Category: Press Release

Shaza Fatima Khawaja Takes Charge As State Minister for IT and Telecom

Pakistan’s Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has welcomed a new leader, as Shaza Fatima Khawaja officially took charge as the State Minister for IT and Telecom. Upon her arrival at the ministry, Khawaja was warmly received by Federal Secretary IT Hassan Nasir Jami, Additional Secretary IT Aisha Humaira Moriani, and other senior officials.

In a comprehensive briefing session, the new State Minister was apprised of the ministry’s various functions, ongoing projects, and the responsibilities of its different wings. This orientation aimed to familiarize Khawaja with the ministry’s efforts to enhance Pakistan’s digital infrastructure and promote technological innovation across the nation.

Expressing her commitment to advancing the country’s IT and telecom sectors, Khawaja emphasized the pivotal role of digitalization in driving economic growth and development. She also highlighted the immense potential of the IT industry in creating job opportunities and improving government services for the people of Pakistan.

Khawaja’s appointment as the State Minister for IT and Telecom comes at a crucial juncture when Pakistan is poised to make significant strides in the tech industry. Her leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective and renewed momentum to the ministry’s initiatives, steering the nation towards a more digitally-enabled future.

With her visionary approach and dedication to propelling Pakistan’s technological progress, Khawaja is well-positioned to navigate the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities that lie ahead in the rapidly evolving IT and telecom landscape.

As the new State Minister takes the helm, the Ministry of IT and Telecom is poised to embark on a transformative journey, fostering innovation, enhancing digital connectivity, and unlocking the full potential of Pakistan’s tech sector.

 

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Obtaining a NADRA Succession Certificate is now extremely easy

Obtaining a NADRA Succession Certificate is now a hassle-free process, completed in just 5 simple steps and ensuring issuance within a swift 15 days. This streamlined approach not only simplifies the legalities but also prioritizes the convenience of legal heirs, aligning with the primary goal of the Government of Pakistan.

The Succession Certificate and Letter of Administration are pivotal legal documents issued on behalf of a deceased individual, establishing the ownership of legal heirs or successors over the deceased person’s movable and immovable property. This documentation process has been revamped to ensure transparency, security, and simplicity.

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The streamlined process begins with a straightforward 5-step procedure, ensuring a quick and efficient issuance of the Succession Certificate. The aim is to provide the utmost convenience to the legal heirs of the deceased citizen, ultimately leading to applicant satisfaction.

The 5-Step NADRA Succession Certificate Issuance Process:

  1. Application for National Identity Card along with death certificate and family registration certificate of the deceased by the nominated person among the heirs.
  2. Full details of the heirs and assets of the deceased
  3. Affidavit and Biometric Verification by legal heirs residing in the country or abroad.
  4. Publication of public notices in NADRA website and newspapers
  5. Issuance of succession certificate within 15 days

NADRA Succession Certificate

Visit NADRA

Government’s Prime Aim: Applicant Satisfaction

The streamlined issuance process is designed with the prime aim of the Government of Pakistan – ensuring applicant satisfaction. By prioritizing a transparent, secured, systematic, and simplified approach, the government aims to enhance the overall experience for legal heirs during the often challenging period of managing a deceased person’s estate.

Advanced Security Features and Real-time Verification

The digital Succession Certificate is fortified with advanced security features, providing an additional layer of protection against fraudulent activities. Moreover, the inclusion of a real-time verification facility ensures that the document’s authenticity can be promptly confirmed, expediting various legal and financial transactions for the legal heirs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Pakistan’s streamlined approach to issuing Succession Certificates not only reduces the bureaucratic complexities associated with the process but also places a strong emphasis on the convenience of legal heirs. The 5-step process, with its focus on transparency, security, and efficiency, aligns with the Government of Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring applicant satisfaction. Legal heirs can now navigate through this often challenging process with ease, obtaining the necessary documentation to rightfully claim the deceased person’s assets in a timely manner.

 

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SBP announced competition for new currency note designs

The State Bank of Pakistan has taken a principled decision to introduce new currency notes of all denominations in the country, after which a competition has been announced for new currency note designs. In this regard, State Bank has invited local artists, designers and students to participate in the design competition for new notes.

The Central Bank has informed that local artists, designers and students can send their designs to the State Bank till March 11. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top 3 designs for 7 different denominations in circulation. The successful designs will be decided by currency note experts, after which the final design will be approved by the cabinet.

 

The process of issuance of new currency notes of all denominations will be completed in the next 2 years, however, the legal status of all current design currency notes will also remain intact and will be gradually abandoned.

 

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PTA received 16,000+ telecom complaints in December

The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) received 16,053 complaints from telecom consumers against various telecom and mobile operators in December 2023, of which 15,974 (99.5 percent) were resolved.

Official statements revealed that complaints have been received against various telecom operators including Mobile Network Operators (CMO), Pakistan Telecommunications Company Limited (PTCL), Long Distance International (LDI) operators, Wireless Local Loop (WLL) operators, and Internet service providers. (ISP) during the month of November.

Mobile subscribers constitute a large proportion of the total telecom subscriber base. Therefore, the maximum number of complaints belongs to this sector. The total number of complaints against the OGC as of December was 15,583, of which 15,519 (99.6 percent) were resolved.

 

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PTA has requested the Frequency Allocation Board to assign the 5G spectrum

 

According to PTA data, 6,755 complaints were received against Gas, of which 6,744 (99.8 percent) were resolved. In addition, 2,698 complaints were received against Telenor, of which 2,682 (99.4 percent) were resolved.

Likewise, 4,273 complaints were received against Zhong, of which 4,261 (99.7 percent) were addressed. A total of 1,835 complaints were received against Ufone, of which 1,811 (98.7 percent) were resolved.

The PTA also received 153 complaints against basic telephone communications, 146 of which were addressed during the month of December, with a resolution rate of 95.4 percent. In addition, 295 complaints were received against the ISP, of which 288 (97.6 percent) were addressed.

 

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How to apply for Turkey E-Visa Service

Turkey has launched a hassle-free e-visa service, allowing tourists and business travelers to obtain their visas without visiting Turkish missions.

This service is available to ordinary passport holders who hold valid visas or residence permits from Schengen countries, the United States, the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Three-step process

To apply for a Turkey visit visa to, Pakistani applicants can follow a simple three-step process:

1. Progressing

Visit the official website at https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/ to start applying.

2. Payment of fees

After entering the required information, applicants can make the necessary payments using a credit or debit card (Mastercard, Visa or UnionPay).

3. Demobilization

Upon successful completion of the application, the applicant will receive a link to download their e-Visa. This link will also be emailed to you for your convenience.

It is recommended to keep a copy of the e-visa, either in electronic form (on tablet, smartphone, etc.) or in paper copy in case there are any problems with the system at entry points.

Turkiye visit visa fees

Applicants can obtain visas to visit Türkiye electronically after making the required payments.

The visit visa fee for Pakistani citizens is $60. This affordable price opens doors to explore Türkiye’s beauty and unique culture.

Minimum bank statement requirements

In addition to the visa fee, applicants must meet specific financial requirements, including providing proof of a return ticket and hotel reservation.

Official guidelines state that a tourist should earn at least $50 for each day of their stay in Turkey.

Therefore, a Pakistani tourist planning to spend 30 days in Turkey must submit a bank statement with a balance of at least $1,500 to fulfill this requirement.

New Tourism Route: Azad Kashmir to Skardu – Pakistan’s Strategic CPEC Route and Roadway Development Project

Pakistan is establishing a third alternate route for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), aimed at reducing the distance to the China border by 350 kilometers. The federal government has allocated 45 million for the Gorikot Astore-Shagharthing Sakardu Road project through Azad Kashmir to Skardu. This new route is envisioned as a Tourism Corridor, connecting Gilgit-Baltistan’s (GB) Shigar, Skardu, and Astor districts to Muzaffarabad after crossing the border at Yarkand, China.

The National Highway Authority (NHA) is actively involved in constructing the Shounter-Rattu road tunnel, spanning 12.7 kilometers. The total length of road corridors from Kel to Shounter and from Shounter to Gorikot is approximately 26.9 kilometers and 41.5 kilometers, respectively. The route will pass through key locations such as Kel, Lower Domel, Dhakki Nakka, Khora, Chitta katha, Upper Domel, Chattian, Shounter in Neelum AJ&K area, and Morcha Guzair, Mirmalik, Rattu, Nasirabad, Chugam, Rehmanpur, and Gorikot in Astore GB area. The project site is approximately 65 kilometers away from Astore, following the route via Neelum Valley to Astore Valley.

PTA has requested the Frequency Allocation Board to assign the 5G spectrum

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) recently wrote a letter to the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB), initiating discussions on spectrum availability for the upcoming 5G auction.

In official correspondence, the PTA urged First Abu Dhabi Bank to hold a Board of Directors meeting, guided by the guidance of the Auction Advisory Committee.

The main agenda of this meeting is to evaluate and approve spectrum allocation for the impending 5G auction. The sources revealed that the Board of Directors of First Abu Dhabi Bank is preparing for this meeting scheduled to be held this week.

However, it has emerged that the absence of the CEO at First Abu Dhabi Bank contributed to some delays in the process. Despite this setback, stakeholders remain optimistic about the potential outcomes of the upcoming board meeting.

The initiative to accelerate 5G deployment gained momentum during the recent meeting of the Auction Advisory Committee chaired by Hon’ble Finance Minister Dr. Shamshad Akhtar. During this meeting, the committee directed the Frequency Allocation Council to quickly allocate spectrum for the fifth generation spectrum auction.

FAB was originally given a two-week timeline and was tasked with holding a board meeting to finalize the total spectrum allocation and frequency bands available for the 5G auction. However, more than a month has passed since the committee’s guidance and progress has been slower than expected.

Once FAB successfully allocates spectrum and the Auction Advisory Committee issues directives to the PTA, the latter will quickly begin the process of appointing an international advisor. Ministry of Information and Communications Technology officials hope that the appointment of international consultants will begin under the temporary system.

Making online shopping in Pakistan affordable – My Zong and JoChaho join hands

Zong 4G, Pakistan’s leading telecom operator, has partnered with JoChaho.pk to offer attractive discounts on online shopping through the My Zong app and give users a chance to win exciting prizes through a lucky draw.

JoChaho.pk is an emerging online e-commerce marketplace operating in Pakistan that offers a wide range of products that users can purchase. Product categories vary from electronic gadgets to mobile accessories, gadgets, etc.

The collaboration between MZA and JoChaho is an effort to provide users with the best discounts and give them a chance to become the winner of the JoChaho giveaway.

MZA users can avail this offer by simply logging into their app and clicking on the “JoChaho” banner, which will take them directly to the JoChaho homepage. After installing the JoChaho app and creating an account, MZA users can avail a flat 10% discount on all products (valid only for MZA users).

In addition, after purchase, users will be able to participate in the JoChaho giveaway. 15 lucky winners will be selected at random, and each will have a chance to win exciting prizes such as motorcycles, smart watches, TVs, mobile phones, etc.

As a Zong spokesperson says: “With this collaboration, My Zong wants to bring new offers to its users so that they can enjoy online shopping while ensuring ease of access and affordability. Users can now shop from a variety of products and have them delivered to their doorstep from Through the “JoChaho” app. So what are you waiting for? Log in to your MZA app today and enjoy this offer!

Tensions with Iran; Pakistan started strict monitoring of flights

In the context of the ongoing tense situation with Iran, Pakistan has started strict monitoring of flights.

According to Express News, regarding the Pak-Iran tension, Pakistan started strict monitoring of all flights coming from the western direction including Iran. In this regard, every activity in the air over the western borders is being strictly monitored.

In view of the recent situation, instructions have been issued to remain on alert for all flights coming from the western direction. According to the sources, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has received instructions for strict monitoring of all flights coming from the West into Pakistan’s borders.

Air Traffic Control has received instructions to collect details of all Western flights, including Iran. Earlier, there was never strict monitoring of flights coming to Pakistan from the West. Still, the airspace of Pakistan and Iran is open for commercial flights. Air Traffic Control (ATC) has not yet received any instructions regarding the closure of airspace for Iran.

Sources say that there is currently no directive to stop commercial flights between Iran and Pakistan.

Applications open in Pakistan for Visa Everywhere Initiative, a global innovation competition for fintech startups

Applications are now open in Pakistan for the 2023 edition of the Visa Everywhere Initiative (VEI), a global open innovation competition that sees startups pitch their innovative solutions to solve tomorrow’s payment and commerce challenges.

In addition to monetary prizes, VEI winners gain access and exposure to Visa’s vast networks of partners in the banking, merchant, VC, and government sectors. The winners also benefit from receiving recognition from one of the world’s most trusted and valuable brands.

The Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEMEA) finals will be livestreamed on July 27 on TechCrunch – a leading online publisher focused on the tech industry and the startup ecosystem. The startup that wins at the CEMEA Regionals will participate in the global finale, which will be held on September 19 at TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco.

This year, Visa’s VEI CEMEA is set to introduce for the first time an award in the Risk and Security domain – Fintechs Innovating in Risk Excellence, or ‘FIIRE’, Award. Through this Special Edition, Visa in partnership with Emirates NBD are scouting for global Fintech players across fraud management, cybersecurity, and credit risk, among others. Following a joint review by Visa and Emirates NBD representatives, the winning Fintech will receive a $25,000 prize and an opportunity to work with Emirates NBD, a leading bank Group in the MENAT (Middle East, North Africa and Turkey) region.

“The Visa Everywhere Initiative is a platform that empowers fintechs and entrepreneurs to showcase the most ground-breaking, impactful solutions in the world of payments and commerce,” said Umar Khan, Visa’s Country Manager for Pakistan. “Through their technology-driven, innovative solutions, fintechs have the potential to offer broad social benefits to the markets they operate in – particularly when it comes to providing financial services to those who have traditionally been underserved. At Visa, we believe access to the digital economy drives equitable, inclusive growth, and VEI is an important means of supporting the innovators playing a leading role in this space.”

Since its launch in 2015, VEI has helped startups representing more than 100 countries collectively raise more than $16 billion USD in funding, with a network that includes nearly 12,000 startups from across the globe. Last year, VEI awarded more than $530,000 USD in prize money over the course of the competition, which saw over 4,000 startups participate from five regions. VEI 2022 saw Nigeria’s ThriveAgric take home the VEI Global grand prize of $100,000 USD. ThriveAgric also won the $20,000 USD Visa Direct prize.

VEI is seeking innovative and ambitious entrepreneurs who are uplifting communities by solving payment and commerce challenges faced by businesses of all sizes and sectors, including:

What we are looking for

Enablers of digital services and digital issuers

  • Blockchain and cryptocurrency
  • Crowdfunding
  • Banking-as-a-Service
  • BIN sponsors
  • Issuer/processors
  • Program managers

Digital issuance

  • Blockchain and cryptocurrency
  • Alternative lending
  • Personal financial management
  • Money transfer and remittance
  • Digital banking (aka neo banks)
  • ·Digital wallets, peer-to-peer (P2P) and transfers
  • Employee benefits
  • Payables
  • Corporate cards (aka expense management)

Value-add for merchants and/or consumers in the finance space

  • Data and analytics
  • ID, authentication and security
  • InsurTech
  • Loyalty
  • Merchant services and tools
  • Process and payment infrastructure
  • Retail technology
  • Other

Small- and medium-sized business recovery

  • Money movement (disbursements, Intra-account, P2P vendor and payments)
  • Acceptance (e-commerce and mobile acceptance)
  • Risk management (chargebacks, etc.)
  • Brand management (Community building, etc.)
  • Other

New categories for 2023:

  • Sustainable fintechs
  • Risk
  • Urban mobility

This year’s prizes for VEI CEMEA Regional Finales (July 27):

  • 1st place: $20,000 USD
  • Audience Favorites: $10,000 USD
  • Risk Winner: $25,000 USD

The application deadline for VEI is May 14th. For more information about VEI, please visit our website.  

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