Muneeb Iqbal

Wondering what 5G means for Pakistan? Dive into the essentials—what 5G is, why it’s crucial for our future, the expected timeline, and how you can prepare. The next generation of connectivity is closer than you think!

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So recently Bank Alfalah Limited had their much hyped app revamp. However, after using the app for about a week or so now I have come to the conclusion that most of the revamp is nothing more than a UI improvement(if you wanna call it that). There's little to no thought towards the User experience and the app has some very apparent bugs. If someone from Bank Alfalah is reading this, please reach out to me in DM and I'll list down all the issues.

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Telenor Microfinance Bank Limited (TMB), the operator behind Pakistan's leading digital financial services platform easypaisa, has released its financial results for the year ending December 31, 2023. Notably, the bank achieved a significant turnaround, reporting a profit before tax of Rs 1.2 billion. This impressive performance is complemented by the bank's receipt of In-Principle Approval for a Digital Retail Bank license from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) in September 2023, highlighting its successful digital transformation journey. The bank experienced substantial revenue growth, with a year-over-year increase of 70 percent, totaling Rs 28 billion. This growth was fueled by a 90 percent rise in net markup income due to increased deposits and favorable rates, alongside a 65 percent increase in non-markup income, reaching Rs 14 billion. Commenting on the significant milestone, Kashif Ahmed, Acting President & CEO, TMB shared his thoughts; “Our remarkable financial turnaround in 2023, following the adoption of our digital-first strategy, is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our team and the trust placed in us by the State Bank of Pakistan, our Board, and our valued customers. This defining year has paved the way for an exciting future as we transition into a digital retail bank and witness the impressive growth of our easypaisa platform.” Eman Shaikh #Brandoresment #Telenor #Easypaisa #Profit #Tax #Bank #DigitalBank

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Telecom companies, following the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR)'s directive, have blocked over 9,100 SIM cards belonging to non-tax filers. FBR spokesperson Bakhtiar Ahmed Khan disclosed that data on 30,000 non-filers has been provided to telecom firms, with 5,000 new records shared daily for further action. The FBR identified over 550,000 non-filers and has imposed a 90% withholding tax on their mobile top-ups until they file their tax returns. Despite initial resistance from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and cellular companies, the SIM card blockages are now being enforced. #TaxCompliance #FBR #NonFilers #SIMCardBlockage #WithholdingTax #PakistanTelecom #PTA #TaxFiling #TaxAwareness #EconomicReform #TaxPolicy #TelecomUpdate #MobileTax #TaxEnforcement #PakistanTaxSystem

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Better to fail than to cheat your way to success When we started our business 25y back from a small PC shop, there were dozens of computer shops in town. Friends asked “why people would buy from you?” We said, “we will neither lie nor cheat and will focus on quality”. Integrity and quality have been our guiding principles and top reason behind our success, from 2 to 2,400 team, from zero to billions in revenues, from unknown to a national brand of quality and trust. We may have been rough at times, failed, but never cheated anyone - customers, shareholders, creditors, etc. I’m extremely careful with spending shareholders’ money because it’s imanat and not my own money with which I could do anything. When businesses are scaled up, their success depends upon its team members who innovate, initiate, improvise daily, delegate powers, empower others, decentralize decision making, and side by side implement financial discipline, structure and robust processes. Honesty, trustworthiness and integrity must reflect in culture and processes. Nayatel’s independent credit ranking upgradation by The Pakistan Credit Rating Agency Limited [PACRA] from A to A+ is manifested from same culture, making Nayatel among highest rating in fixed line telecom in Pakistan. All banks and financial investors prefer to see this rating before lending/investing their money. You can win in short term by cheating but can’t make a great brand based on lies and dishonesty. We’re a perfect creation of Almighty God. If we trust God and take Him as Truth (Haq), trustworthiness must reflect in everyone of us as God’s given individuality. That’s sure way to success in this world and world hereafter. #integrity #honesty #quality #innovation

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Register, Transact, & Win up to PKR 50,000 with Faysal DigiBank! Log on to Faysal DigiBank: http://onelink.to/j6fud7 Log on to Faysal DigiBank Internet Banking: https://lnkd.in/dGmuHK9X Terms & Conditions: • Customer should register on Faysal DigiBank during the campaign period. • Customer should conduct at least 2 bill payment transactions (utility, mobile top up, etc.) after registering to qualify for the campaign. • Based on the number of transactions customer will qualify to win cashback up to 50,000 via lucky draw. • Two customers with 2-3 transactions will be eligible to win PKR 15,000; two customer with 4-5 transactions will be eligible to win PKR 25,000; & one customer with more than 5 transactions will be eligible to win PKR 50,000. • A total of 5 winners will be announced at the end of the campaign via a lucky draw.  • Management reserves the right to change the T&Cs of this campaign without any prior notice. #FaysalBank #FaysalIslami #ShariahCompliant #FaysalDigiBank #Cashback #BarhoYaqeenKehSaath

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Telenor Pakistan and Crop2X Sign MoU to Revolutionize Agriculture with Data-Driven Solutions This collaboration underscores Telenor Pakistan's continued dedication to driving digital innovation and empowering communities by integrating technology with business and social impact. #DigitalInnovation #TechForGood #SustainableAgriculture #SocialImpact #DataDrivenSolutions #EmpoweringCommunities #AgriTech #TelenorPakistan #DigitalTransformation #PartnershipForGrowth | Featured Horizon

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Finnect innovation in the payment industry is remarkable.

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I watched the first episode of Shark Tank Pakistan and I was genuinely shocked. Aashi Herbs, with monthly sales of only 1 lakh PKR, asked for an investment of 20 lakh PKR for just 10% equity. To my surprise, one of the sharks actually agreed to this deal, which seemed quite naive to me. Aashi Herbs primarily relies on Facebook live sessions for sales, bringing in around 1 lakh PKR per month with a 30% profit margin, translating to a profit of 30,000 PKR monthly. For the shark’s 10% equity, the monthly profit share would be just 3,000 PKR. Even if we assume their sales multiply fivefold after the show airs, the investor’s profit would only rise to about 15,000 PKR per month. In my view, investing 20 lakh PKR for a monthly return between 3,000 to 15,000 PKR doesn’t make much business sense. It feels more like an emotional or supportive gesture rather than a strategic investment decision. ❤️ That said, I am pleased to see such entrepreneurial platforms emerging in Pakistan🚀 This is just my take on it — I could be wrong, but that’s how I see it. What do you think? #SharkTankPakistan #AashiHerbs #Click #by EBM Rabeel Warraich Faisal Aftab Usman Bashir Romanna Dada Aleena Nadeem Junaid Iqbal Karim Teli

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UBL - United Bank Limited **Subject: Issues with Account Blocking and App Locking at UBL Bank** I want to express my frustration regarding the repeated blocking of my account and the locking of the UBL banking app. This has caused significant inconvenience, preventing me from accessing my funds and managing my finances effectively. Despite reaching out to customer service, the resolutions have been slow and unclear. I urge UBL Bank to streamline their processes to prevent these issues from recurring and to provide clearer communication to customers facing similar problems. Reliable access to banking services is essential, and I hope for a prompt resolution. #shame

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To The President Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers and the hundreds of other assorted Ministers   Sir, I write on behalf of the Professionals & Businessmen of Pakistan . We are not defrauding taxes. We are trying to save Taxes to get the bare basics for our families 1. We buy Generators/Inverter/UPS/solar systems because the Govt. has failed to provide a reliable power supply. 2. We install our own clean water systems because the Govt. has failed to provide safe drinking Water. 3. We hire security guards and use CCTV because the Govt. has failed to ensure our safety (The politicians and their hangers on travel with armed escorts with our money) 4. We send our children to Private Schools because the Govt has failed to provide good schools (The school fees of the politicians' and officials' children are sponsored by obliging businessmen) 5. We go to private hospitals because the Govt. has failed to provide decent medical care. (The President's fund pays the full bill for Govt Ministers and their cronies to go to Singapore for treatment ) 6. We buy and maintain cars because the Govt. has failed to provide decent public transportation. Finally... What does the Tax Payer get in return on retirement, when he needs it most to survive ?  Nothing! Not even social security. His own EPF and ETF too is embezzled by the Govt. Throughout his lifetime, his earnings are used by the Government to give subsidies to the masses for buying votes. What else does the govt do with our tax money? -Set up courts which give judgements as asked by the Govt. -Operate police stations which work mainly for politicians -Operate hospitals which fail to treat the needy -Build roads and infrastructure to steal our money ( 40-100%). And the list is endless... If the Pakistan Government too provided the above as done by the governments of civilized countries,  why would anyone avoid or evade paying taxes ? We all know that the entire tax revenue is misappropriated by officials and Politicians ( ref: billions of dollars are lying in foreign banks) . A Business works at a margin of between 2% to 10% , whereas the government takes 30% of his income to cover its wasteful expenditure. Is it at all fair? Sirs, That's why Pakistanis do not want to pay Taxes . We save our tax money for our necessities , for our old age ,  for our safety and security.  This phenomenon indicates the failure of the Government in discharging its own functions fairly and efficiently. The Government alone is responsible for this. #primeministerPakistan BBC NewsDUNYA NEWS

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Hiring Alert! Back in 2017, when we started developing the Taleemabad learning app our goal was to reach every corner of Pakistan, making an impact on every underserved child. This map shows the penetration of Taleemabad across the country via mobile apps, broadcast on public television, and partnerships with public and private schools. To date, bottom left corner, Balochistan shows the worst trends. Our impact there is far from where we want it to be. But this image won’t remain true for long as we partner with public schools in Balochistan. This is not a declaration of victory but a start of a journey. For this, we need in-person heroes on the ground in Quetta (no remote work due to the hands-on nature of the program) for the following openings: 1. Program Managers 5+ years in project/program management within education or development. Lead impactful education initiatives that will change lives! 2. Regional Managers (2+ years building relationships in the development sector). Build partnerships that strengthen our mission to provide quality education. 3. Coaches (up to 2 years experience in education or a relevant field) Mentor and guide teachers. Play a key role in shaping young minds. 4. Product Manager (Proven 4-5 years of experience in building products) Build a mobile app for teachers that helps them deliver the best lectures. 5. Academicians (2-3 years in education) Curate content that tackles real issues like multi-grade teaching and improves classroom experiences. To apply: • Mention the role you're applying for in the subject line. • Write 100 words on a problem you feel passionate about and how you'd solve it. • Attach your updated resume. • Send your application to [email protected]

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How a care society is established? Pleasantly surprised to receive a letter of recognition from Social Security Islamabad. In last 12 months, Nayatel paid PKR 48.153 million to Social Security departments for its 15 city offices across the country. While only one or two of these departments provide acceptable level of healthcare and other services to “secured workers”, majority lack basic facilities with poor quality hospitals, etc. An employer after paying social security, shouldn’t worry for medical treatment and kids’ education of its workers but good employers still have to provide medical and allied facilities to their employees in addition to paying social security charges. This system, often neglected by governments and elites, needs a massive upgrade as it is backbone of a welfare society. History remembers Caliph Omar (RZ) as the first person who established a state department purely for social security and to pay regular stipends to poor and needy. Omar (RZ) took guidance from Quran (59:6-7) that the wealth, land, etc., which is not directly captured in the battle ground and becomes state property due to overall power and status of the government, should be exclusively used to help poor, orphans and needy. Any other use of such state property is strictly forbidden in Quran and Sunnah. Omar (RZ) diverted income of all state lands to a fund which was solely used for social security purposes, in a stark contrast to present day practice in some countries where state land is distributed among favoured wealthy and elites. Lesson is simple. When state cares for its people, people care for the state. This is how a care society is established.

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Introducing the UPTCL App, a fusion of two portfolios & systems. First time in Pakistan, a single digital channel for wireless and wireline customers is being introduced. All Ufone and PTCL customers can use this one app to manage their connections, profiles, payments & more. I am thrilled to have been part of this transformative journey from designing interfaces to product development and now to app growth. With this vision of unification we faced complications on multiple fronts. From navigating the intricacies of integrating two systems & platforms to ensuring a seamless user experience through thoughtful design, every obstacle presented an opportunity for growth and refinement. (Will talk about all of these challenges in my future posts) It was not possible without the constant support of Mohammad Maisam Shoaib Rauf Abdul Basit Ather Shehzad Aqeel Abbas Nadeem Malik Hina Din Hamza Shahid Ali Imad Afzal Hira Anees Farhan Shah Sonia Shaukat (& the entire development team) Lastly a special shout out to the amazing design team Zuhaib Ashfaq Hafsa Gul Muhammad Bilal You can download the app from the link The app is currently being rolled out gradually so hang in tight if you haven't received the update https://onelink.to/4rtpu7

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In Pakistan's IT industry, some companies are growing fast but not playing fair. Even though the world's economy is uncertain, they're doing well by doing wrong. They use fake names and avoid paying taxes. This hurts our industry's image and goes against what we believe in. But there's something we can do about it. Let's unite to condemn these practices, tell others about them, and raise our voices to stop them. Together, we can steer the Pakistani IT industry towards a path of honesty, fairness, and sustainable growth. #EthicalBusinessPractices #CollectiveResponsibility #EthicalLeadership #IntegrityInBusiness #PakistanITIndustry #TechEthics #DPL

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The Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Khawaja, recently highlighted the numerous investment opportunities available within Pakistan's IT and Telecom sector. During a meeting with the CEOs of Taavun (Pvt) Limited, Muhammad Shahbaz Khan, and Wateen Telecom Limited, Adil Rashid, Minister Khawaja emphasised the Pakistani government's commitment to fostering investment opportunities under the vision of their esteemed Prime Minister.   In her address, Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja reiterated the government's unwavering support for the private sector, recognizing its pivotal role in boosting exports and job creation. She also stressed the significance of youth development initiatives, emphasising the crucial role of the younger generation as assets to the nation.   Furthermore, the Minister commended Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan of the UAE for demonstrating a keen interest in expanding #investment within Pakistan's #Telecom sector, signalling promising collaborations ahead. With both countries' commitment to investing in the sector, it is expected that the Telecom #industry will see a significant boost in the near future. #DigitalPakistan #TechUpdates

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Keeping Politics and everything aside, there may be some worst going on too but let's see the positive happenings in Pakistan; > Roshan Digital Account (RDA) received inflow of $181 million this month which is 29% higher than last month ($141 million). > Stock Market hit the highest ever point (72,000+ points in KSE 100 Index) > Currency is stable for over the last 6 months. > Roti an naan prices are massively decreased in Punjab. > 50 Panic Buttons have been installed in Lahore. > FREE WIFI has been installed in 50 points in Lahore . > All major hospitals in Punjab are undergoing revamping. > Govt. schools in Punjab are undergoing revamping with a whooping budget of 50 Billion. > IMF is going to release last Trench. > 50,000 houses are getting free solar kits of 1kva > AI traffic system has been installed and being tested in Lahore. & many more

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UBL - United Bank Limited **Subject: Concerns Regarding UBL Bank Services** I want to take a moment to share my experience with UBL Bank, as I believe transparency is crucial for customers. My recent interactions with their customer service have been frustrating, characterized by long wait times and unhelpful responses. Additionally, there have been issues with transaction delays that affected my financial planning. The online banking platform, while functional, often lacks the user-friendly features that are standard in other banks. I hope UBL Bank addresses these concerns to enhance their customer experience. It's essential for any financial institution to prioritize service quality and reliability. Shazad Dada

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