90,585 out of 90,991 complaints registered via Qeemat Punjab App resolved

Qeemat Punjab App, developed by the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) on directions of the Government of Punjab, have so far received 90,991 complaints, of which 90,585 complaints have been redressed.

Qeemat Punjab App has provided valuable relief to the citizens in purchasing food items as the prices of essential commodities like meat, vegetables, pulses etc. can be verified through the App.

The App was designed to allow users to check government notified prices of fruits, vegetables, and other daily use items. In case a shopkeeper is charging more than the price described on the app or set by the market, the users can file a complaint against that shopkeeper.

Furthermore, important news and notifications issued by the Government of Punjab can also be viewed in the App. The App is available in both English and Urdu languages as well as the prices of commodities can be inquired through voice for the convenience of its users.

PTCL Group Posts Double Digit Revenue Growth of 23%

Islamabad- Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), the leading provider of telecom and ICT services in the country, has announced its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2023. The announcement was made during a Board of Directors’ meeting held in Islamabad on April 17, 2023.

During the first quarter of 2023, PTCL Group sustained its momentum and strengthened its position as the leading integrated telecom service provider in Pakistan. Despite the ongoing challenging macroeconomic conditions, the Group achieved a 23.2% growth in its revenue compared to the same period of last year. This substantial growth in revenue is primarily attributable to strong performance in the fixed broadband, mobile data, business solutions, and banking services.

The adverse effects of macroeconomic challenges that emerged in the year 2022 continued to affect businesses in 2023 as well. With continuing increase in the energy and fuel tariffs, telecom operators are faced with significant challenges to provide quality services to their consumers at an affordable price point. Pakistan’s balance of payment issues and restrictions imposed by the State Bank of Pakistan on LC opening have impacted the network roll-out timelines of the operators and also resulted in a significant devaluation of PKR against foreign currencies. This deteriorating Rupee-Dollar parity, rising interest rates and additional taxes on telecom operators, over and above the normal corporate tax, have severely affected the profitability. To mitigate the effects of these challenging issues, policy intervention by the Government is required to provide much needed relief to the sector.

PTCL Group Highlights

PTCL Group’s revenue of Rs 43.2 billion in Q1, 2023 is 23.2% higher as compared to the same period of last year.
The Group’s profitability was, among other factors, particularly affected by the significant bout of devaluation as the Group has unhedged FOREX liabilities. The Group has posted a net loss of Rs 5.7 billion.
PTCL continued its growth by posting 17.1% YoY revenue growth in Q1, 2023.
PTML’s (Ufone) revenue grew by 20.0% YoY as compared to Q1, 2022.
U Bank continued its growth momentum and has achieved a 73.0% growth in its quarterly revenue over the same period of last year.

PTCL Highlights

PTCL’s revenue of Rs 22.95 billion for the quarter is 17.1% higher than Q1 2022, mainly driven by growth in carrier & wholesale and broadband segments.
The company has posted an operating profit of Rs 1.5 billion with a 54.7% growth over last year and a net profit of Rs 5.5 billion for the quarter. Increase in non-operating income, due to translation gain on the Company’s forex denominated receivables, dividend income from a subsidiary and gain on disposal of obsolete assets due to upgrade and fiberization of network, played a significant role in achieving 187.2% increase in the company’s net profit as compared to same period of last year.

PTCL further strengthened its flag ship FTTH brand, ‘Flash Fiber’, by acquiring the highest net adds in the industry, this was possible through exceptional customer experience and aggressive expansion of fiber network across the country. The rapid rollout of FTTH and strong performance in the carrier & wholesale segments ensured PTCL’s topline growth.

PTCL’s recently launched an OTT streaming platform ‘SHOQ’, that provides premium entertainment, sports, and news content to all data users, is bridging the gap for need of high-quality content at an affordable cost. Moreover, PTCL Group partnered with PUBG Mobile and launched the biggest E-Sports gaming competition through its gaming platform ‘GameKey’. The Group also partnered with DE-CIX to establish Internet Exchange, and Vodafone to introduce end-to-end IoT solutions in Pakistan. PTCL marked International Women’s Day 2023 by launching a dedicated voice package, called SheTalks, for its female customers.

PTCL Consumer Business: Steady Performance

The company’s fixed broadband business achieved 17.4% growth in revenue YoY which is primarily attributable to a two-fold increase in Flash Fiber’s revenue and subscribers over comparative quarter. IPTV segment also showed a 6.2% revenue growth YoY. Voice and wireless revenue streams have seen a decline due to continued conversion of customers to OTT services and tough competition from cellular operators.

PTCL Business Services:

Business services segment continued its momentum sustaining market leadership in IP bandwidth, cloud, data center, and other ICT services segments. PTCL’s enterprise business grew by 12.1% as compared to last year, while carrier and wholesale business continued its growth momentum and achieved 36.9% overall revenue growth. International voice revenue has increased by 22.7% as compared to last year. Despite the slowdown of economic activity, overall Business Solutions revenue has shown a remarkable growth of 27.2% on year-on-year basis.

Being the national telecom carrier and connectivity backbone in Pakistan, PTCL Group strives to provide innovative solutions to accelerate growth for a ‘Digital Pakistan’ through robust telecommunication infrastructure and a diverse portfolio of services with enhanced customer experience. PTCL collaborated with the Ministry of Federal Education to develop an app called Teleschool Pakistan, which aims to provide free digital learning for students. The launch of this app by the Prime Minister of Pakistan in March attracted widespread attention across Pakistan.

PTML – Ufone Highlights:

Continuing its growth trajectory, Ufone recorded an impressive 20.0% YoY increase in its revenue. Ufone has recently gained a momentous milestone of achieving 24 million subscribers resulting in a 0.4 percentage point increase in market share. Network modernization activities, carried out in the first quarter of 2023, resulted in better customer experience for Ufone subscribers. With this improved customer experience, growth in engagement acquisition numbers and better data speeds, Ufone has achieved the 2^nd highest customer net adds in the industry during the first quarter. Ufone 4G recently launched a WhatsApp service for a hassle-free customer experience, collaborated with Nestlé Pakistan Limited to establish an advanced customer service solution for Ufone’s BPO operations and partnered with Islamabad United for PSL8.

U Bank Highlights:

Despite an extremely tough macroeconomic environment, U Bank, the microfinance and branchless banking subsidiary of PTCL, continued its growth trajectory and has achieved a remarkable 73.0% growth in revenue and an impressive 64.5% growth in net profit over the comparative quarter of last year, while maintaining a strong balance sheet position. The bank stands resolute in its commitment towards financial and social inclusion, utilizing its extensive outreach to provide exceptional services to a diverse clientele across the length and breadth of the country through its rural retail banking, corporate finance & investment banking, Islamic banking, urban retail banking, corporate banking, and digital banking canvases.

Corporate Social Responsibility:

During the first quarter of 2023, PTCL Group undertook various CSR initiatives to strengthen its position as a national carrier. Amongst these initiatives, Ufone 4G proudly collaborated with ConnectHear to facilitate communication and socialization for the deaf community. The initiative perfectly resonates with Ufone 4G’s brand philosophy of inclusivity, under which we strive to foster equality and shared growth.

PTCL Group runs Ramazan campaign for awareness and donations to support charities

Pakistan’s leading ICT services provider, PTCL Group (PTCL & Ufone 4G) conducted a week-long SMS broadcast campaign to support donations for some of the leading charity organizations in Pakistan, besides helping raise awareness regarding charitable causes and donating to credible organizations. The campaign aims to facilitate charity, compassion and philanthropy – some of the key attributes defining the spirit of the Holy month of Ramazan – to supplement support for the most vulnerable and under previlaged segments of society.

Through the SMS campaign, PTCL and Ufone 4G reached a vast audience and encouraged them to contribute to the right causes in the Holy month of Ramazan. The Group’s customers across the country, especially in major metropolises received donation appeals from Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital, JDC Foundation, Al Shifa Eye Trust, Pink Ribbon, and Indus Hospital. These organizations have an exemplary track record of generating welfare for vulnerable and underpriviliged people in Pakistan by providing free of cost healthcare and economic support. The beneficiaries of these charities are in millions, while an active donor base helps sustain their operations.

The SMS broadcast campaign provided drive and direction for effective charity making, which witnesses a sharp spike during the Holy month of Ramazan. Hopefully, It will not only direct funds to where they are most needed but also enhance the impact of the welfare initiatives.

A large number of donors in Pakistan use UPaisa to make secure and convenient contributions to leading charity and welfare organizations. UPaisa users can make contributions to organizations of their choice from a comprehensive list of charitable organizations available on UPaisa app, or by dialing USSD *786*5*5# from their handset.

PTCL Group mirrors the compassionate spirit of Pakistani nation that is considered to be one of the most charitable nations in the world. PTCL and Ufone 4G have conceived and executed impactful corporate social responsibility and philanthrophic initiatives to stimulate shared value for society.

Through its latest campaign, PTCL Group has resourced and strengthened Pakistani welfare organizations to enhance their reach and impact, so the cycle of goodness continues uninterrupted.

e-Stamping System: More than Rs320bn revenue collected from Punjab, Sindh & KP against 16.1mn stamp papers

Under the e-Stamping System, developed by Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) in collaboration with the Board of Revenue (BoR) for the convenience of citizens, more than Rs. 320 billion has been collected so far in Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Furthermore, over 16.1 million e-Stamp Papers have been issued. This emerged during a progress review meeting presided over by PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf. The meeting was attended by PITB DG e-Governance Sajid Latif and other senior officials.

The participants of the meeting were apprised that Rs. 308 billion revenue has been collected through the 15 million stamp papers issued in Punjab, Rs. 10 billion from 4 lakh stamp papers in Sindh whereas Rs. 240 million from 5,000 stamp papers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

On this occasion, Chairman Faisal Yousaf stated that the e-Stamping System has not only increased the revenue collection but also helped in eliminating fraud and forgery.

Registration open for PITB’s training program for women empowerment ‘SheWins’

Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) has started registration in its training program ‘SheWins’ to improve the skills of women and help them in career building.

The 21-day training program enables women to develop better Communication Skills, Effective CV Writing Techniques, find better Business Opportunities and Understand Business-Life Balance.

The training program aims at empowering women professionally and improve their employment and business skills so that they can better contribute to the economic development of the country.
Please click on the following link for registration: //forms.gle/mKzKznzgHBReSe4F7

PITB, Zindigi, powered by JS Bank sign MoU to integrate Zindigi App with e-Pay Punjab

LAHORE – April 7, 2023

Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zindigi, powered by JS BANK LIMITED, Karachi for the online payment of Government receipts through e-Pay Punjab. PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf and Chief Officer Zindigi, Noman Azhar signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations in a ceremony held at Arfa Software Technology Park (ASTP).

As per the MoU, Zindigi, powered by JS Bank will be on-boarded for the digital integration of Zindigi App with e-Pay Punjab. Moreover, PITB and Zindigi, powered by JS Bank will explore joint ventures for digitization of government payments in Pakistan and around the globe.

The collection of Bill Payments under GoPb biller is also included in the MoU. This collaboration will increase the number of customers using the bank’s bill payment services as well as reduce the number of late payments and improvement in customer satisfaction levels

Punjab Secretaries Monitor Flour Sales Points through Ramzan 2023 Monitoring App

LAHORE – April 3, 2023

The Ramzan 2023 Monitoring App, developed by the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), has been monitoring free distribution of wheat flour in Punjab.

In this regard, administrative secretaries have so far made 350 visits to flour sales points throughout Punjab during the month of Ramzan so that the concerned secretaries can give their feedback on the pre-defined checklist and recommendations for improving service delivery using the App.

District level arrangements and wheat procurement are also being monitored through the App to ensure the supply of wheat across Punjab for the convenience of the people.

PITB Organises Refresher Training Session on Dengue Tracking System

LAHORE – April 2, 2023

PITB Organizes Refresher Training Session On Dengue Tracking System

Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), in collaboration with the Punjab Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Department, conducted a refresher training session on Dengue Tracking System for Dengue Focal Persons and Data Entry Operators (DEOs).

Special Secretary for Specialized Healthcare Hospitals Punjab Shoaib Khan Jadoon chaired the training session. PITB Team apprised the participants about the usefulness of the system.

The objective of the session is to report dengue patients in the hospital using Dengue Tracking System.

Punjab Chief Secretary visits PITB; briefed on ICT initiatives rolled out during Ramzan

LAHORE – March 28, 2023

Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman paid a visit to Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) headquarters at Arfa Software Technology Park (ASTP) for an overall project review meeting on the ICT initiatives rolled out during the month of Ramzan.

The visiting delegate held a meeting with PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf who gave an overview of various projects aiming to ensure better public service delivery and citizen facilitation. He also shared the progress of the online system and mobile application developed to assist the Government of Punjab in the ‘Free Atta Distribution’ initiative during Ramzan.

The Chief Secretary appreciated PITB’s role in successfully rolling out Ramzan related initiatives and discussed the way forward. PITB senior officials including Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Adil Iqbal Khan, Additional Director General (ADG) Omar Salman and Director Atif Hussain were also present in the meeting.

PITB launches Consumer Court Services App for iOS Users

LAHORE – March 27, 2023

Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) has launched ‘Consumer Court Services’ App under the Case-Flow Management System (CFMS) to facilitate the iOS users.

The Consumer Court Services App provides iOS users with an easy-to-use interface, enabling them to file cases and complaints and access other features conveniently from their mobile devices.

With the help of this Application, users will be able to easily access features such as Cases, Complaints and Case Registration, Case Record Search, Date of Appointment for Hearing of the Case, Current Status of the Case and Awareness about the proceedings etc.

Under the Case-Flow Management System, Punjab IT Board has digitized the traditional manual processes of the District Consumer Courts, Councils, and District Authority, leading to a significant improvement in the overall work-flow and public service delivery.

With the help of this intervention, the District Authority has achieved an impressive 96% disposal rate for complaints filed before District Authority, while the District Consumer Courts have achieved a 92% disposal rate for cases filed before District Consumer Courts.