News Update Times

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) OPPO, a leading global smart device brand, today announced the launch of its latest A series smartphone – OPPO A95 – in Pakistan. Continuing the characteristic features of the OPPO A series, A95 empowers users through powerful technology and stylish design, to address young and sophisticated users’ needs for smarter everyday communications. OPPO A95 is now available to purchase across Pakistan for PKR 41,999/- only.

OPPO A95 comes equipped with a large 5000mAh battery and 33W Flash Charge to ensure longer battery life and usage time. Stylishly finished using the unique OPPO Glow design, the smartphone is not only gorgeous to look at, but comfortable to use and highly durable. It also features an AMOLED FHD+ display with All-day Eye Care to deliver a better viewing experience.

Powered by the Qualcomm^® Snapdragon^TM 662 platform, OPPO A95 delivers a smooth and efficient user experience at all times. This is further enhanced by System Booster, a suit of system-level optimizations that ensure the phone runs seamlessly. OPPO A95 also comes with an 8GB RAM+128GB ROM configuration, and RAM Expansion technology, allowing it to convert unused ROM storage into RAM when manually enabled.

OPPO A95 comes with a large 5000mAh battery and 33W Flash Charge, which can reach a full charge in 72 minutes. With a 5-minute charge, users can enjoy 1.8 hours of YouTube video viewing and 5.7 hours of voice calls.

For photos and videos, OPPO A95 features a 48MP Triple-camera Set-up on the back of the device. With A95’s 16MP front camera and OPPO’s AI Beautification and Front Night Mode features, it’s now much easier to take more defined selfies.

Moreover, the entire phone is manufactured to be both dustproof and waterproof, with an IPX4 rating. It has also been tested for durability by being put through a series of rubbing tests against a range of common household materials designed to simulate everyday wear.

OPPO A95 is available in two stylish colors: Glowing Rainbow Silver and Glowing Starry Black. Both models feature OPPO’s exclusive OPPO Glow design, which gives the back cover of the phone a subtle shimmering appearance, creating a dual matte finish with glittery details. The phone’s cover feels ultra-fine and smooth to hold, and it is also fingerprint-resistant, scratch-resistant, wear-resistant, and fire-resistant, helping users to keep the phone spotless and free from wear and tear.

OPPO A95 features a 6.43-inch display with a 90.8% ultra-high screen-to-body ratio and a high 2400×1080 resolution. Even with the large 5000mAh battery, the phone still comes in at just 7.95 mm thin and weighs only 175 g.

ColorOS 11.1 on OPPO A95 provides the foundation for an efficient and convenient user experience, helping to improve everyday productivity for all kinds of tasks. FlexDrop, for example, ensures smooth multi-task among different apps through resized windows. Additionally, features like Game Space, Game Assistant, Game Focus Mode and Bullet Notifications all contribute to creating a fully-immersive and interruption-free gaming experience.

As the newest member of the OPPO A series, OPPO A95 is packed with a series of innovations in both hardware and software, combining high-efficiency performance with eye-catching design to meet a diverse range of everyday needs.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Gerry’s dnata, Pakistan’s leading ground services provider, has been recognised for consistently delivering quality, safe and innovative services at its Islamabad hub and received the ‘Best Station’ accolade at the 2021 Pride of Ground Handling Awards.  Gerry’s dnata was also shortlisted for four additional awards.

Syed Haris Raza, Vice President of Gerry’s dnata, said: “We are delighted to receive one of the industry’s most coveted global awards as a recognition of our world-class services.  

“Islamabad is an extremely important and strategic location for the aviation industry. As the leading ground handler we are proud to have supported one of the largest repatriation missions of the year by ensuring safe and seamless operations of the flights.

“I thank each member of our team for their relentless commitment to provide service excellence across our network.”

Over the past year, Gerry’s dnata has continued to enhance its operations and services to deliver the highest level of quality and safety and help airline customers safely transport passengers and precious cargo to and from Pakistan.  Gerry’s dnata also made significant investments in infrastructure, technology and equipment. This included the opening of a new, state-of- the-art cargo facility in Lahore which doubled the company’s cargo handling capacity at the airport.

Gerry’s dnata’s quality of service helped it win or retain over 20 contracts with key accounts across its network. The company also achieved prestigious industry certifications, including GDP and IATA’s ISAGO accreditation, which validate its capabilities and place the business in a market leading position.

Gerry’s Group and dnata, a global leading air and travel services provider, joined hands in 1993 to provide ground handling services at Karachi Airport. Since then, the joint venture has continually expanded its operations in the country and today serves more than 20 airline customers at seven Pakistani airports. Gerry’s dnata’s dedicated employees serve more than seven million passengers and handle 150,000 tons of cargo annually.

Ground Handling International’s (GHI) Pride of Ground Handling Awards celebrate excellence in ground service across the globe and the all-important people who are passionate about performing the perfect turnaround.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)  Lahore based Bookme.pk announced today that it has closed a $7.5 Mn Series A funding round. Bookme is a travel and ticketing platform similar to Traveloka in Indonesia, providing customers with online bookings for Intercity Buses, Airlines, Hotels & Events in Pakistan The round was co-led by Zayn Capital, seed investor Lakson VC and UAE-based Hayaat Global with participation from MENA based BY Ventures and Jabbar Internet Group, New York based Millville Opportunities and Silicon-Valley based Mentor’s Fund.

“Our focus at Bookme has always been the customer experience. With this mind we have created a fully integrated platform that allows customers to seamlessly make bookings with the click of a button. We digitized the paper-based transport and travel sector in Pakistan to create a plug and play distribution system that inter-connects reservation systems of intercity buses, domestic & international airlines, hotels and events. In our view, making the overall experience cashless through APIs to enable Super App payment applications was an integral part of completing the digital experience.” said Faizan Aslam, CEO & Founder of Bookme. Bookme is the first completely cashless platform in Pakistan with the highest number of day-to-day digital transactions for banks and payment gateways.

Moreover, Bookme has partnered with Pakistan’s leading mobile wallet platform to offer its customers BNPL services, leveraging historical data and spending patterns for more than 6 million customers. The intercity bus segment has grown significantly in Pakistan as road infrastructure and connectivity has improved throughout the country due to massive infrastructure investments over the last 5 years. In addition, major urban cities in Pakistan have a large number of rural migrants, increasing demand for bus travel for their work-related commutes.

“Bookme is led by an exceptional team with a clear vision which has enabled it to scale rapidly and dominate the travel and ticketing market in Pakistan. We are thrilled to continue to invest in Bookme and firmly believe that the Series A funding will allow Bookme to expand its operations, increase its market share and transform the travel and ticketing space in the country.” said Babar Lakhani, Managing Partner of Lakson Venture Capital.

“We have followed Bookme’s journey from the seed stage to see it scale into one of the leading platforms in Pakistan. We’re extremely proud to be a continued part of their journey as we believe that this team is capable of building a Unicorn.” said Faisal Aftab Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Zayn Capital Frontier Fund.

Cost efficiency and shorter travel distances in densely populated provinces of Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa are also creating greater demand for buses. Moreover, the 82-million-strong middle class, composed mostly of Millennials and Generation Z are also increasing demand for buses, airlines, hotels and events as domestic tourism and entertainment has grown over the last few years.

“BookMe has one of the most robust e-ticketing platforms because of its focused approach and customer centricity. Under Faizan’s inspired leadership, this stellar team has shown their market nous with unique, compelling offerings and partnerships that have supercharged its trajectory. We are delighted to play a role in their growth story and plans, and we fully expect them to continue scaling new peaks as the digital economy deepens in Pakistan.” said Mohammed Ikhlaq, Director of Hayaat Global SFO DMCC.

Pakistani startups have raised more than $300 million so far in 2021. The country has leap frogged in internet users from 20 million in 2015 to more than 100 million in 2021. Platforms like Bookme are poised to scale rapidly as one of the leading local use-cases for this emerging youthful digital economy.

The innovative brand, TECNO disclosed its future plans regarding camera technologies; discussed imaging technologies with industry experts, and shared recent company breakthroughs.

The premium smartphone brand, TECNO recently disclosed its latest technologies and achievements regarding imaging technologies at Counterpoint’s webinar entitled “Global Mobile Camera Trends 2022: Innovation Talk”. Industry experts and globally leading speakers addressed the webinar about mobile imaging technologies and developments made.

At the webinar, TECNO highlighted the advancements made by the brand in different complexion identification such as dark complexion imaging. TECNO has also worked on image and video stabilization, zoom and resolution of cameras – powered by technologies such as RGBW and G+P, Sensor-Shift, and Telescopic Lens. 

Imaging Technology Innovation Trend

TECNO is Leading the Imaging Technology Innovation Trends globally. It believes that by Q1 2022 TECNO will have such advanced products in the market enabling users to get a professional studio-like feel with every capture. To enable users with distinctive camera traits, TECNO shall focus on larger sensor sizes, image and video stabilization, high-frequency anti-shaking capabilities, and continuous zoom.

Li Jiangtao, Senior Director of TECNO Imaging Product and Head of TAIVOS™ Lab, shared his views stating, “One of the reasons for TECNO’s success in the global emerging markets is the leading camera technology. With our brand spirit of ‘Stop at Nothing’, we at TECNO are continuously innovating our Image Technology to achieve breakthroughs in mobile imaging technologies. Moving onwards, TECNO will continue to strive for excellence in AI-enhanced algorithms and software, as well as hardware specifications, to deliver cutting-edge imaging performance.”

Moreover, TECNO shared several recent achievements in Mobile Camera Technology with the participants at the webinar and shared things that would be focused on by TECNO for the future.

1. Better light sensitivity:

The upcoming phones from TECNO in 2022 will be powered by a self-developed RGBW sub-pixel rendering algorithm that increases the light captured by the CMOS sensor by 60%. Thanks to the G+P (glass + plastic) lens technology, a 30% enhancement in Light intake will be seen that will result in an overall 200% increase in low-light imaging experience for the users.

2. First Android phone to integrate Sensor-Shift

TECNO plans to release its Sensor-Shift in 2022, making itself the first mobile phone brand in the Android system to do so. Sensor-Shift is an image stabilization technology that uses sensor movements instead of lens movements to compensate for vibrations. TECNO will reach 350% of the current level of control accuracy of Sensor-Shift with further algorithm optimization to enable users with studio-quality photos with more stability.

3. Concept Phone with a telescopic lens in Q1 2022

TECNO plans to launches its first concept phone with a telescopic lens in Q1 2022. The telescopic lens supports a large aperture and continuous lossless zoom which will help consumers for better quality for telephotograph, as well as its multi-purpose functionality. Moreover, a compressed back focal length (BFL) design with motorized stretchable lenses will significantly reduce the thickness of the phone, integrating consumers’ demands for simple appearance and high performance.

As a renowned industry, TECNO has made its name stand out in global emerging markets. The brand aims to empower consumers to express their lifestyles through imaging innovation. For more, follow TECNO on all official social media pages.

Mastercard realigns international operations and further evolves, expands and enhances presence across Middle East, Africa and Eastern Europe

• Middle East and Africa (MEA) region expanded to Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (EEMEA), covering 81 of the 210 markets where Mastercard operates globally
• Raghu Malhotra, current President for the Middle East and Africa, promoted to Co-President International Markets
• Dimitrios Dosis named President, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (EEMEA)
• Yasemin Bedir appointed as Division President for Turkey & Commonwealth of Independent States (T&CIS) division

Mastercard has reaffirmed its commitment to the UAE and the wider region by expanding its regional footprint and announcing a series of leadership changes designed to further advance the company’s presence and operations and build on its 35-year growth and innovation journey.

During this time, Mastercard has been at the forefront of digital transformation and payment technology innovation. From its regional headquarters, the company has introduced hundreds of product capabilities through its multi-rail network, including a number of ‘global-firsts’ that have been exported to Mastercard’s global network.

From 1 January 2022, Mastercard’s EEMEA (Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa) region will include 81 of the 210 markets where Mastercard operates globally. In line with Mastercard’s ambition to enhance local presence in the markets it operates in, the company now has presence in 22 countries across the region, with established geo hubs in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine, Kenya and other markets.

Raghu Malhotra promoted to Co-President International markets

Currently President for the Middle East and Africa, Malhotra will lead Mastercard’s International Markets as Co-President. In his new role, Malhotra will advance business strategy, sales, business development, product management and engagements with customers and regulators across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Since joining Mastercard in 2000, Malhotra has held several leadership roles across geographies and functions. For the last five years, he drove the company’s global strategy across the Middle East and Africa, delivering many ‘global-firsts’ that empower millions of people and businesses through interoperable mobile ecosystems and advance the region’s digital ambitions.

Such initiatives have seen the development of multiple country-wide payment ecosystems including the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, the establishment of Mastercard Labs to drive innovative solutions for financial inclusion, and the launch of unique micro lending programs alongside cutting edge QR technology and security solutions. These efforts, fueled by strategic public and private sector partnerships, have played a key role in achieving the region’s digital ambitions.

Dimitrios Dosis named Regional President Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa

Dimitrios Dosis will serve as President of the newly realigned Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (EEMEA) region. This expanded region brings together 12 additional markets with agile, high-potential growth opportunities.

Dosis was previously president of Mastercard Advisors, the company’s professional services arm, where he accelerated the use of AI and other predictive technologies to advance the team’s industry-proven problem-solving skills. Advisors leverages data-driven insights, analytics and consulting to help retail and banking customers solve pressing business issues and advance their strategic priorities, including digital transformation, card portfolio optimization and operational efficiency. In his new role Dimitrios will continue to serve on the Mastercard Global Management Committee.

Yasemin Bedir to lead Turkey & Commonwealth of Independent States division as Division President

Yasemin Bedir, currently executive vice president for Community Institutions and Processors for North American Markets, will lead the newly created Turkey & CIS division. Bedir originally joined Mastercard in 2007, serving in several leadership roles across multiple markets.

Raghu Malhotra, Co-President International Markets, Mastercard said: “Over the recent years, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (EEMEA) has emerged as a focal point for Mastercard’s global innovation, digital transformation and financial inclusion efforts. Today, this region serves as a global center of excellence, and a launchpad for deploying strategic partnerships and new business models across our global network. Looking ahead, the convergence of digital technologies and the positive impact of public and private partnerships on the development of the digital economy, mean that Mastercard is in a very strong position to further elevate this progress. Under the leadership of Dimitrios, the region is in very capable hands to continue to accelerate its growth and unlock opportunities for more people in more places for generations to come.”

Dimitrios Dosis President Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, Mastercard said: “Here we have a tremendous opportunity to build on the great work of the regional Mastercard team. Our enhanced regional footprint will enable us to double-down on our business, innovate with a digital first approach and create a legacy of partnerships that drive our vision of a progressive and more inclusive world.”

All appointments are effective 1 January 2022.

TCL, Pakistan’s No.1 LED TV brand in collaboration with Daraz e-commerce giant of Pakistan gears up for the last major online sale of 2021. This sale extravaganza will kick off at midnight on December 12, 2021. From 12th to 23rd December, users can enjoy one week of Super promotions on the entire range of TVs, ACs, Soundbars, Air purifiers and Vacuum cleaners with Easy Monthly Instalments and Free Delivery nationwide.

Also, on 12th December TCL will be offering massive discounts on its official store on daraz on account of TCL brand day for its valued customers.

TCL is going all out to bring its consumer’s unbeatable promotions and upsized flash deals. In this amazing sale, the brand promises to bring huge discounts, high-quality products, and a unique shopping experience in the comfort of users’ homes. All TCL products will be available on Daraz for purchase.

While commenting on this grand sale, Majid Khan Niazi, Marketing Manager TCL said, ” We at TCL are very impressed with the response of our valued consumers in the 11.11 sale that encouraged us to bring more exciting offers to our users in this year’s 12.12 sale. We always endeavour to provide superior customer experience to our buyers”.

TCL is a locally No.1 LED TV brand in terms of sales and 2nd largest TV brand worldwide with a global presence in over 150 countries. The brand is swiftly emerging as an innovative technology brand, striving to deliver high-quality products to users in Pakistan at very competitive prices.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Easypaisa, Pakistan’s No. 1 Payment App, has launched a self-service customer support option for its users from within the Easypaisa App. This new feature now enables users to resolve a variety of problems and get responses to their queries instantly without the need of calling the Easypaisa helpline. Customersusing the Easypaisa App will now be able to use this support menuto instantly block their own Easypaisa Accounts for security purposes, update their account credentials as well as their Nadra verification details as well as make changes to their Money Transfers sent to CNICs by correcting the CNIC details or by reversing the Money Transfers to a CNIC completely.

Easypaisa has always focused on providing the best user experience across available channels for its customers and the platform continues to innovate through more accessible complaint resolution channels in this digital era. The platform seeks to eliminatehindrances in customer servicing by offering a wide range of channels through which customers can seek information and have their queries resolved. In addition to existing customer support channels, this in-app support is an innovative way of enhancing Easypaisa user experience whereby users have the ability to solve their issues on their own without depending on a customer service agent.

Commenting on this development, Omar Moeen Malik, the Business Head for Easypaisa said; “Customer experience is one of the most essential elements of any service offering. With our customer-focused approach, we at Easypaisa are always looking for newer and effective ways to create value for our customers. By digitizing the popular complaints at our helplines and providing them in the Easypaisa App directly for customers to access, we believe we offer a greater level of financial freedom and convenience for all of our valued customers”.

With almost 10 million customers using the Easypaisa App in the last 30-days across the Android and iOS platforms, Easypaisa is the most used Pakistani App across all categories and remains committed to transforming Pakistan into a cashless and financially inclusive society through the power of collaboration & technology.