Technology – Page 144 – Pakistan Tech News

For cyber-attacks preventation, MoIT and Telecom advises to move websites to NTC

This is one of the valuable pieces of information that how to secure your website from cyber-attacks. Besides if you’re a website holder then is article is far important for you. The Ministry of IT and Telecom advised the federal secretaries that we have to shift the websites for all respective departments and the ministries to the National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) data center. So that their sites may remain protected from cyber-attacks, this information was conveyed to federal secretaries through a recent letter.

There is a fact behind that all the websites that were placed on private domains faced numerous cyber-attacks, initially. Which results in the leakage of their important and private data as well. Moreover, it is also advised by the Ministry of IT and Telecom that they should need to avoid the use of their private emails rather, they should need to go with the Govt. provided emails for their future proceedings.

On Thursday, during the meeting with the Federal Minister for IT Syed Amin ul Haq made the decision for sending the letter. There is one of the important reasons being sending that letter and which is to review the implementation status of the e-office project and that is in the present time the National Information Technology Board (NITB) is actually, overseeing it. Furthermore, if we talk about the NITB, then NITB is also working for making the change into the different sectors for the Govt. In which they are making a working system without paper method, known as e-office.

If we talk about them, then their current progress has attained the 4th level of e-office within the 16 different divisions. However, their main aim is bigger, they want to continue the implementation in 40 ministries and divisions also including 107 departments of the federal Govt. This is not the end, the NITB has saved around 300 million rupees’ worth of the physical infrastructure by training probably 14,300 employees of the Govt. regarding the new system.

Although, keeping in view the situation of the pandemic in our country Pakistan. It is probably, expected that nearly all the offices of the government and their departments will implement virtually; the e-office method for the sake of ensuring that increasing productivity by following the policies of COVID-19.

This (e-office) is also coming under the trend, which is followed by the major organization, companies, and industries in their regarding proceeding. Through the use of digital tools and infrastructure, the utilization has been achieved.

Pakistan CAA to Install Bird Repellent System at Airports

On Pakistan National airports, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has decided for installing the acoustic bird repellent system. The purpose of do so, is to avoid frequent bird strikes.

In the first phase, CAA is going to install the system at Jinnah International airport of Karachi and Allama Iqbal International airport of Lahore. They are hoping that it will reduce the bird strike rate.

The expression of interest (EOI) has been invited by the CAA from notable firms and from individual’s experience in wildlife management at airports for developing a reasonable report of the project.

Generally, the bird strike at airport result in heavy damages to airlines each passing year. In previous year, the birds hit 36 PIA planes, which cause great loss in millions of rupees. Even there are some of the aircrafts, which damage in such that after it, they become grounded for long period of time.

GIKI students are on 2nd place in Design, Build and Fly competition beating top universities

GIKI’s Team Invictus got 2nd position in Design, Build and Fly competition. This competition was hosted by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. In this competition, students from all over the world participated, even the well-known institutes. Such as MIT, Berkeley, UC, and Stanford. However, the student of Pakistani institute; GIKI students confirms the second position after beating many of these institutes and take the prize.

In the 2021 iteration of the competition, there is something new to do. Here, they were aimed to build and test a UAV with a towed sensor. There all students were provided with the task; to fabricate, design, and demonstrate the abilities of their unnamed radio-controlled aircraft that is designed and created for specific mission goals. According to GIK university declaration, they said that their university student team used advanced manufacturing techniques that included 3D pod and parts, and boom aircraft configuration for making their design.

U.S Embassy of Pakistan also congratulate the students of GIKI on their Facebook post:

GIKI’s team scored 85.9 for the proposal of their unnamed aircraft. This score was 1st best in Asia, however, it was 2nd globally. Their proposal was consisted of 60 pages totally, mentioned highly technical information as well as fly-offs that took place alternately in Kansas and Arizona, USA. Another thing that should also need to keep in front that it was the first time to work with digital collaboration tools but even that doesn’t become hinder the progress of the team, and they got 2nd position in this global competition.

Team is now planning to face of the radio-controlled aircraft industry in Pakistan. Furthermore, they are also aimed at promoting aeronautics and aviation as a hobby in Pakistan. So that more and more people become involved in it.

PITB – P@SHA sign MoU to promote IT Industry in Pakistan

PITB – P@SHA sign MoU to promote Public-Private partnership by engaging local IT industry in Public Sector Digitalization

As part of the vision articulated by Chairman PITB Azfar Manzoor, PITB is actively working towards promoting Public-Private Partnership. One of the initiatives is PITB’s ‘Partners in Development’ program that aims at supporting the local software industry by engaging them in public sector software development work with special emphasis on digitally powered public services. In this regard, PITB and Pakistan Software Houses Association for IT & ITeS (P@SHA) signed an MoU today at Arfa Software Technology Park to promote collaboration between public and private sectors.

The MoU was signed by Chairman PITB Azfar Manzoor and Chairman P@SHA Barkan Saeed. According to the MoU, both the organizations will support each other as partners in the digitalization drive of the Punjab Government, and explore avenues of potential growth for the IT & IT enabled Services (ITeS) Industries. On this occasion Public-Private Partners Portal was also launched where local IT companies can register and share their ideas on collaborative transformation. PITB’s DG e-Governance Sajid Latif, GM IT Burhan Rasool, Founder & CEO DPL Syed Ahmed, President & CEO of InfoTech Group Naseer Akhtar and other senior officials were also present at the ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion Chairman PITB Azfar Manzoor said, “Both PITB and P@SHA are focused on collaboration to digitalize the governance ecosystem in Punjab by leveraging and sharing expertise in IT & ITeS. Through Public- Private Partnership, PITB will support the local software industry by engaging them in public sector software development projects”

Chairman P@SHA Barkan Saeed stated, “PITB is playing a vital role in the digitalization of Punjab and in promoting public-private partnership. P@SHA will encourage its members to actively engage with PITB through PITB’s ‘Partners in Development’ initiative. Both PITB and P@SHA will also work towards deliberating policy interventions necessary to foster the IT Industry in Pakistan”.

Local IT Companies and Software houses can register on the following web address. www.partners.pitb.gov.pk

Significant change in the Internet usage trends of Pakistan: Year in Search 2020

During the global Corona epidemic in 2020, there was a significant change in the Internet usage trends of Pakistani users.

The results of Google’s annual report Year in Search 2020, show that social distances, lockdowns and working from home have changed social and psychological attitudes during the Corona epidemic.

Google’s search for ‘gender equality’ has increased by 40% by 2020. The impact of the Corona outbreak on mental health has led to a 100% increase in the search for mental health information.

During the lockdown, troubled Pakistanis re-examined the effects of the environment and the finding for recycling materials increased by 128%.

Corona’s difficulties led to a 122% increase in consumer searched for charitable and charitable activities. Lockdowns and the closure of educational institutions have led to a 250% increase in consumer demand for home education for children.

In 2020, the searched for ‘dubbed in Urdu language’ in Pakistan increased by 328%. Consumers resorted to games for entertainment, which led to a 90% increase in the search for ‘gaming chair’.

Social distance became a new way of life, so the search for ‘pets’ increased by 700%. Numerous people also explored ways to enable themselves to spend more time at home and the search for recipes for making ‘easy desserts’ increased by 140%.

The economic uncertainty caused by Corona has led consumers to consider investing their savings in a good place, which has led to a 223% increase in stock investment. In addition, there was an increase in active management with a 109% increase in the search for ‘disease prevention’ methods.

PTA asks FBR to halt import of GSM boosters and amplifiers

KARACHI: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has asked the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to stop the import of GSM amplifiers and boosters by all licensees or non-licensees entities as its import and use is only confined to licensed Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs)

Industry sources informed that use of sub-standard GSM boosters, amplifiers and repeaters is strictly prohibited and there are a number of complaints with PTA that these instruments have been installed by mobile users themselves, which is resulted in interference in CMOs frequency bands and disturbing the mobile phone services. As per rules, only CMOs are allowed to import GSM boosters and install at mobile users’ premises.

According to the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act 1996 Section 31, Sub-section (2), “the unauthorized use of the radio frequency spectrum shall be punishable with imprisonment, which may extend to (three) years, or with fine which may extend to Rs10 million, or with both.”

Recently, PTA, through field experience, complaints from the operators, and subsequent field monitoring by Frequency Allocation Board (FAB), has observed an increasing trend of using sub-standard GSM amplifiers and boosters by the general public, which causes interference in CMOs’ frequency bands and deteriorates the quality of mobile services. Despite the issuance of several public notices by PTA to warn all the importers, distributors, sellers, and users of GSM boosters to refrain from this activity, these illegal devices are easily available in the open market and online stores wherein the general public purchases such equipment and shipment of the same is delivered after custom clearance.

Sources said that the majority of GSM amplifiers installed by mobile users are Chinese and do not have manufacturer and model number written on them. It is pertinent to mention that these illegal GSM boosters are the main cause of growing network interference complaints by the customers.

Accordingly, PTA has asked FBR to restrict the import of these devices by all entities. PTA has requested FBR to issue instruction to all field office for allowing import of GSM boosters, amplifiers and repeaters by CMOs only and restricting import by all other entities license or non-license including shipment through online sales.

It may be mentioned here that previously, a number of times PTA has warned all the importers, distributors, sellers and users of GSM boosters to refrain from import, distribution and use of GSM boosters otherwise legal action will be taken against the violators in light of Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization).

As published on Bsiness Recorder

PITB & Ejad Labs sign MoU to co-host Pakistan Innovation Roadshow

Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) has signed an MOU with Ejad Labs to co-host Pakistan Innovation Roadshow to be held in March. The MoU was signed by PITB DG e-Governance Sajid Latif and CEO Ejad Labs Arzish Azam at Arfa Software Technology Park.

PITB’s e- Earn and e-Rozgaar

Pakistan Innovation Roadshow aims to highlight the country’s booming tech ecosystem and top tech talent. Additionally, it will offer aspiring freelancers a chance to collaborate and learn from major stakeholders in Pakistan’s tech industry. PITB’s e- Earn and e-Rozgaar teams will collaborate with Ejad Labs and provide support through their partners in order to successfully organize the event across Pakistan.

During the ceremony PITB DG e-Governance Sajid Latif said, “Building synergies in order to develop a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem is an integral part of PITB’s endeavours as these opportunities are a great way for students and aspiring freelancers to learn from experienced professionals in the tech industry.”

CEO Ejad Labs Arzish Azam stated, “Through this roadshow we plan to celebrate and highlight the local tech ecosystem as well as spark meaningful conversations essential for ecosystem development.”

Pakistan Innovation Roadshow will include a number of events like seminars and meet-ups in 15 cities across Pakistan featuring prominent professions as keynote speakers. The overall event will be supported by round-up videos and podcasts. By joining hands in this public-private partnership, PITB aims to boost the tech ecosystem of the Pakistan and create a sustainable environment for the technological advancement of the country.

PTA has issued important instructions regarding sale and purchase of mobile phones

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has issued important instructions regarding sale and purchase of mobile phones, GSM amplifiers, boosters, repeaters and SIM boxes.

The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) has directed the public that under Section 29 of the Telecom Reorganization Act, 1996, such mobile phones, GSM amplifiers, boosters, repeaters and SIM boxes, etc., should never buy without type approval / COC. Such substandard devices are not only detrimental to human health and national security but are also causing disruption in the quality of telecom service.

In addition, all such websites and e-commerce mediums which are promoting or selling such devices are also directed to remove all such content from their websites to avoid legal action as per Section 31 of the Telecom Reorganization Act.

Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs) and PTA Type Approval holders are allowed to import GSM boosters and install them in the consumer premises as per the PTA rules and those who involved in the installation of amplifiers or bossters may be prosecuted. With regard to coverage and quality of service (QOS) standards, the PTA said to improve network coverage and performance in the affected areas.

In addition, the PTA has revised the coverage obligations and quality of service standards for operators by renewing the license. The PTA not only takes action against violators but also instructs the public from time to time to not purchase / use illegal, GSM boosters / imported amplifiers / purchased through any unofficial channels to avoid any inconvenience and legal action as per applicable laws.

Mondia powers new Ufone Gaming Portal in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN – EQS Newswire – 12 February 2021 – Mondia (www.Mondia.com), a leading technology company that specialises in the marketing and distribution of digital content, announced the launch of a new ufone gaming portal, a leading telecommunications provider in Pakistan, to bring customers a unique gaming experience.

The new gaming portal, Ubox by Ufone, will offer customers an ‘All-You-Can-Eat’ gaming experience which includes thousands of premium games. The dedicated gaming platform will be available as a web portal – countering barriers of legacy devices, as well as an app for smartphone users. Mondia will deploy the latest portal and application, as well as manage premium content.

“Telcos today are looking for unique ways to strengthen the relationship with their online audiences which makes Mondia a partner of choice, as we are an industry leader in content and platform services, lifecycle management and in driving engagement,” said Dr Amadeo Rahmann, Chief Executive Officer of Mondia. “Ufone is a successful telco operator, and we are looking forward to supporting their mobile gaming portfolio by providing innovative and engaging digital experiences to their customers through a world-class ecosystem of games and content.”

The mobile game offering will enable Ufone mobile users to access unlimited content, offering hundreds of games from well-known and top gaming publishers through a monthly subscription.

“Gaming is a growing content segment and our partnership with Mondia is an endorsement of our commitment to deliver an enriching digital experience that our customers want,” said Ufone’s spokesperson. “We continue to build our value proposition around our customers, and we are excited to partner with Mondia as they have the same business ethos,” he concluded.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mondia.

About Mondia:

Mondia (www.Mondia.com) is a leading technology company specialising in the marketing and distribution of digital content. Mondia has deep insight into where the markets are headed and the role of technology to solve business challenges while enabling the best user experiences. Mondia, through its content-agnostic platforms creates personalised digital experiences for people by providing them with the latest world-class digital content, accessible anywhere and anytime; including health, entertainment, lifestyle, gaming, music and sports. Mondia is well-positioned to enable its enterprise customers to grow their user engagement and maximise their monetisation potential through payment connectivity, customer acquisition and life cycle management services.

With 18 locations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Mondia reaches over 1.4bn end-users across over 60 countries. The company partners with more than 80 telco operators from around the world, over 1,000 content providers and 200 merchants. Mondia services are available in Ethiopia, Nigeria and Pakistan through mondia.cell.For more information please visit: www.Mondia.com.

About Ufone:

Ufone (www.Ufone.com) is a Pakistani Cellular Company with its presence in all the major cities of Pakistan along with a comprehensive coverage across all major towns, villages and tehsil headquarters of the country. The company employs more than 3,850 people and operates with a network of more than 320 franchises and company-owned customer service centers along with a distribution network of 150,000 outlets nationwide.

5G technology successfully tested in Pakistan by PTCL Group

Islamabad: The PTCL Group successfully tested 5G technology in a limited environment.

For the first time in Pakistan, the PTCL Group successfully tested 5G technology in a limited environment, and for the first time, remote surgery was demonstrated. Special guests on the occasion included Federal Minister for IT Syed Aminul Haq, Federal Secretary IT Shoaib Siddiqui, Chairman PTA Major General (retd) Amir Azeem Bajwa and UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahimi Al-Zubai.

Participants were briefed on 5G technology, while reviewing remote surgery, cloud gaming and 5G technology applications.

Speaking on the occasion, UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Hamad Obaid Ibrahimi said that PTCL’s experience of 5G technology in Pakistan is welcome. UAE is the first country in the Arab region to experiment with 5G technology, while the 5th most successful country in the world to complete a mission to Mars.

The UAE Ambassador said that there are investment opportunities in science and technology in Pakistan and the UAE, and the leaders of the both countries agreed to increase cooperation in the field of technology which is good for the future of two countries and generations. We are taking steps to create economic opportunities as well.

IT Secretary Shoaib Siddiqui said that we are committed to the vision of Digital Pakistan, PTCL Group’s successful 5G experience is an important step, 5G technology will open new avenues in many fields.