The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has been designated as Asian leader for providing identity-based multi-biometric technology solutions.

“NADRA’s e-govt solutions are relevant to Europe, Central Eastern Europe, Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Russia who look at the success story of NADRA and learn how to use it as a strategic partner to develop similar solutions,” said Mike Chamberlain, Chairman of the UK-based PIRA International, according to NADRA Deputy Chairman Tariq Malik.

Tariq Malik told The News from Prague that Mike Chamberlain was speaking at an international conference on ‘The Future of Personal Identification’ being held in Prague from January 26 to 29 under the auspices of PIRA International, an expert in market sizing, strategic forecasting and assessing the impact of biometrics, RFID, Smart Card technology and trends.

“I think NADRA has poised itself as a world leader in Asia and has a strong presence in the future of personal ID market when we talk about strategic forecasts and analysis to 2014 trends,” said Chamberlain. “It’s definitely going to assert itself as a dominant Asian player in near future,” he added.

Tariq Malik told the conference that transparency and outreach in any financial institution, human development and women empowerment programme is not possible without identity-based secure identity cards. He said that Pakistan had witnessed so many failed programmes just because those lacked transparency, which shattered the confidence of foreign donors. He said efficient handling of internally displaced persons and the launch of Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) by the Pakistan Government restored that confidence

Ufone celebrated its 9th anniversary here on Friday at an impressive cake cutting ceremony.

Mr. Abdul Aziz President & CEO Ufone, during the address to the Ufone team members said it is a common belief that it is difficult to smile in these trying circumstances, but we at Ufone have plenty of reasons to smile and believe that all of Pakistan can find reasons to smile. He declared that the next year’s theme for Ufone will be “Spreading smiles”.

On the auspicious occasion of the 9th anniversary, we look back at all our achievements with a smile and feel content that it has contributed substantially to the development of the telecom sector. Only in the last year we have made the largest contribution (42%) in the revenue growth of the telecom industry & have produced excellent results by clocking 2.5 times growth versus industry average.

Mr. Aziz said that Ufone believed in spreading smiles through everything we do. Our ads, economical packages & quality of network & customer services have always brought smiles on faces of our valued customers and we promise to take that forward.

He said “this day brings us hope & it gives us the opportunity to reflect & explore avenues to do even better, because it’s the constant search for reaching new heights which makes Ufone successful”.

He thanked the team for their hard work, passion & innovation. He also thanked the customers of Ufone who have trusted the company and helped it grow. He promised the valued customers that Ufone will continue to make its customers smile because for Ufone it’s all about U

He urged the Ufone team to ensure early completion of expansion projects, plan the roll outs meticulously & keep introducing innovative products to grasp an even stronger position in the industry

Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd (PTCL) has launched a WiFi facility with its fixed line broadband service that will give the PTCL Broadband customers the ability to use high speed and secure broadband services anywhere in the house.

This service will provide wire free connectivity to all WiFi enabled devices like desktops, laptops, PSP, cell phones etc with strong WiFi signals up to 54MBPS, with a secure password which enables protection to avoid any misuse.

PTCL is offering this customer friendly WiFi service at an additional charge of only Rs 200 per month. However, the service has no extra cost for the customers having Broadband with the smart TV service. The package also includes a WiFi USB to enable customer’s desktop pc to be used on the WiFi service.

SEVP Commercial Naveed Saeed Stated, “By launching this service, PTCL again has reinforced its commitment to provide our customers with updated technology at value added cost and with no additional cost for Broadband customers with smart TV service. This is another milestone towards reinforcing positive image of PTCL Broadband as a customer centric organization

EVP Multimedia and broadband, Syed Zomma Mohiuddin said that the aim of launching this service was to make the fixed line broadband service available to multiple people in the house at the same time on a single connection, thereby providing users with the fastest Broadband connectivity with the added convenience of roaming anywhere within in the house.

Telenor Pakistan has become the first mobile operator to launch an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) portal service “Telenor Social Services 1911”. Social services portfolio includes Tele Lawyer, Tele Doctor, Tele Genie and Educational Guidance. All four services will now be accessible through a single number 1911.

Tele Doctor Service will make it possible for Telenor subscribers to simply dial the number and speak to a doctor online about an ailment they themselves or a dear one might be experiencing. Similarly, legal advice can be sought by calling at 1911 and opting for the Tele Lawyer service. Tele Genie Service provides the caller with interesting statistics, discoveries and facts from the world over. Educational Guidance provides information on educational institutions, admissions criteria and other relevant information for students.

While introducing salient features of the service, Chief Marketing Officer Telenor Pakistan, Lars Christian Iuel commented, “Statistics show that there are four times as many cell phones in the world as computers and televisions combined. Considering the possibilities that come with access, we have taken the lead to provide the customers with vital resources of information that will enable them to add quality to their lives; whether it is about choosing a college, seeking legal advice, looking for a health care tip or discovering national or international statistics.” He said.

Telenor Pakistan has deputed professional doctors, lawyers and agents at the disposal of its valuable customers, in addition to the recorded tapes available on the IVR for each category.

Due to exclusivity and exceptional value of unmatched convenience for millions whose daily lives revolve around cellular communication, Ufone has decided to extend Ufone Solid Offer beyond its initial limited time offer. According to details as released by the company, the unique Solid Offer is applicable to Tension free, Uwon, Public Demand and Josh packages.

‘The unique feature which sets it apart from other offers being offered by other companies is that after being charged for first 3 minutes, rest of the call is free of cost’. Additionally there is no daily fee attached to the offer. During the phase of the Solid Offer the one time opt-in charge has been fixed at Rs 20+tax. The opt-in charge ensures quality of service and continuity of a package that has received enthusiastic response from the customers. The customers who have already subscribed to the offer will continue to enjoy this service till this special limited time offer continues.

Mr. Ali Ikram Head of Pricing & Strategy, while commenting on the continuation of the package said that though it was initially a limited time offer, we are encouraged by the response of the customers and gave decided extend offer. We stand committed to our valued customers and will continue to excite them by bringing in such attractive and promising offers. ‘Millions of satisfied Ufone customers are already enjoying the Solid offer along with many other similar offers and packages like Super Ghanta, 3 ka 5 and 5 ka 15, he concluded.

In dedication to the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Butto the First Woman Prime Minister of the Islamic World the President of Pakistan inaugurated the fully operational and most sophisticated Information Technology Park Shaheen Complex Lahore on January 16, 2010 in Governor House Lahore

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PSEB, Shaheen Foundation and MOIT jointly arranged a post inauguration session on January 19, 2010 at Shaheen Complex Lahore at 05:00 pm. This session was chaired by Federal Secretary IT and leaders from IT & Telecom Industry were present to interact directly with MoIT and PSEB and discussed future IT plans. A tour to the facility was also organized for honorable guests.

The Secretary IT stated “The IT industry’s long-term growth can be secured by promoting the entrepreneurial spirit in Pakistan’s future workforce, and by establishing the infrastructure necessary to secure venture capital financing. PSEB has also made good progress in order to establish Pakistan’s first national IT park in Islamabad. Establishing the Shaheen Complex Software Technology Park is a positive step in the right direction.”

“I hope this park will solve the much-needed office space for the growing IT industry. I am delighted to share that with the declaration of this park the total available space managed by PSEB will increase considerably. I would also like to share that PSEB is making best efforts to acquire more buildings to expand the available IT space for the sector.” MD PSEB said on the statement issued here

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PSEB has signed a contract with M/s Shaheen Foundation and converted one of its prominent buildings ‘Shaheen Complex’ located at Egerton Road, Lahore into an IT Park. The state-of-the-art nine-story Shaheen Complex has a total covered area of 360,000 square feet and a rentable office space of 217,000 sq.ft. with two basements and is equipped with high speed fiber connectivity with redundancy and entails the most modern and top of the line civic amenities. The complex offers backup power supply, express lifts, access control and close circuit TV (CCTV) for vigilant security monitoring, centralized heating, ventilation and air conditioning, fully integrated fire detection and voice evacuation system, ample car parking and other civil defense essentials.

The CEOs of IT companies shared the progress, achievements, and challenges faced by their respective entities with the Secretary IT and Managing Director, PSEB, Mr. Talib Baloch. PSEB and MOITT are in the process of identifying viable solutions to address these challenges and to enhance the growth and credibility of Pakistan’s IT industry.

The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has so far issued 29,598 debit cards to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) of South Waziristan and Tank.

Through these cards, an amount of Rs191.481 million has been disbursed among these IDPs, says a press release issued here on Friday.

Of the 59,019 applications received from IDPs of South Waziristan, 38,524 families were declared eligible and the data was shared with NGOs for providing food and non-food assistance and preparation their debit cards, Deputy Chairman of NADRA Tariq Malik said.

So far, NADRA has issued 22,594 cards to the IDPs. Besides, the authority issued 7,400 debit cards from its Tank site.

Ufone recently launched Ufone Back Ground Music, another first of its kind service in Pakistan. Ufone has clearly set itself apart as the industry leader in value added services. The launch of the new ‘Ufone Background Music’ has proven yet again that Ufone has a bundle of the most exhilarating value added services within the industry. With this service you can create a unique ambiance for every conversation you have.

To subscribe SMS ‘SUB’ to 770 or dial 770 from your Ufone. After subscribing and selecting your back ground music simply dial 77 before the recipients number e.g. 7703335199942 and talk to your friends or loved ones with the song playing in the background of your conversation. A Back Ground Music call can be made to any number, any network in Pakistan.

The last year has seen an array of firsts from Ufone starting from Ufone Call Block Service, Ufone SMS Buddies, UBid, UConnect and many many more. This service has raised the bar for competitors to come up with newer services to try to keep up with the pace at which Ufone is going.

Mr. Syed Sherjeel Bin Hassan Manager Value Added Services said ‘ This service will help create a completely new user experience & we look forward to cater to the needs of each one of our valued customers’

Telepresence is a new phenomenon that is adopted by the companies all-around the globe customers that provide a high-speed teleconferencing.

Recently Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) introduced its TelePresence (TP) service to the corporate customers.

The facility was introduced by PTCL at a two day demo ceremony in Lahore in the PTCL newly developed Telepresence centre.

The TP sessions were running in parallel at Karachi and Islamabad where the business customers experienced this service. The service is 1st ever in Pakistan and is a good value adds for business customers.

TelePresence is basically a new technology that combines rich audio with high-definition video to deliver a true “in-person” experience. It is designed to bring the businesses closer to their people, customers, vendors, partners and events you need to build your business.

Tariq Salman who is the the Senior Executive Vice President Business Zone North said that with this service more and more people are going to get advantage specially the corporate customers and teleconferencing is going to happen in a more different kind of a way.

Telenor Pakistan’s Chief Strategy Officer & VP Corporate Affairs, Aamir Ibrahim presented a cheque of Rs. 2 million to the Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Governor of Gilgit-Baltistan, Qamar Zaman Kaira in an effort to augment government’s efforts for the affectees of land-sliding in Attabad, Hunza.

The minister for Information and Broadcasting appreciated the initiative taken by Telenor Pakistan and said, “civil society, corporate sector and philanthropists should come forward to help the government in its relief and rehabilitation effort for the victims of the recent land-sliding in Attabad, Hunza.”
“The land-sliding occurred in a remote area where relief and rescue effort through normal land route was very difficult. However, the government provided relief in the area through air and land routes. Relief goods were airlifted from Islamabad and other areas for the stranded people of the area”, he added.

Telenor Pakistan’s Chief Strategy Officer & VP Corporate Affairs, Aamir Ibrahim extended his support to the cause and said, “Telenor Pakistan has stood by its Pakistani brethren at all times of need and has always contributed towards the relief efforts, financially and through its network and human resource. Being the first and one of the largest mobile operators in the Gilgit-Baltistan, the area holds special significance for us which is demonstrated through our constant engagement in cultural, economic and social activities for the region.”

Telenor Pakistan currently runs a number of community support initiatives aimed at helping communities help themselves. In addition to becoming a disability friendly organization, Telenor Pakistan also takes a lead in extending support to disaster victims. In wake of October 2008 earthquake in Baluchistan, it was the first telecom operator to reach the affected area that provided communication facilities and a month’s supply of food items to 160 families. Other than providing crisis communication support to Edhi, National Crisis Management Cell, press and relief organizations, Telenor Pakistan also made a contribution of Rs. 65 million to the President Earthquake Relief Fund and International Red Cross. Telenor Pakistan runs an active and socially conscientious program of responsible initiatives, intended for social change and community support.