited OPPO F21 Pro is officially available to purchase online and in stores nationwide. With fans swooning over its incredible design and camera capabilities, the OPPO F21 Pro has been very well received since the launch. Due to its exquisite style and unique Microlens feature, the phone has witnessed huge anticipation across the stores on its first sales day. With the country’s first Sony IMX709 flagship sensor, Microlens and robust 4500mAh battery, the OPPO F21 Pro ensures an exceptional user experience. It will come in two stunning colors including Cosmic Black and the unique Sunset Orange. It is available to purchase in stores and at ‘Daraz’ with the retail price of PKR 52,999/-. You can also avail an exciting offer, with every purchase of OPPO F21 Pro, you will get a voucher of PKR 2500/- on OPPO Enco buds.

The Fantastic OPPO F21 Pro includes innovative imaging aspects while incorporating a stylish modern design that features the industry’s first fiberglass-leather design. The phone has a lychee-grain leather finish which is waterproof and wear-resistant. Its exceptional flat-edged design thoughtfully crafted to transport the device to a wonderful realm.

The IMX709 sensor, co-developed by OPPO and Sony, delivers to the front camera for the first time both greatly improved and entirely new features. It includes a 32MP Selfie camera which provides clear and vivid lighting even in low light conditions. With OPPO F21 Pro’s Selfie HDR function it’s now easier than ever to snap brighter and more natural-looking selfies in the presence of strong backlight. The OPPO F21 Pro is equipped with a triple rear camera arrangement for photos and videos. It has a primary lens with a resolution of 64MP, a 2MP micro sensor, and a 2MP depth camera. The first and only Microlens, which magnifies subjects by 15 and 30 times. Microlens, allows the OPPO F21 Pro to explore a new, microscopic universe via photo or even video. In addition, the Orbit Light that surrounds the Microlens camera as a fill light, resulting in images that are uniformly lighted and engaging.

This is the first OPPO phone in Pakistan to receive the ColorOS 12 which emphasizes diversity with an all-new structure based on an internationalized approach. ColorOS 12’s page layouts and interactions have been redesigned to make more space. As a result, the user interface is simple and uncluttered, allowing you to concentrate on what matters most.

The phone has a powerful 4500 mAh battery that comes with 33W SUPERVOOC Flash-charging technology. Powered by a 6nm Snapdragon chipset, 128GB of ROM and 8GB RAM, which can be extended by 5GB from OPPO’s RAM expansion, promising great power efficiency.

Browsing and consuming information has never been easier thanks to smart AI sensing algorithms and intelligent translation on OPPO F21 Pro. With the Air Gestures on ColorOS 12, you can mute a call with a swipe-up gesture or scroll up and down on pages within apps like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok without touching the device.

OPPO handles data privacy and information security at levels that exceed industry standards. Smart Notification Hiding helps protect your privacy when using your phone in public areas.

Over the years, the OPPO F series has made significant advancements, including the introduction of VOOC charging, improved camera capabilities, innovative design and unique color options. Labelled as a “Fantastic” phone, this new device combines cutting-edge technology with a vibrant style and chic design. The phone will be available for purchase at a retail price of PKR 52,999/- at Daraz and in stores nationwide. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) PACRA, a renowned credit rating company has harmonized the Insurer Financial Strength rating of Pak-Qatar General Takaful Limited (PQGTL) at ‘A+’ with Stable Outlook.

The rating assigned signifies high capacity to meet policyholder obligations and contractual obligations reflected by the company’s adequate capitalization and liquidity profile. Business generated through the through various channels, particularly Motor Business has contributed significantly to top-line. Pak-Qatar General Takaful Limited is the pioneer and the dedicated Takaful Company operating for more than a decade offering financial protection to everyone with a history of robust profitability ratios.

CEO-PQGTL – Mr. Zahid Hussain Awan stated that, “It is a pleasure for all the stakeholders to witness that the robust performance of PQGTL, in all aspects of its business. This was only possible because of our well-defined organizational structure of the company, experienced management, improvement in results of the Participants’ Fund and the Shareholders’ Fund that have contributed positively to aggregate capitalization indicator. Liquidity profile of the company is considered sound with liabilities maintained within manageable limits and ageing of outstanding claims is also satisfactory. Underwriting results have been improved on account of reduction in expense ratio, achieved as a result of business growth. Also, it is a reflection of the consistent hard work of our highly committed team.”

Lahore (Nut Desk)

Pakistani telecom company, Ufone 4G has taken on board premier South Korean technology conglomerate, Samsung to offer the full range of Samsung handsets for sale at Ufone Service centres nationwide. Mobile users can now purchase brand new Samsung phones from their nearest service centres; however, Ufone 4G users will get an exclusive proposition far more exciting. Ufone 4G offers 15GB free Internet for 3 months to its customers on purchase of each handset from its service centres.

It merits a mention that the arrangement is an extension of Ufone 4G’s long-term commitment to provide users with a top-notch internet experience at all times. Samsung’s innovative and reliable handsets, coupled with Ufone 4G’s lightning-fast internet will enhance customers’ user experience manyfold. The company is further sweetening the pie for its customers by providing free 15 GB Internet for 3 months on the purchase of any Samsung handsets. Ufone 4G customers can now enjoy seamless internet connectivity along with various interesting features offered by Samsung Handsets.

The handsets are initially being offered only at Ufone Service Center Jinnah Super, Islamabad, however, they will soon be available at Ufone Service Centres across the country.

Pakistani telecom company, Ufone 4G is always on the lookout for opportunities to fulfil the evolving digital needs of its customers. From high-end initiatives like the transformation of its network onto 4G to individual based facilitation such as the provision of the latest and most innovative handsets, Ufone 4G is ceaselessly striving to usher in a wholesome telecom experience for its users, which it promises to continue steadily into the future.

foodpanda publishes inaugural Social Impact Report; dedicated over US$35 million to grow communities, digitalise MSMEs and support riders in Asia

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) foodpanda released its first Social Impact Report, titled pandapurpose, highlighting initiatives the company has taken to contribute to socio-economic and environmental sustainability challenges in Asia. As the largest food and grocery platform in Pakistan and in Asia (outside China), foodpanda dedicated over US$35 million to support communities, help Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) digitalise, train and upskill delivery riders across the region during the continued pandemic in 2021.

The pandapurpose 2021 report showcases how foodpanda uplifted riders, merchants and customers thrive through technology across its 12 operating markets – Pakistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and the Philippines. One key highlight in the report was the introduction of new digital tools that helped MSMEs expand revenue streams, while training and upskilling for riders, and programmes.

Several local programs in Pakistan successfully increased the percentage of economic participation from women entrepreneurs through the HomeChef program, while overall women ridership also increased compared to previous years. A new area of social impact focus in 2021 was the introduction of more sustainability initiatives.

“At foodpanda, we have been driven by our values to keep improving our processes as we are aware that it leads to making millions of lives better. We will keep working hard to sustain the standards that we have set and build an inclusive platform for our community of merchants, riders, customers, and other stakeholders,” said Muntaqa Peracha, Chief Executive Officer, foodpanda Pakistan.

foodpanda is a strong advocate of building an inclusive platform. In 2021, foodpanda raised the level of economic participation from women across Asia, tripling the number of female riders in its fleet and financially empowering women MSME entrepreneurs on the platform through its HomeChef programme. In Pakistan, female riders also joined its fleet while foodpanda created new opportunities for home-based small businesses — run mostly by women — to be financially empowered. Around 1,500 women have already registered as HomeChefs so far.

Marking its tenth anniversary, this Social Impact Report reiterates foodpanda’s commitment to growing alongside its ecosystem of riders, merchants and customers across 12 markets in Asia. foodpanda will look to expand its social impact initiatives in 2022 and the years to come by, positively empowering local communities to live better lives, powered by technology.

BANK ALFALAH PARTNERS WITH PAYMOB – MENA’S MARKET-LEADING DIGITAL PAYMENTS PROVIDER – TO DRIVE DIGITAL PAYMENT ACCEPTANCE IN PAKISTAN

One of Pakistan’s largest Fintech partnerships to date to empower over 100,000 merchants across the country

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) Bank Alfalah, one of the largest private banks in Pakistan has partnered with Paymob, MENA’s market-leading digital payments provider. The two organizations have collaborated to activate and support merchant acquisition and integration services across Pakistan. The partnership will empower over 100,000 merchants across Pakistan and launch new innovative services in e-commerce acceptance for online merchants.

This partnership records Paymob’s first collaboration outside its Egyptian home market and comes as part of its expansion strategy in the MENAP region.

Bank Alfalah’s partnership with Paymob will drive financial inclusion and lead the way for swift payment acceptance, and will follow Bank Alfalah’s objective to support merchant acquisition and integration services across the country. This collaboration will enable an instant onboarding feature for the first time in Pakistan using Paymob’s advanced solutions such as payment gateway integration, POS terminals and Soft POS.  The instant onboarding feature is empowered by the digital onboarding regulations recently published by the State Bank of Pakistan and comes as one of many positive steps the State Bank has led to enable MSME Merchants in order to further digitize the ecosystem.

The market opportunity in Pakistan is significant given the range of retail outlets and SME businesses across the country’s cities. With over four million SMEs using just over 80,000 POS terminals and less than 3000 e-commerce payment gateways, the market is perfectly suited to meet Paymob’s criteria and strategy to expand globally – and bridge the digital financial gap.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Karachi, Atif Bajwa, President and CEO of Bank Alfalah said:

“Bank Alfalah is proud to partner with Paymob in one of Pakistan’s largest Fintech partnerships. Our collaboration will aim to serve thousands of merchants across Pakistan and the industry first “Tap-on-Phone” service will allow us to reach even the most remotely located merchants in Pakistan.”

Alain El-Hajj COO of Paymob, said:

“This is a remarkable moment for Paymob. We are honored to partner with Bank AlFalah under its progressive leadership to provide reliable and seamless digital payment services for SMEs across Pakistan. With this partnership we aim to contribute the shared vision of economic growth and digitization of SMEs”.

Pakistan’s market has several positive drivers. GDP growth is forecast at 5-6% per annum, with the total value of e-commerce consumer goods having grown by 83% in 2021 to reach US$3.9 billion. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority reports that 101 million people use the internet in Pakistan, with 46% having access to broadband services and 85% (183 million) to mobile connections.

According to the PIDE, Pakistan has the potential for significant Fintech growth, due to its increasing youth population, disruptive internet and smartphone penetration, consumer preferences for mobile phones and social media, a booming e-commerce market facilitating digital payments, and the financial system’s overall capacity for innovation.

Islamabad (Muhammad Yasir)  METRO, the leading international wholesale company, has partnered with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), to reward its customers as part of FBR POS Prize Scheme by announcing 10 cash prizes of Rs. 100,000 each for their valued customers participating in the prize scheme. A simple yet impressive ceremony in this regard was held at the METRO Capital Outlet in Islamabad, graced by Mr. Qaiser Iqbal, Member FBR, Inland Revenue – Operations, along with the senior management of METRO Pakistan, and the winning customers.

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Marek Minkiewicz, Managing Director, METRO Pakistan, said “METRO was the first one to integrate with FBR as a Tier-1 retailer across Pakistan, and took the lead in documentation of economy. We have further taken a step ahead and sponsored 10 cash prizes of Rs. 100,000 each for our valued customers, in addition to FBR’s anounced prizes”.Sharing his thoughts, the Chief Guest, Mr. Mr. Qaiser Iqbal, Member FBR, Inland Revenue – Operations, thanked the management of METRO Pakistan, and said, “The event like this is a sign of business transparency from our partners METRO, and a welcome step to encourage its customers towards the documentation of economy”

In his address, Mr. Pervaiz Akhtar, Director Corporate Affairs, briefed about the reward,  “Today we are gathered to honor our valued customers from the twin cities, Rawalpindi and Islamabad, who won cash prizes in the POS Prize Scheme. I would like to encourage all our customers to continue shopping from METRO, enter the receipt in FBR’s Tax Asaan App and give yourself a chance to win cash prizes. In the month of March, we had 10 lucky METRO’s customers winning one lac rupees each”. 

At the end of the ceremony, Mr. Marek, MD METRO Pakistan presented the cheques and gift hampers to lucky winners.