Digital Pakistan

#OTT platforms like Tamasha are transforming the way we experience women's sports. From streaming major tournaments to bringing #Pakistan’s women cricketers into the spotlight, these platforms are changing the game. Game-Changers for Women’s Sports: Platforms like Tamasha are not only amplifying visibility but also attracting sponsors—helping women’s cricket thrive. Visibility is Power: Thanks to technology, Pakistan's women cricketers are finally getting the attention they deserve, breaking through the limitations of traditional media. Inclusion through Innovation: These platforms are driving inclusion and diversity in sports, reshaping the narrative for future generations. From Shadows to Spotlight: Pakistan’s women cricketers are stepping into the limelight, inspiring young girls to chase their dreams in the world of sports. This insightful article, authored by Aamer Ejaz, President of Digital Platforms at Jazz, explores how OTTs like Tamasha are creating a more gender-equal playing field in sports. 👉 Click here to read the full article: https://lnkd.in/deBuqnKE #WomenInSports #T20WorldCup

Pakistani fintech Abhi (YC S21), has secured $15M in credit financing to expand its financial services in the UAE. Led by Shorooq Partners and Amplify Growth Partnership, the new funding will support Abhi's earned wage access (EWA) offering, which allows blue- and white-collar workers to access their earned wages before payday. The company has claimed to have facilitated approximately 545,000 transactions with nearly $55 million in EWA across the UAE. Head of Private Credit at Shorooq Partners, Nathan Yonghyun Kwon shared the investment will be utilized for improving financial inclusion for the underserved communities in the region. The startup with its innovative technology has set its influence in the rapidly digitally evolving MENAP region inclusive of the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan as well as Bangladesh and UAE, in the backdrop of proactive regulatory initiatives and drive for financial inclusion and aims to further its expansion with a current market value of $90 Million. Offering earned wage access, payroll processing, payroll financing, and SME financing, Abhi has garnered global recognition as it partners with 550 companies and becomes the first MENAP region fintech to be named a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum in 2023. #DigitalPakistan #TechUpdate

Mega Motor Company (Private) Limited, a subsidiary of The Hub Power Company Limited (HUBCO), has entered into a partnership with BYD Auto Industry Company Limited to bring BYD's new energy vehicles (NEVs) to Pakistan. The collaboration was officially announced in a notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange - PSX and will see Mega Motor manufacturing, marketing, distributing, and selling BYD passenger vehicles in the country under a master supply and manufacturing agreement. This partnership aims to accelerate the growth of Pakistan’s automotive sector by combining BYD's advanced NEV technology with Mega Motor’s local market expertise, providing customers with more sustainable vehicle choices. The agreement follows BYD's strategic collaboration with Mega Conglomerate (Private) Limited, announced in March, and aligns with HUBCO's plans to diversify into the electric vehicle (EV) market. BYD, the world’s top NEV seller in 2022 and 2023, has made significant strides globally, recently celebrating its 8 millionth NEV production. The entry into the Pakistani market marks a new era for eco-friendly transportation, addressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions challenges. However, the transition to electric vehicles also faces infrastructure-related hurdles, such as the availability of charging stations. As Pakistan grapples with environmental concerns, this partnership could pave the way for more sustainable transportation solutions and help the country reduce its carbon footprint while modernizing its automotive industry. #DigitalPakistan #TechUpdate

Farmers and agriculture in Pakistan are in the worst conditions possible and to protect them Fatima Fertilizer Company Limited and Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) have collaborated to empower small farmers by giving them better access to financial services as well as better farming resources, so that they can grow their crops without any financial burden. The agreement will help support the aim of this collaboration, which is to support #sustainable farming and in addition to promoting #digital solutions in agriculture. Furthermore, this agreement is beneficial for agriculture financing and on the top of that it will empower smallholder farmers. The MoU was signed by Chief Operating Officer Asad Murad of Fatima Fertilizer Company Limited and by CEO Tahir Bhatti of ZBTL, this agreement will for sure set a standard in Pakistan and not to forget it is a great initiative to improve productivity and food security. #DigitalPakistan #TechUpdate

Neem, a leader in financial technology, has unveiled Neem Paymenow Group, a Shariah-compliant Earned Wage Access (EWA) solution aimed at alleviating financial strain on Pakistan's salaried workers. Focusing on sectors such as retail, healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing, this platform enables employees to withdraw a portion of their earned wages prior to payday. This service offers a viable alternative to costly loans and credit cards, helping to mitigate debt and lessen financial stress. The platform offers employers a free, cash flow-neutral solution that eliminates manual salary advances and enhances employee retention. Employees can access up to 40% of their earned wages, while gamified financial education modules help them build budgeting and savings skills. Deon Nobrega, CEO of Paymenow, expressed enthusiasm for partnering with Neem to offer an ethical financial solution for Pakistan's workforce, highlighting its potential to empower employees with timely wage access. Ziyaad Manie, Chief Strategy Officer of DNI Group, remarked that this initiative aligns with DNI's commitment to financial inclusion and sustainability. Neem Paymenow is a movement for financial empowerment, reducing reliance on high-interest loans and ensuring timely access to wages, thus fostering financial stability for employees and their families. #DigitalPakistan #TechUpdate

Jazz, Pakistan’s top digital operator, has teamed up with Quintica, a ServiceNow Elite Partner, to accelerate its business transformation. This collaboration leverages the ServiceNow platform to enhance Jazz's digital capabilities and improve its service offerings beyond traditional telecommunications. By integrating ServiceNow, Jazz is streamlining operations with greater efficiency, faster service delivery, and a centralized platform for managing requests. The platform empowers employees with self-service tools, enhancing productivity, and improves OSS governance for better decision-making and risk management. Key leaders at Jazz, including beenish wajih, Stream Head NOC, Muhammad Ali, Head of Network Operations, emphasized the platform’s impact on enhancing service quality and supporting ambitious growth targets. Khalid Shehzad, Chief Technology Officer, stressed the need for a scalable and flexible platform to accommodate the company’s expanding technology and service portfolio. The partnership between Jazz and Quintica represents a pivotal advance in Jazz's digital transformation. With Quintica’s expertise and the flexibility of the ServiceNow platform, this collaboration is set to drive long-term growth and foster the creation of innovative service offerings for customers. #DigitalPakistan #TechUpdate

Siemens Pakistan Engineering Co. Ltd.) has approved of the sale of Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (Private) Limited. The engineering company and financial services provider approved for the sale to be for approximately Rs. 17.82 billion. The approval came through a meeting the board held on 11th October 2024, and the decision was confirmed in a notice to Pakistan Stock Exchange on 14th October 2024. The board approved the transaction with a majority vote for the sale, which involves transferring the company’s energy business segment as a going concern to Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (Private) Limited. An independent fairness opinion from a global audit and consulting firm was obtained to justify the board’s decision. This divestment also falls in line with the company’s long-term strategy of refocusing the organisation, with an emphasis on renewable power. Founded as a public limited company in 1953, SIEM operates across various business segments, including power and gas, power generation services, energy management, digital factories, process industries, drives and mobility. #DigitalPakistan #TechUpdate

The Faisalabad Development Authority (FDA), in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), is set to launch a comprehensive Utility Services Corridor (#USC) alongside the new Metro Bus Service routes in Faisalabad. This initiative is aimed at streamlining essential utilities such as #internet services, water, sanitation, #electricity, and gas along the bus routes to prevent the need for future ground excavations once the bus service is operational. The Metro Bus Service is a major project for Faisalabad, estimated at Rs. 70 billion. It aims to provide affordable, eco-friendly, and efficient transportation for the city, which is growing rapidly. The USC will integrate multiple services from key stakeholders, including the Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL), Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL.Official), Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO), and the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA). By establishing this corridor, the government hopes to enhance #urban planning efficiency, avoid repeated disruptions, and support the city's infrastructure goals. Additionally, this approach to utility services will align with the upcoming Metro Bus Service’s efforts to improve public transportation and #connectivity in Faisalabad. This move also highlights the government's commitment to #sustainable urban development and modernized infrastructure in one of Pakistan's key industrial cities. #DigitalPakistan #TechUpdate

The Pak-Saudi Business Forum 2024 concluded with a major achievement as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed MoUs worth $2.2 billion across sectors like IT, power, and agriculture. These investments are expected to fuel Pakistan’s economic growth and open up new opportunities for development. A key highlight of the forum was the Ministerial Roundtable, where officials, including Pakistan's Minister of IT and Telecom, Shaza Khawaja, played a crucial role in facilitating the agreements. During a sectoral session focused on IT and Telecom, representatives from both countries explored deeper collaboration, discussing opportunities for Pakistani tech companies and joint efforts in cybersecurity. These talks underscored the potential for significant technological advancements. The Saudi investments are set to accelerate Pakistan’s digital transformation, strengthening both its technology and industrial sectors. The successful conclusion of the forum highlights the deepening bilateral ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, reaffirming both nations' commitment to economic cooperation and shared prosperity for the future. #DigitalPakistan #TechUpdate

Standard Chartered Pakistan has partnered with Gatronova Group to enhance its cash management and supplier financing operations. Through this collaboration, Gatronova gains access to Standard Chartered’s advanced digital solutions, enabling smoother and more efficient transactions across nearly 30 banks. This partnership aims to simplify Gatronova’s financial processes by centralizing operations and reducing the need for multiple physical accounts, ultimately streamlining collections across various product lines and achieving significant cost savings. A standout aspect of this partnership is that it enables Gatronova to offer early payments to its suppliers for approved invoices without needing collateral. This initiative enhances Gatronova’s cash flow, bolsters supplier relationships, and nurtures a culture of innovation and growth throughout the supply chain Aligned with Gatronova’s long-term sustainability and corporate social responsibility goals, this initiative supports supplier development while contributing to a healthier business ecosystem. It also highlights Standard Chartered’s dedication to driving digital innovation in Pakistan’s financial sector and offering tailored solutions to meet the evolving needs of businesses. #DigitalPakistan #TechUpdate