Mobilink’s Guardian Watch for kids

Mobilink’s Guardian Watch for kids will be available for pre-orders from the 22nd of February 2016. It came into existence as a means to provide peace of mind to parents with regard to their children and their safety which is a wearable watch and is a real-time GPS tracker, a phone and a button for placing and SOS call to the main numbers stored previously. The price was not said but supposed to be best priced in the market with the latest feature set.

The Mobilink wearable range devices are controlled with an app which has GPS and location tracking, text messaging to the wearer and voice calls. There is also a multi-device setting to allow the addition of users and watches under a single app and a server connectivity setting to upload the interval for sync of data to the Mobilink servers for security.

This watch is used with the button click and the advanced features are kept in the related smartphone app for parents used to geo-locate the kids, to make auto-answer calls to watches clandestinely, generate voice and text messages to watch and customizing the settings like contact management and barring incoming calls.

Parents can install 3 guardian numbers for SOS calling where on the absence of the first number the call is transferred to the second and then the third.

Talking about the ‘Guardian Watch’, Ali Khan, Head of Data and Devices – Mobilink said,

“This watch is like our popular Guardian app, but just easier to use, and more unlikely to misplace than a mobile phone. It is a complete solution for parents concerned about their kids, who aren’t old enough to operate or carry cell phones.”

While elaborating on the idea behind this innovative offering, he further added,

“The idea behind it is that kids today aren’t allowed to move and roam outside the boundary of their homes alone, something most of us have done throughout our youth. With this watch, we have provided a better option for parents looking to stay connected with their kids without inhibiting their freedom.”

The ‘Guardian Watch’ is available to pre-order from 22nd March, 2016, for deliveries in near future. This wearable GPS tracker and phone comes with a master application, and a USB charger, while it requires a biometrically verified Mobilink SIM to operate

3G/4G services in Gilgit-Balistan, AJK this year – Govt

Following the start of 3G and 4G in the four provinces and federal territory, Government is planning to extend the service to Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) in this year.

This was decided in a top level meeting which was headed by Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Chaudhry Barjees Tahir and Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Ms Anusha Rehman in Islamabad.

It was agreed by the ministers that the next generation technology will be extending to the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). An auction for sale of 3G and 4G licences will be held in September 2016.

Anusha Rehman informed Barjees Tahir that upgrading of the existing GSM cellular networks is in progress in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu Kashmir under the Public Sector Development Programme together with Special Communication Organization.

The Information Technology Ministry is ready to provide the people in northern areas and Kashmir with latest advanced technologies and a coming together policy between cellular companies will be brought out for success in hard areas which was assured by Ms Rehman to Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan.

It was promised by the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif the provision of advanced telecommunication infrastructure for people of Kashmir and GB which will be kept in the coming future. Barjees Tahir said that Rs. 1.4 million for the replacement of the present GSM infrastructure to be issued soon.

April 14, 2014, saw the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) held a successful auction of four 3rd Generation (3G) and one 4th Generation (4G) licenses. Another 4G license was also acquired by Warid Telecom afterwards. Currently Zong, a Chinese telecom conglomerate, is the only cellular company providing 4G, 3G and GSM services countrywide.

Lahore Roads Get IT-Powered Yellow Cabs

Next week Lahore and it roads will be witnessing100 yellow cabs riding through and on them, all equipped with latest technology and devices.

Albayrak, a Turkish company will be inaugurating its taxi service – ‘A – Taxi’ from the 16th of February in Lahore, which will be in access any time which can be easily booked using the Android app.

The fare meter is available in the A-Taxi for calculation and GPS system is also made available.

A Turkish investor delegation met the Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif yesterday and spoke the intention to invest in the Punjab Transport sector.

After inspecting the cabs personally the Chief Minister Mr. Sharif said that Pakistan and Turkey are bonded in a lasting long friendship. He also hoped that the new taxi service will change the transport culture in the area like the metro bus service also being run with Turkey’s cooperation.

Turk investors are welcomed to invest in the Punjab transport sector and are assured all support by the Chief Minister.

The cars that are painted bright yellow with some black stripes include Suzuki Swift and Honda City for now. This initiative, which works over Solid Waste Management in Punjab in a major step in improving the transport in the country.

The Government of Punjab, in 2004, provided easy loans to unemployed youths for rolling out Suzuki Bolan pick-ups and Ravi vehicles.

In 2011, a Yellow Cab Scheme was introduced under which 20,000 vehicles were provided to promote self-employment in the province.

Charges:

A default charge of Rs 100 will apply to all commutes.
Passengers can travel up to 3km within the price of the default charge.
After exceeding a journey distance of 3km, a charge of Rs 30/km will be applicable.

The taxi service will be available 24-hours a day and 7 days a week. Customers will be able to book a taxi in advance as well.

How to book A-Taxi:

Call UAN: (042) 111-961-961

Order through the Android app (The app is yet to go online)

Pakistan’s Offers Business Opportunity for Telecom Sector: PM

Due to the incentives-based transparent policies of the government, confidence in investing in Pakistan was brought back in the international business community, says Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif while meeting Mr Jean Yves Charlier, CEO VimpelCom who called on him at PM House today.

The government’s policies brought great change in the Telecom sector and the launch of 3G and 4G in success is a proof for this.

We are encouraging the telecom companies to expand their outreach to far-flung areas of the country so that majority of the masses benefit from the technology’, added the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister said that Pakistan offers an ideal environment for telecom sector as the country has one of the largest cellular phone subscribers. ‘Our government believes in open and transparent business policies so that both local and foreign investors are further motivated to explore the business opportunities in Pakistan’.

The business friendly policies of the government were approved by Mr Jean Yves Charlier and he called Telecom industry of Pakistan as promising.

The CEO VimpelCom mentioned that Teledensity in Pakistan is one of the highest in the region which makes the country one the favourite destination for foreign investors.

The meeting was also attended by Ms Anusha Rehman Khan, MOS for IT and other senior government officials.

China-Pak Economic Corridor to be strengthened by E-Corridor

The e-corridor in the recent meetings with the Chinese delegation was discussed to improving the connectivity among the two countries as the China-Pak Economic Corridor (CPEC) is important to both the countries.

The CPEC Meeting

Yan Lijin, Chairman of China Investment Promotion Centre, who was leading the Chinese delegation met with Anusha Rehman, the Pakistani Minister for Information and Technology discussed ideas as to enhancing teamwork between the countries’ public and commercial sectors with respect to IT parks, electronic payments etc., and other IT services and also to enable development in the ICT sector.

Anusha Rehman spoke about the government’s interest in arriving at a Digital Pakistan and assistance from the Chinese will help in making the vision a reality.

A proposal backed by Chinese IT and innovation groups was proposed for achieving the public and private sectors partnership and a joint venture investment mechanism by the Chinese delegation and the Pakistani IT Minister assured that proposals in this matter will be quickly evaluated for ensuring transparency and conformity with the country’s legal system.

Pakistan’s IT Sector Up for the Challenge?

The potential of Pakistan in the IT and Telecom sector was noticed and the need for combined efforts for optimizing the financial output was noticed. The Ministry of IT and Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) and their Chinese counterparts will be working together in all areas regarding ICT industry and technology park development.

The IT Ministry and the Ministry of Commerce are in the process of developing an e-commerce gateway for commercial projects which will also help in improving consumers’ and businesses’ trust in the online payment systems.

It was guaranteed to the Chinese delegation about international companies being invited to investing in e-commerce initiatives and Chinese parties looking to establishing Internet Payment System or an e-commerce gateway will be receiving full assistance for being a part in the e-commerce chain.

Pakistani government’s vision and efforts were appreciated very much to improve the IT and Telecom sector of Pakistan.

Automating Toll Collection – NHA

The current manual system of paying toll tax is being planned to get automated enabling payments through mobile or credit or debit cards by the National Highway Authority (NHA).

This project will help people using the highways by this common way of payment and helps in decreasing the rush at the toll gates and save their time. An E-tag facility on M-1, M-3, and M-4 is installed by NHA and M-tag on M-2 (Islamabad-Lahore) has been installed by the Frontier Works Organization (FWO).

It came out in the Senate Standing Committee on Communication the fact that extra charges are being collected from the people when compared with the NHA-E-tag which gave instructions for inquiring into matter and implementing common toll collection system throughout country.

The E-tag electronic tolling works based on radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders using the dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) protocol. The system uses electronic transponders called E-tags mounted on the inside of the vehicles’ windscreen.

NADRA provides E-tag services to NHA on motorways (M-1, M-3 and M-4). E-tag is a free flow tolling electronic toll collection system used on all motorways.

Features of E-tag system

Transparency in toll collection
Better control, monitoring and management of data and toll at entry exit points
Customized reports such as financial and traffic turnover entry/exit management
Fast entry/exit points
Availability of data such as CNIC, registration, model and make
Rechargeable credit mechanism

Operations of E-tag

The radio frequency (RF) field emitted from the antenna on the vehicle activates the transponder which broadcasts a signal back to the lane antenna with some basic information. This information is transferred from the lane antenna to the central database. Toll tax is deducted from the driver if the toll lane has a gate. Then, a green light indicates that the driver can proceed.

Replace iPhone with Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge or Note 5

Samsung has provided a special exchange program called ‘Trade-In’ for Pakistani users to replacing their iPhone 6 and 6S with Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge or a Galaxy Note 5 device. It is an offer which will be available from the 1st of Feb 2016 till 31st March 2016.

Customers who cash-in on this offer will be getting a Free Samsung Gear VR, thus coaxing Smartphone users to replace their devices with its. This offer can be cashed-in at a few Samsung outlets through Pakistan including SES shops and Hero Shops.

Those who have an idea to exchange can visit an outlet to get their phone evaluated for a Trade-In price which if agreed the difference amount can be paid and the new Samsung Galaxy phone taken.

Customers can get additional information — about Samsung stores — through this toll-free number 0800-72678.

This Samsung Galaxy – ‘Edge’ is popular due to its unique curved Edge screen which provides a list of all frequently used apps, alerts and device functionality just by swiping the thumb even when screen is closed. Notifications are directly sent to the Edge Screen when watching any videos also but not disturbing the video viewing. The Note 5 also has good features, apps and cameras designed for delivering amazing experience as you use.

Mr. J H Lee, President at Samsung Pakistan;

This offer reflects Samsung’s commitment to provide globally leading technologies with unmatched convenience for the consumers.

The social-networking enthusiasts and Online info-tainment fans, who aspire to own and enjoy their very own Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge or Galaxy Note 5 device, can now avail this great opportunity to fulfil their desire, to own one of these coveted smartphones, which will empower them to achieve the ultimate level of productivity and style.

Combating Poverty and Pollution with Electric Powered Vehicles – Zar Motors

If you still think that global warming and climate change are still just buzzwords, then it is time to think different and they make the following generation of Earth worry regarding the ecological destruction.

In the developing countries, where there are almost no environment-friendly initiatives, it is rare that we hear about something that makes us take notice.

Zar Motors is an environmentally-responsible company providing Electric Rickshaws and Loader Vehicles with non-combustible engine in Pakistan, which is looking good for Pakistan’s future.

Begone Gas-Guzzlers, It’s Time for Electric-Powered Vehicles

No petrol or CNG required?

This will make the Pakistani trucker or rickshaw person take notice, because US-based Zar Motors provides an alternative to Pakistani transportation industry at an affordable price.

The conversation these days might be dominated with Metros, but the real revolution is in electric-powered rickshaws and loader vehicles that companies like the aforementioned Zar Motors offers.

Let’s take a look at what Zar Motors offers.

Zar Minicab

This electric-powered 3 wheeler takes 2 hours to charge up to 80 percent capacity. And it can go 130km to 150 km with a full charge.

The Zar Minicab has space for 3 passengers plus a driver, and is also comfortable when compared with the average rick you see on the roads these days.

Price of Zar Minicab: Rs. 240,000/-

To find out more about the Minicab, see here.

Zar Loader

The electric-powered loader is perfect for hauling off weight upto 750kg, making it a worthy alternative to the Suzuki Carry trucks normally in use here.

Its eco-friendly design and economical fuel engine makes it a good buy.

Price of Zar LOADER: Rs. 250,000/-

To find out more about the Loader, see here.

Both Zar Loader and Zar Minicab comes with warranties, that include:

Batteries: 18 months
Motor: 12 months
Charger: 12 months
Controller: 12 months

A Zar Motor’s person told that Gel Batteries used in Zar Motors are maintenance free with an average life of around three years or more, though the price to replace the battery was not mentioned. For fully charging a battery it takes 3-4 hrs.

Why the entry of an Entity like Zar Motors is a Huge Deal for the Pakistani Market?

Pakistan has an investor-friendly market but there is a draught of consumer-friendly and environment-friendly investors. Companies like Zar Motors are welcomed with relief by the consumers in a market environment where companies get away with wrong anti-consumer practices, like the present Pakistani automobile industry players and their allies.

There is a wrecked transportation in most of the country not taking into account the noise and pollution. The rickshaws and loaders by Zar are equipped with environmental friendly features that reduce the carbon footprint by an enormous margin and also do not make a huge sound.

This is because Zar Motors’ philosophy is in line with United Millennium Development Goals (MGDs), something that should adopted by more multinationals operating in Pakistan.

Will the company be able to address the two issues – poverty and pollution. There is a promise of spare parts availability and almost zero maintenance which is a good factor for companies aiming to make a humongous social impact around Pakistan.

For those worried about the company not passing governmental seal of approval, rest assured, because Zar has the support of all Pakistani provincial governments as well as the Engineering Development Board (EDB) and Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA).

source

Block Objectionable Websites – PTAs Orders to ISPs

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)

Has left instructions to all the Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to blocking many websites following the Supreme Court’s direct for removing any objectionable content that is available to the Pakistani users.

ISPs were instructed to remove over 400,000 adult websites were ordered to be removed from access on Monday. Sites which have porn content or smut are stopped at the base level. Over 429,343 websites with porn were listed in the directive issued.

PTA has been instructed to restrict access to offensive and immoral material available online. The order said that

PTA should take remedial steps to quantify the nefarious phenomenon of obscenity and pornography that has an imminent role to corrupt and vitiate the youth of Pakistan.

The order issued on 12th January 2016 says that internet is very useful in knowing about the developments happening globally around the world which makes internet to be encouraged so as to have people gain more knowledge from global institutions and that the information should be qualified in such a way that objectionable and immoral content is restricted and removed before reaching the users.

The order says that wicked content “has the potential to corrupt and vitiate the youth. This aspect of the subject has to be thought over holistically so that the negative part of the information may not spoil our young generation.”

This is just a preventive measure against offensive content and the present list of the 400,000 websites will be blocked by all the ISPs on their networks.

ISPs say that the list is a big one and a challenge which will be taking a lot of time. They say that it will be needing system-wide changes and special equipment and time. Due to legal requirements all ISPs started implementing PTAs restriction over their networks.

Pakistan’s Post MSCI Reclassification to bring $500 Million in Foreign Investment

Pakistani finance sector may be looking at a foreign portfolio investment of around $500 million which may be possible by converting of Pakistan’s status from Frontier Market (FM) to Emerging Market (EM) by MSCI in the upcoming Annual Market Classification Review.

What is MSCI?

MSCI is a provider of international investment decision support tools. An index created for the measuring of market performance based on equity in the global emerging markets by Morgan Stanley Capital International. The MCSI based review predicts global index assets worth more than $9.5 trillion.

What Happens with an EM Status?

This MCSI Pakistan Index included in the Annual Review for 2016 will happen in May and if the prior mentioned classification is achieved by Pakistan then there can be greater foreign interest and increased foreign investment.

Pakistan is at present a Frontier Market and Emerging Markets have greater potential for investors which generally is a good investment opportunity. Using these indices, a balanced portfolio is created to get maximum returns and keeping the risk small.

What Made Pakistan An Investor-Friendly Market?

Pakistan Stock Exchange was formed by the merging of three local stock exchanges and came into running few weeks back which was a measure to improve the country’s pliability to global market fluctuations hence reducing the risk factor for investors.

The formation of a single national stock exchange will send a positive message abroad and attract more foreign investors in the country’s capital market. – Mr. Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister (Pakistan)

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), as the capital market regulator, has also endorsed the merger of these stock exchanges. SECP Chairman, Zafar Hijazi, said that without the integration of these stock exchanges, no strategic investor could have come forward.

Now with the structural overhaul in place, the PSX must act as an effective frontline regulator, with complete segregation of its commercial and regulatory functions. The task will be done by a strong and a well governed Board of Governors. – Zafar Hijazi, Chairman, SECP

Pakistani businesses and stakeholders predict that foreign investments will increase with one stock exchange operating in the country and the continued development of the China-Pak Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Does Pakistan Qualify for EM Status and has it Happened Before?

Huge foreign sell-off was observed in 2015 which was that good for Pakistan as foreign sale was a major factor for the stock exchange’s flat performance. The net outflow was £317.3 million over the past 12 months while 2014 had a foreign inflow of $382 million which indicates the need stabilize and stop the downward trend quickly.

A short-lived closing of Karachi Stock Exchange made way to a declassification to a ‘stand alone country index’ of Pakistan which had an Emerging status between 1994 and 2008. It rose back and got the FM status in 2009 and maintained that level from then on. At present there are six companies in Pakistan which fulfil the requirements for an EM which needs market capitalization of $1.3 billion and a $670 million free float. There are nine more companies which are close to the target.

If approved, Pakistan’s MSCI Index weight will convert to 8.9% in FM to 0.17% in EM. Qatar and UAE had this classification change in the recent past seeing a god increase of investments. Pakistan may need local investors for taking much more interest in the market to become stable.