Around 1,500 cricket enthusiasts participated at the Mobilink Hunt for Heroes sessions held simultaneously in Lahore, Multan and Peshawar organized by Mobilink in association with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). After a rigorous ten-day exercise including trainings from PCB coaches and practice matches, 15 players were short listed each for Multan and Peshawar regions and 20 players from Lahore.

Commenting on the participants at the Multan Stadium, Colonel Mansoor, Regional Director (Multan), PCB, shared, “The enthusiasm of these youngsters is overwhelming. There is no dearth of talent in the country and we are grateful to Mobilink for collaborating with us to uncover it from every nook and corner of the country.”

According to Khurram Mahboob, Brand Manager Strategic Initiatives at Mobilink, “We all have at one point fantasized about playing professional cricket and Mobilink Hunt for Heroes gives thousands of cricket enthusiasts the opportunity to realize this dream. The primary objective of this first-of-its-kind program is to produce well-rounded, physically fit and skilled players to represent Pakistan at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.”

Similar trials were also conducted for cricket enthusiasts in Batgram, Bostan, Charsadda, Dera Allayar, Dera Mohammad Jamali, Hakalzai, Huramzai, Jafferabad, Jhal Magsi, Karbal, Khanozai, Kohistan, Mansehra, Mirpurkhas, Mithi (Tharparkar), Naseerabad, NausheroFeroz, Nawabshah, Nowshera, Pishin, Sanghar, Umerkot and Ziarat simultaneously. Open trials of the Mobilink Hunt for Heroes will be conducted in Burewala, Gawadar, Kohat, Peshawar, Shikarpur, Sialkot, Sibi, Sukkur and Swat from 4th November, 2008 and will also be conducted for Faisalabad, Multan, Rawalpindi, Sialkot and FATA regions in coming months.

After the first phase, these youngsters will be divided into twelve regional teams who will fight for the top honors in the “Mobilink Hunt for Heroes Tournament 2008-09”. Phase II will comprise of six weeks of physical training and tactical awareness of the final thirty-six short-listed youngsters at the prestigious National Cricket Academy in Lahore.

Designed to find exceptional talent from all parts of the country including the remote and far flung areas with the help of specialized PCB coaches, Mobilink Hunt for Heroes Cricket program attracted over 12,000 young and budding cricketers from 52 districts throughout Pakistan last year. The entire squad of the Pakistan Juniors Under-15 team that played in the Under-15 tournament in the West Indies has been unearthed by Mobilink Hunt for Heroes.

Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) and Ufone signed a strategic agreement with Microsoft, joining the elite group of companies backed by the power of the world leader in software business solutions. Dubbed as a historical deal, the agreement will provide comprehensive software support, which will realize the full potential of personnel at both PTCL and Ufone.

President & CEO PTCL, Walid Irshaid, termed the agreement a “milestone” and said that this strong technological partnership will allow PTCL and Ufone to benefit from the Microsoft’s innovative products. “I am very optimistic that the deployment of Microsoft’s latest management tools and software’s will lead to improved company operations through efficient communication, coordination & follow up mechanisms allowing us to enhance our service and quality standards” said Irsahid.

”This partnership will also help transform PTCL’s IT into a modern state of the art entity; fully equipped to ensure complete support necessary to compete in this highly competitive market. This winning collaboration between us and the Microsoft will certainly be a key driver for not only our own development but also for imperative growth of our customers” said Irshaid.

While commenting on the occasion, CEO Ufone Abdul Aziz said that we are certain that this valued coalition with a world renowned company will provide us with the comprehensive software support that will enable us to keep offering our valued customers the promised innovative telecom solutions and services.

Aziz also stated that we are confident that this alliance with Microsoft will support us in faster decision making through the use of unique and most up-to-date software technology – facilitating us in transforming our IT infrastructure into a strategic asset.

Addressing the event, Sherif Seddik, Regional Director, Microsoft North Africa, East Mediterranean and Pakistan said, “This landmark alliance between Microsoft and PTCL-Ufone is testimony of our long term commitment to enhancing business operations in Pakistan. After complete deployment across both organizations, the IT infrastructure at both PTCL and Ufone will be and can be compared to the best companies in the world. Training and Premier Support Services are also part of this agreement where 24/7-support will be provided directly by Microsoft”

Also present at the occasion was Kamal Ahmed, the Country General Manager Microsoft Pakistan commenting on the alliance he said: “Our mission and values are to help people and businesses around the world to realize their full potential. The genuine Microsoft software solutions will realize the full potential of personnel at both PTCL and Ufone. Microsoft will also provide the feel of a collaborative environment through use of emerging technologies thereby enhancing the competencies of both PTCL and Ufone.

Thirteenth Annual General Meeting of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) held here at PTCL Head office Islamabad  today. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Hifz-ur-Rehman, Chairman PTCL Board. President & CEO PTCL Mr. Walid Irshaid, CEO Ufone Mr. Abdul Aziz, honorable board members, shareholders and business partners were also present on the occasion.

Briefing the shareholders and participants about PTCL’s future strategy, Mr. Hifz-ur-Rahman said that despite the forecasted severe competition in the Telecom market, we are still confident that after successful execution of new initiatives and implementation of improved strategies. We will witness customer confidence on PTCL quality and low cost services. Eventually considerable increase in revenue and shareholders’ value is expected shortly”

“Automation of processes, operational costs optimization, commissioning of Next Generation Networks, development of nationwide backbone infrastructure, and propagation of broadband services are few of the envisioned objectives for the near future.”

Later the shareholders were given an opportunity to share their views and comments on PTCL’s performance, in the end, on behalf of the PTCL’s Management, Mr. Hifz-ur-Rahman thanked all participants, stakeholders, customers and business partners for their continual support.

Telenor Pakistan has initiated a wide-ranging relief package for the victims of the recent earthquake in Balochistan. The catastrophe has killed several hundred and injured thousands. Many remain unaccounted.

The company has established an Emergency Relief Fund, using which a dedicated team is going into the field to provide packages containing food, blankets, tents, and other essential items.

At the same time, Telenor Pakistan employees are donating from their salaries for further relief activities. The collected funds will be matched by the company rupee to rupee.

The company has also initiated a channel for its customers to contribute toward relief for the earthquake victims. Telenor Pakistan customers can donate Rs. 10 for earthquake victims by sending SMS at 767. Telenor Pakistan is also arranging to provide free communication facility to select rescue and relief workers operating in the affected area.

The company has also committed to make its TeleDoctor service completely free from Friday night for Telenor prepaid callers, calling from the earthquake-affected areas for basic medical advice. The number to call from any Telenor prepaid number is 1911. The free service will be available for a limited period.

Telenor Pakistan has made special arrangements to keep its network running in Ziarat, Pishin, Khanozai, Sanjavi, Harnai, Qila Saifullah, Muslim Bagh, Chaman, Quetta for emergency communications despite fuel shortages and logistical difficulties in the areas.

The company’s Head of Corporate Responsibility, Syed Hasnat Masood said, “Telenor Pakistan is only trying to do its duty, as we tried in October 2005. We aim to be hands-on with relief activities and hope to be able to help our brothers and sisters in these very harsh times.”

A farewell reception was held at Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Headquarters in the honour of Member Telecom, Ministry of IT&T Mr. Nooruddin Baqai on his retirement.  On this occasion, Chairman PTA Dr. Mohammed Yaseen and other senior officers appreciated the services of Mr. Nooruddin Baqai for the uplift of telecom sector in Pakistan.  Mr. Baqai thanked PTA for its cooperation on telecom issues and policies.  Member (Finance) PTA Syed Nasrul Karim Ghaznavi and other senior officers attended the farewell.

PTCL President Walid Irshaid while condoling with the families of the earth quake victims in Balochistan has expressed his deep sympathies and sorrows at the loss of life. The President PTCL have announced a donation of rupees one crore for providing immediate assistance to the earth quake victims in Balochistan.

PTCL he said, would cooperate with the government to provide the best relief to the victims and their families. Talking with the Chief Minister Balochistan, Walid Irshaid  assured that PTCL would not spare any efforts to ensure that the victims of the earth quake are rehabilitated immediately. The CM Balochistan thanked the President for the PTCL’s generous donation.

PTCL President had also earlier announced a donation of Rs. 10 million for Benazir Income Support Program.

According to this program 3.4 million households living below the poverty line will get Rs 2000 monthly for buying food.

PTCL has become the first company in Pakistan to provide Broadband services in over 100 cities across the country, whereas before PTCL’s entry into the Broadband market in 2007, Broadband was primarily only available in the 3 major cities of the country. PTCL  is spearheading the spread of broadband culture in Pakistan,where till a couple of years back there was little awareness in the market about the broadband & multimedia technologies, nor were there any significant players entering the field to cater for the mass market with high speed internet access.

Since its Broadband launch in May 2007, PTCL has made the broadband technology affordable by lowering the barriers to entry and also by geographically bringing the service within the reach of a common user across Pakistan.

While taking about PTCL’s broadband service on achieving this important milestone, Dr. Sadik Al-Jadir SEVP Commercial PTCL stated that “PTCL initiates, innovates and looks forward to change as an opportunity. We implement new ideas to create value and do this at all levels and in all functions, within and outside the organization”.

Dr Sadik Al-Jadir, further stated, “PTCL is aspired to provide broadband access to all internet users in Pakistan. Being the largest IP service provider, we have a vision to provide broadband access in all cities throughout the country.”

With a true vision and clear objectives, PTCL has now successfully provisioned broadband services in 103 major cities and towns i.e. Karachi, Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Hala, Sukkur, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Larkana, Multan, Bhaipheru, Okara, Pakpattan, Sahiwal, Faisalabad, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Abbottabad, Attock, GujarKhan, Jehlum, Peshawar, Quetta alongside other small towns and cities across Pakistan. Expansion of PTCL broadband network will continue, providing more of its landline subscribers an opportunity to experience the latest in broadband and related technologies.

One of the main reasons for growth in PTCL Broadband services has been its customer segmentation and geographical reach. For example PTCL’s broadband facilitates the segment that relies most on high speed connectivity i.e. the students. Special packages for this segment along with services such as free dial up service for its Broadband customers and FREE access to movies, music, classical Pakistani dramas and cricket matches, educational and religious content for its Broadband customers – branded under ‘PTCL BUZZ’, this complete web infotainment content portal is made exclusive only to PTCL Broadband subscribers. In addition to these value additions, from now PTCL is also offering a free personalized e-mail account exclusively to its broadband users.

Living up to its legacy of innovation and using its Broadband network, PTCL on 14th August 2008, entered the media sector by launching an interactive television service for the first time in Pakistan. Branded under ‘PTCL Smart Line’, the service includes Interactive Television, Broadband and voice Telephony all at the same time on PTCL’s telephone line. The most revolutionary section of this offering is the ability to rewind and pause live TV channels, the ability to block / unblock any TV channel for parental lock and the ability to search through video on demand content. The Brand ‘PTCL Smart’ was introduced for PTCL products that have functions that are more intelligent than their normal versions, such as Smart Line and Smart TV. Currently the service is available in the three metros Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad and will be expanded into all the major broadband cities during the year.

Warid has started two new and innovative enjoyable features for its subscribers, ‘Self Recorded Caller Tunes’ and ‘Copy Caller Tunes’. Warid is providing best cellular connectivity and has best voice quality network in the cellular industry in Pakistan.

Through ‘Copy Caller Tunes’, Warid caller tunes subscribers can capture their favorite caller tunes while dialing other Warid subscriber. The subscriber doesn’t need to remember tone identities anymore as the tones could be copied instantly and simply by pressing #. Warid subscriber can have up to five tones in his copy box.

The ‘Self Recorded Caller tunes’ enables Warid caller tunes subscriber to have his own personalized signature caller tune. Warid subscriber can upload his favourite caller tune very easily by dialing integrated voice recording (IVR) at 106 and following the instructions to have own personalized signature caller tune. The personalized caller tune will be uploaded on subscriber’s connection within 24 hours after due legal and ethical censorship approval.

Caller tunes subscription could be activated simply by sending the message ‘rbt on’ to 7171 or by dialing integrated voice recording (IVR) at 105 from Warid mobile.

Warid Telecom’s Acting Chief Executive Officer – Faisal Khan said, “Warid has always been a pioneer in introducing innovative services from the beginning of our operations in May 2005. By offering the best in-class services for entertainment we are becoming a leader for this niche market. The success of these services is due to the maximum use of our loyal users”

Chief Commercial Officer – Thomas Yeo added, “We want our subscriber to take pleasure in using the excellent mobile phone services provided by Warid Telecom. A big chunk of mobile users in Pakistan are very interested in the entertainment products and it is our job to help give them every service they could possibly want from us. Through delivery of the latest value added services like ‘Self Recorded Caller Tunes’ and ‘Copy Caller Tunes’, we always strive to provide users a product that they actually need and will use

Telenor Pakistan the first mobile service provider to offer Prepaid International Roaming services in Pakistan in 2005, has launched a FREE Hajj messages service exclusively for Hajis who will have the privilege to offer Hajj this year. Using the service a pilgrim would be able to send back pre-defined Hajj related text messages, from Saudia Arabia, to any cell number in Pakistan from his Telenor Pakistan connection, free of cost.

Telenor Pakistan’s Director Marketing, Azim Ul Haq commented on the service saying: “Telenor Pakistan continues to lead the way in offering the best Value Added Services (VAS) to its customers all year round. We are aimed to providing services that cater all sorts of needs or our customers, whether domestic, social or religious. The FREE Hajj messages services is a gift from us to Telenor Pakistan’s customers who wish to travel for the sacred journey of Hajj. We feel privileged to offer the Hajjis a chance to stay connected with their loved ones while performing Hajj and share those sacred moments, as soon as experienced, with everyone back home”

All Telenor Pakistan pre and post-paid customers with international roaming enabled on their connections can avail this service by dialing *345#. The pilgrim can select a pre-defined message in either English or Roman Urdu to be sent absolutely free to any network in Pakistan.

Telenor Pakistan FREE Hajj messages service is another addition to Telenor Pakistan’s Islamic VAS that already include Telenor Islamic Services 1315 and Ramadhan SMS Alerts.

Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited has signed an agreement with Telenor Pakistan for provision of its Skylink brand Satellite communication services.

PTCL will provide the Skylink advanced satellite communication solution to enable backhaul of GSM traffic from Telenor Pakistan sites located in rural and remote areas to PTCL hub station located near Islamabad.

Speaking on the occasion, the Executive Vice President (Carrier Services) PTCL, Mr. Jamshed Masood said that PTCL is following an aggressive strategy to be the number one carrier of choice for telecomm operators in Pakistan and is expanding its portfolio of services to facilitate its carrier and wholesale customers. The introduction of Skylink satellite communication services is a key milestone in pursuing PTCL’s carrier business strategy and demonstrates PTCL’s commitment to the business as well as its carrier customers.

SkyLink is PTCL’s state of the art satellite communication service primarily used to connect remote sites to PTCL’s hub station located near Islamabad. The service is based on standard C-Band satellite frequency, preferred for carrier grade services on account of superior physical characteristics such as low rain fade and atmospheric attenuation.  It offers uniform service levels for all locations and is readily available across the country. This will enable customers to expeditiously position themselves into new markets.

SkyLink VSAT networks are fully managed and monitored by PTCL’ centralized Network Management Centre (NMC), which keeps track of the status of all network elements, and is the single point of contact for all network issues.  Skylink service has emerged to be the preferred solution for all communication needs of Cellular operators in remote and inaccessible areas of the country.

Commenting on the initiative Chief Technical Officer Telenor Pakistan, Peter Anthony Dindial said “Telenor Pakistan has always been at the forefront in providing quality voice and data services to its customers. Engaging SKYlink services reinforces Telenor Pakistan’s commitment to its customers by providing seamless access to mobile communications from the big cities to the remote areas of Pakistan. Our handshake with PTCL will not only enable us to provide an improved quality of coverage to customers in the rural areas, but also guarantee the most reliable and continuous service to its traveling customers.”

PTCL’s Skylink service is based on Intelsat Satellite, which is the most reliable satellite service provider in the world. Coupled with PTCL’ extensive on ground presence, capability and experience in delivering voice and data transport services and other communication services across the country, PTCL is confident that this service will bring about a revolutionary change to the face of telecommunication services provision in the remote areas of the country.