Warid Gets Contract for Provision of USSD Channel for HBL Branchless Banking

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczU3MDMRA684ScR7au8yBaiXl6pAnhPSK543YJ0cAjrAq8Xc7DbXCyhFXM3YkDzERsxvypLla1gYp_UVl7FC6V4oAFpNjwD8KtHeapQdvD0uNJ21llVj1lyl_XpGNeQnPqVnJ8T68Nm0/s1600/Warid-HBL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczU3MDMRA684ScR7au8yBaiXl6pAnhPSK543YJ0cAjrAq8Xc7DbXCyhFXM3YkDzERsxvypLla1gYp_UVl7FC6V4oAFpNjwD8KtHeapQdvD0uNJ21llVj1lyl_XpGNeQnPqVnJ8T68Nm0/s1600/Warid-HBL.jpg" /></a></div> <div align="center"> <i>Tariq Gulzar, CFO, Warid Telecom (2R) and Faiq Sadiq, Head of Payment Services, HBL (3R) signing the agreement. Younis Iqbal Sheikh, CCO, Warid Telecom (First right in front row) and Azfar Jamal, Head of Branchless banking, HBL (First from left in front row), along with high-ups of Warid and HBL also seen in the picture.</i></div> Habib Bank Limited and Warid Telecom signed an agreement today for a strategic alliance whereby Warid Telecom will provide Habib Bank Limited with access to Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD), enabling ‘HBL Express’ (Habib Bank Limited’s branchless banking project) to conduct financial transactions.<br /> Telecom companies are uniquely placed in the branchless banking eco-system since they have the required technology and resources to enhance the growth and uptake of this burgeoning industry. <br /> This partnership will allow HBL Express to expand its branchless banking footprint in Pakistan while providing peace of mind to its consumers since all financial transactions carried out will be completely safe and secure. The provision of USSD services is the first step in this alliance which will provide financial and commercial benefit to both organisations in the coming future. <br /> The agreement was signed at Warid Telecom’s Head Office in Lahore between Mr. Tariq Gulzar, Chief Financial Officer, Warid Telecom and Mr. Faiq Sadiq, Head of Payment Services, HBL. <br /> The ceremony was also attended by senior executives from both organisations, including Mr. Younas Iqbal Sheikh, Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Suhail Jan, VP Sales & Distribution, Mr. Nauman Fakhar, VP Customer Services and Mr. Adnan Anjum, Director Marketing Strategy and Pricing from Warid Telecom. Mr. Azfar Jamal, Head of Branchless Banking and Mr. Ghanzfar Ali Khan, Head of Sales Branchless Banking from HBL. <br /> Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Gulzar said, “We are proud to be a strategic partner in HBL’s efforts to enhance financial inclusion in Pakistan and consider this a very important step in providing banking services to the unbanked.” <br /> Mr. Faiq Sadiq added, “HBL’s strategic alliance with Warid Telecom will accelerate the adoption of Branchless Banking Services in Pakistan and enable the Bank to offer mobile wallets to the unbanked.”</div>

Warid Gets Contract for Provision of USSD Channel for HBL Branchless Banking

Tariq Gulzar, CFO, Warid Telecom (2R) and Faiq Sadiq, Head of Payment Services, HBL (3R) signing the agreement. Younis Iqbal Sheikh, C...

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Warid Maal Dhamaal Bundle Winner Gets Rs. 1 Crore

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQtsleHeLhIGRXRw7o45rhz92r0ejg6wSfwNJvZ-Unso1LWPEJ3sHJUD8vpPlstaFAmp3pxcBdI0RlLoU696bpd5lNeaEJOanPTIWJuAAp4Urq9m2NH1YuVwtYiTdflKGCMU_peka5j8/s1600/Warid-Maal-Dhamaal-winner-copy3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQtsleHeLhIGRXRw7o45rhz92r0ejg6wSfwNJvZ-Unso1LWPEJ3sHJUD8vpPlstaFAmp3pxcBdI0RlLoU696bpd5lNeaEJOanPTIWJuAAp4Urq9m2NH1YuVwtYiTdflKGCMU_peka5j8/s320/Warid-Maal-Dhamaal-winner-copy3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div class="wp-caption-text" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mr. Asghar Khan (Right), winner of Maal Dhamaal Bundel Offer, recieving a cheque for Rs. 1 Crore from Mr. Tariq Gulzar, CFO of Warid Telecom (Left)</span></span></div> Warid Telecom, has announced the lucky winners of its Maal Dhamaal Bundle Offer, launched earlier this year, in a simple but impressive ceremony.<br /> Mr. Tariq Gulzar, Chief Financial Officer, Warid Telecom handed over the cheque of Rupees 1 Carore to the lucky grand prize winner Mr. Asghar Khan from Rawalpindi.<br /> Talking at the occasion Mr. Tariq Gulzar, Chief Financial Officer, Warid Telecom expressed: “Warid always facilitate its customer, be it through our services, offers and can be as cash prize.” Warid’s core strength is its customers and through campaigns like Maal Dhamal bundle offer we share happiness among them.” He added.<br /> The lucky winner of the grand prize Mr. Asghar Khan, shared his happiness by saying: “I am using Warid since last two years and never think that Warid can change my life. Now I can complete my dreams, but cannot express my excitement in words.”</div>

Warid Maal Dhamaal Bundle Winner Gets Rs. 1 Crore

Mr. Asghar Khan (Right), winner of Maal Dhamaal Bundel Offer, recieving a cheque for Rs. 1 Crore from Mr. Tariq Gulzar, CFO of Warid T...

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Issue of Unregistered SIMs Gets Challenged in High Court

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrtNaGZ1dDPLOqEOlkg7pyU_ILIkhnLWnSjh-nFohb3Gx14pgaRt75ZT8eX04dvmwyZIa0C-t4z1ZmLUkbVxA5TmXTw36_Eno8vK-LNhgpBsA9AE-6AygaJY78Dep94T7mF6B5jLYY3g/s1600/sim-480x238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrtNaGZ1dDPLOqEOlkg7pyU_ILIkhnLWnSjh-nFohb3Gx14pgaRt75ZT8eX04dvmwyZIa0C-t4z1ZmLUkbVxA5TmXTw36_Eno8vK-LNhgpBsA9AE-6AygaJY78Dep94T7mF6B5jLYY3g/s1600/sim-480x238.jpg" /></a></div> <div class="contentupper"> </div> <div class="leftblogcontent"> </div> Issue of unregistered and unverified SIMs escalated yesterday when G M Chaudhry advocate submitted a writ petition in Islamabad High Court and pleaded that the telecom companies be charged as partner-in-crime in all incidents wherein non-registered SIMs are used for criminal or terror activities.<br /> Petitioner contended that there were countless incidents when he was harassed and threatened through mobile telecommunication services, provided directly or indirectly by the mobile phone companies.<br /> He said that mobile phone companies had failed to provide any information about any such person who committed such offence by taking the plea of secrecy and confidentiality whereas there is no concept of confidentiality or secrecy in the telecommunication laws about name and address of any user.<br /> Petitioner contended before the court that the crime rate has been manifold due to availability of non-registered SIMs as the telecom companies provide easy communication and mobility to criminal elements.<br /> Criminals are keeping multiple SIMs to contact their intending victims that is resulting in the incidents like extortion, kidnapping, abduction and other criminal activities. It was also contended that the chief executive officers (CEOs) of the concerned telecom companies be charged as abettors in all criminal incidents wherein non-registered SIMS were used for commission of offence.<br /> While accepting the petition for hearing, Chief Justice (CJ) Islamabad High Court (IHC) Justice Muhammad Anwar Kasi issued notices to the secretary ministry of information technology and Telecommunication, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), ministry of interior through its secretary, chief executives of the all telecommunication companies and inspector general Islamabad police seeking their reply over the concerns raised by the petitioner.<br /> IHC CJ directed the respondents to submit reply within 10 days time.</div>

Issue of Unregistered SIMs Gets Challenged in High Court

Issue of unregistered and unverified SIMs escalated yesterday when G M Chaudhry advocate submitted a writ petition in Islamabad Hig...

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ASUS Transformer Book T100 Offers Full Windows 8 Under a Tempting Price Tag

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmkwkzyDr7EQ-pW3MxIvmegrtsuWh_x4vIyeWDgbru3PAAxry6JGIjQI4MOc5bbZvJwkSUAcBlJ20zGDt0yum0MwnprfOS93LQFCkCJVIeHS5uW7O0mOdlRlVuAlkbL9ngggb6nt00_k/s1600/Asus-Transformer-Book-T100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmkwkzyDr7EQ-pW3MxIvmegrtsuWh_x4vIyeWDgbru3PAAxry6JGIjQI4MOc5bbZvJwkSUAcBlJ20zGDt0yum0MwnprfOS93LQFCkCJVIeHS5uW7O0mOdlRlVuAlkbL9ngggb6nt00_k/s1600/Asus-Transformer-Book-T100.jpg" /></a></div> Windows 8 (and RT) tablets have rather been a failed alternative to the iPad so far. The previous generation processor coupled with the manufacturers’ resistance to spend more on projects with less profit margins has been holding the tablets back but tables might have finally started to turn.<br /> ASUS’ newest response in the Transformer Book T100 is a 10.1 inch tablet with 1366 x 768 resolution and has an Intel Atom Z3740 Bay Trail processor under the hood. The hybrid also comes with Intel HD Graphics and 2 GB RAM.<br /> For connectivity, microUSB, microHDMI, Bluetooth and USB 3.0 port (in the keyboard dock are used).<br /> On the software side, it comes with full Windows 8 (and not the RT), and Office 2013 pre-installed right from the get go.<br /> Compared to the $499 iPad, the Transformer has been priced really attractively. Starting at just $349 for the base 32 GB model and $399 for the 64 GB version, it also comes with a keyboard dock. Yes, that’s true, without spending a penny more.<br /> That transforms it into a full-fledged PC which can run loads of Windows software. And if you thought the internals were weak, the Bay Trail platform is twice as faster as the Clover Trail which it succeeds so you might even be able to play a few games on it as well.<br /> It will be made available later in October this year.</div>

ASUS Transformer Book T100 Offers Full Windows 8 Under a Tempting Price Tag

Windows 8 (and RT) tablets have rather been a failed alternative to the iPad so far. The previous generation processor coupled with the ...

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HP Unveils its Newest Chromebook, 14 Inch Display, Haswell for $299

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL0qir9CnAv_cCSOIsbEyRb6nBJCyHSbE7XSUW58DM4oNnEPovoH2btQEVBWia09omNnpUQh2p1otByIlzophohsxLIwlXMPrunMFgJ2Vwf67qXpqWfZQJW9mgI_F309no6AXcUrQYXEQ/s1600/chromebook14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL0qir9CnAv_cCSOIsbEyRb6nBJCyHSbE7XSUW58DM4oNnEPovoH2btQEVBWia09omNnpUQh2p1otByIlzophohsxLIwlXMPrunMFgJ2Vwf67qXpqWfZQJW9mgI_F309no6AXcUrQYXEQ/s1600/chromebook14.jpg" /></a></div> HP’s last go at Chromebooks was a broken attempt. Its cost was $329, was laggy and had an outdated design. This time however, the people in the company have really went back to the drawing board and came up with the HP Chromebook 14.<br /> The Chrome OS running laptop still comes with a 14 inch display but instead opts for an Intel Haswell (unspecified breed) rather than an Intel Celeron.<br /> For the design, HP have chosen rubberized finish and a plastic design over completely finger-print loving plastic. They also come in several eye-popping colors. The laptop is quite heavy, however, at around 4 pounds.<br /> The 14 inch screen comes with the same 1366 x 768 resolution. The keyboard below it is accompanied by a trackpad with a single key. A webcam is at the front too.<br /> As for the internals, it comes with a 4th-generation Intel Haswell of unknown kind and a 16 GB SSD. Cloud storage worth 100 GB through Google Drive is available for two years, along with an SD card slot.<br /> For connectivity, it uses HDMI, USB 2.0, USB 3.0 and Wi-Fi. Battery life is quoted as being around 9 hours.<br /> As for the price, the Chromebook 14 costs around $299. It will be available for purchase later this year but an exact release date isn’t given.</div>

HP Unveils its Newest Chromebook, 14 Inch Display, Haswell for $299

HP’s last go at Chromebooks was a broken attempt. Its cost was $329, was laggy and had an outdated design. This time however, the people...

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2.8 Million Pakistani Users Access Facebook on Mobile Phones [Inforgraphic]

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> Pakistan is a huge country when it comes to mobile phone subscribers. In fact Pakistan ranks 7th in the world with its 125 million subscribers.<br /> A large number – out of these 125 million cellphone users — now access the internet through their phones and Facebook is one of the most popular sites they visit.<br /> Stats shared by Facebook itself suggest that 2.8 million mobile users from Pakistan – out of 10.8 million total Faebook users from Pakistan or almost one third of Facebook users – access the website through their handheld phones.<br /> These stats also hint the segments of mobile phone users in the country.<br /> According to these stats, Android is a clear winner in Pakistan which has 2.2 million users in Pakistan as compared to 680,000 iOS users. Stats said that 920,000 users – almost one third of entire mobile Facebook users in Pakistan – are using Samsung.<br /> There are 138,000 blackberry users while another 80,000 users access Facebook on their Windows Phone devices.<br /> Not to mention, this figure is set to grow many folds in next few years, especially after the emergence of 3G services in the country.<br /> More stats are shown in below infographics:<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTmm8_WXQ9zyxmyk5dVO8SOvtr7UeTyqI_i8kK_A7WLkn1YRtaJ7XdWkJsq4Q2-bLU51w8-Wmi4YeVmIWfir7f4TB695Zm-qCYlauvR47YdXS2AMrPTnntQPbk-jlj0UcDhU5JSZGBB8/s1600/facebook-mobile-users-in-pakistan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTmm8_WXQ9zyxmyk5dVO8SOvtr7UeTyqI_i8kK_A7WLkn1YRtaJ7XdWkJsq4Q2-bLU51w8-Wmi4YeVmIWfir7f4TB695Zm-qCYlauvR47YdXS2AMrPTnntQPbk-jlj0UcDhU5JSZGBB8/s1600/facebook-mobile-users-in-pakistan.jpg" /></a></div> </div>

2.8 Million Pakistani Users Access Facebook on Mobile Phones [Inforgraphic]

Pakistan is a huge country when it comes to mobile phone subscribers. In fact Pakistan ranks 7th in the world with its 125 million subscr...

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