Niaz Malik

Telecom companies, on the recommendation of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), have blocked over 9,100 SIM cards of non-tax filers. FBR spokesperson Bakhtiar Ahmed Khan revealed that data on 30,000 non-filers has been provided to telecom firms, with plans to share 5,000 daily for further action. The FBR identified over 550,000 non-filers and imposed a 90% withholding tax on mobile top-ups for non-filers until they file tax returns. Despite requests, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and cellular companies initially resisted blocking SIM cards. #Telecom #FBR #NonTaxFilers #SIMCardBlock #TaxCompliance #WithholdingTax #Pakistan #PTA #Telecommunication

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Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of our economy, driving innovation, creating jobs, and fostering economic growth. We are excited to announce our upcoming panel discussion on "The Role of SMEs in the Industrial Development of Pakistan: Employment Opportunities Perspective"! This discussion will delve into how SMEs contribute to industrial development and explore the vast employment opportunities they generate. Date: May 25, 2024 Day 2: 2:30 to 4:00 pm #MAJU #ICBM2024 #BusinessConference #BusinessAdministration #SMEs #IndustrialDevelopment #EmploymentOpportunities #Pakistan #EconomicGrowth #PolicyDiscussion #BusinessGrowth

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Engro Enfrashare hosted the Pakistan Telecom and Tower Industry Forum. The event brought together telecom leaders and professionals to discuss intra-industry collaboration, focusing on evolving operating models, real-time information sharing, best practices and trends in security technologies and joint strategies to mitigate emerging threats. This forum marked a significant milestone in our collaborative effort to tackle security challenges in the telecom industry of Pakistan. #Engro #ENablingGROwth #EngroEnfrashare

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The Budget 2024 for Pakistan seems to be deeply disappointing to me. Once again, it fails to address the core issues plaguing our economy and IT infrastructure. From inadequate measures for inflation control to insufficient support for small businesses and employed person. The lack of substantial investment in education and healthcare only adds to the concern. Need realistic solutions, not just promises and hopes in the Country. #Budget2024 #ITInfrastructure #PakistanTech  #EconomicCrisis #PolicyFailure

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The semiconductor industry is crucial for technological advancement and economic growth globally. For Pakistan, entering the semiconductor market presents a significant opportunity to diversify its economy, create high-skilled jobs, and position itself as a technological hub in South Asia. This paper explores the feasibility of establishing a semiconductor industry in Pakistan by analyzing its current landscape, identifying challenges and opportunities, and drawing lessons from Malaysia's successful semiconductor industry. Innovairrs #Pakistan #Malaysia #Semiconductors #Automation #AI

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In FY 2023, PTCL.Official group faced a Rs14.1 billion net loss despite a 25.8% revenue growth, up from Rs10 billion in 2022. The acquisition of Telenor Pakistan for Rs108 billion was a major highlight. PTCL's revenue hit Rs190.6 billion, driven by consumer segment success. However, currency devaluation and high interest rates led to the net loss. PTCL subsidiary revenue rose by 15.4% to Rs96.3 billion, with a net profit of Rs9.4 billion. Ufone saw a 25.6% revenue growth, and U Microfinance Bank reported a 76.5% revenue increase. #PTCL #Losses #Billion #FY24

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Here is a summary of Pakistan's federal budget for 2024-2025, which is being presented today - Total budget outlay: Rs 18.9 trillion - Projected budget deficit: Rs 9.8 trillion - Tax collection target: Rs 12.97 trillion - Federal Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) allocation: Rs 1.5 trillion - Defense budget: Rs 2.1 trillion - Income tax exemption threshold raised from Rs 600,000 to Rs 900,000 per annum - Petroleum levy target: Rs 1.08 trillion - Proposal to eliminate tax exemptions totaling Rs 3.8 trillion - 10-15% salary increase for government employees - 10% increase in pensions for retired employees - GDP growth target: 3.6% - Inflation target: 12%

P@SHA Eyes economic Resurgence through its Budget Recommendations P@SHA has proposed its annual recommendations for the Federal Budget 2024-25. Through extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders from the IT industry and the government, P@SHA has demanded taxation incentives to expedite Pakistan’s journey. P@SHA believes that swift action is imperative, advocating for a flat 5% payroll tax and full exemption from export income tax for all P@SHA and PSEB registered enterprises. It's a decisive move in securing the sector's prosperity and national economic growth. #Budget2024 #ITExports #TaxIncentives #ITPolicy

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(Cont'd) Chairman PTA, Maj. General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman in his inaugural note, underscored the importance of regional collaboration in addressing common ICT challenges through dialogue and knowledge sharing, he highlighted the importance of learning from each other's experiences to effectively introduce new technologies and services while safeguarding consumer rights and nurturing industry growth. Ms. Shaza Fatima, Minister of State for IT & Telecom who was the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony outlined Pakistan's visionary initiative of digitally empowered country with the aim of providing access to every citizen across Pakistan. She emphasized Pakistan's vast potential as a nation of 250 million, predominantly youth and how their useful participation can boost growth. She stressed on onboarding the 50% of total population which is female and reiterated the Prime Minister’s and the ministry of IT & Telecom’s commitment to gender inclusion. She lauded Chairman PTA's leadership in bridging the digital gender gap, acknowledging significant strides in this area. The STARC meeting serves as a vital platform for comprehending the dynamic ICT landscape, initiating research analysis, and setting agendas for the next two years. Over the next two days, the meeting will feature 10 sessions, each dedicated to crucial contemporary topics and trends in regional telecommunication sector. The workshop's first day features four sessions. The initial session highlights insights from APT's GA-16 and MC-47, focusing on SATRC and beyond. The second session address the regulatory challenges of new technologies and smart solutions for broadband. The third session explores maximizing the Universal Service Obligation Fund for digital inclusion. Lastly, the workshop will discuss enhancing ICT E-Waste Management Regulations for Sustainable Development, emphasizing the need for effective regulations and strategies to ensure a greener future.

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𝐏𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧 | 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭  Pakistan is accelerating digital growth, with an improvement in E-Government, pioneering 5G and CBDC initiatives, and gaining global recognition as an emerging telecom market. 1. In the E-Government Development Index of 2022, Pakistan achieved a score of 0.423, securing the 150th rank, marking an 18.8% growth from 2018. The Republic of Korea leads the region with a score of 0.952. || Source: UN. 2. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has enacted legislation for Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs), non-bank entities providing digital payment tools, ensuring timely issuance of a CBDC by 2025. || Source: State Bank of Pakistan. + Furthermore, Pakistan has leapt to an ‘Advanced’ level of 5th Generation (G5) regulator in the ITU’s 2022 regulators’ ranking. The GSMA has also rated Pakistan as an ‘emerging’ telecom market. || Source: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority. 3. In 2021, Pakistan government launched the “5G Strategic Plan & Policy Guidelines”, a roadmap for 5G technology adoption, keeping in view the aspects of Spectrum Management, Infrastructure Development, Review of Telecom Regulations and 5G applications/use cases. || Source: Ministry of Telecommunications. + The initiation of the 5G network, originally set for 2023, faces a delay to 2024 due to concerns about the unavailability of crucial spectrum at 2500 MHz. The government aims to boost GDP per capita by 3 to 5% through digitalization in the next three years. || Source: GSMA. ---------------------------------------- 1. https://lnkd.in/eT--2JWm 2. https://lnkd.in/d8pyUN73 3. https://lnkd.in/e7a_v68f ---------------------------------------- Dr. Muhammad Yasir Qadri | SAJJEED ASLAM | john hoffman | Emanuel Kolta | Kenechi Okeleke | Vanessa Gray | Sadullah UZUN | Georges Vivien HOUNGBONON | Shruti Kumbhat Bhandari, Ph.D. | Shahid Javaid | Abdul-Rehman Ansari | Mutahir shah | James Song, CAMS | Romman Idrees | Onkokame Mothobi | Ana Laura Spósito | Edoardo Totolo | Malahat Obaid | Amer Shahzad | Altaf Ahmed Memon | FURQAN S. | Kashif Butt | Azeem Sajjad (عظیم سجاد) 🧠 | Sara Said Qazilbash | Arthur Chopkeng, Ph.D | Maria Kokotkova | Djalidou Salifou | Sumaira Jabeen | Usama Anwar | Javeria Khalid | Arsalan Ali F. | Asima Rehman (she/her) | Yawar G. | Matthew Duncan | Nauman Sharif | David Symansky | Aun Rahman | Adam Mahmood | Tobias Haque | Reniér André Saayman ---------------------------------------- #pakistan #digitaleconomy #gsma #itu

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Pakistan, with over 192 million cellular subscribers and 133 million mobile broadband users, is fast becoming a prime destination for foreign investment, particularly in the tech sector. The average monthly data usage per subscriber is nearly 9 GB, reflecting a highly engaged user base. As Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of Jazz, emphasized at the VEON Capital Markets Day 2024 in Dubai, "As Pakistan’s leading digital operator, with investments exceeding US$10.6 billion since inception, Jazz is strategically positioned to be a key driver of the country’s digital transformation." Aamir highlighted Jazz’s remarkable journey, stating, "It took three decades to reach 72 million cellular mobile customers, but just five years to serve 67 million users monthly across all its digital platforms." This rapid growth is driven by platforms like JazzCash, Tamasha, Garaj, and SIMOSA, showcasing the massive potential for further economic growth and social progress. Despite significant advancements, over 100 million adults remain #unbanked, and mobile broadband penetration is only around 55%. This presents vast opportunities for investors to bridge the digital divide. Aamir passionately shared, “We don't want to be defined solely by the licenses we hold; instead, we aim to evolve with our customers' changing needs.” As Jazz continues to lead in connectivity, financial services, entertainment, and enterprise solutions, it remains committed to fundamentally advancing Pakistan's #digitaleconomy.

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The Future of Internet and Mobile Penetration: Unlocking Potential in Pakistan | with Umer Ghumman Director - Country Head @ Samsung Mobile Discover the future of internet and mobile penetration in Pakistan and its potential for growth. Learn how technology is revolutionizing education and empowering students through mobile-based assignments, registrations, and attendance. Stay ahead in the digital era. #FutureOfInternet #MobilePenetration #Pakistan #TechnologyRevolution #DigitalEducation #EmpoweringStudents #MobileBasedLearning #DigitalEra #TechAdvancement #EducationRevolution

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In a recent Board of Directors meeting held in Islamabad, Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL.Official), the leading telecom and ICT services provider in the country, unveiled its financial results for the first quarter ending March 31, 2024, showcasing a robust performance and significant achievements. PTCL Group reported a notable 14% year-over-year revenue growth, reaching Rs 49 billion, driven primarily by strong performance in the consumer segment, particularly in fixed broadband, mobile data, and wholesale & Business Solutions. Despite this growth, the Group experienced a net loss of Rs 4.8 billion, marking a 16% decrease from the previous year. PTCL itself continued its impressive performance in Q1 2024, achieving a revenue of Rs 26 billion, reflecting a 13% increase from the same quarter last year. Notably, the company posted an operating profit of Rs 3 billion, representing a 32% rise compared to Q1 2023, along with a net profit of Rs 431 million. A key highlight of PTCL's consumer business was its strategic focus on enhancing customer experience through its flagship 'Flash Fiber' Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH) brand, which has solidified PTCL as a leading FTTH operator in Pakistan. Furthermore, PTCL expanded its value-added services portfolio within the fixed-line business through a collaboration with Waada to provide health, life, and accident insurance. In addition to its financial performance, PTCL Group reaffirmed its commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions by launching a cutting-edge Android TV box (SHOQ TV) at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. This initiative aims to deliver a transformative user experience by integrating multiple Google apps and offering a sleek UI. Moreover, PTCL Group emphasized its role in shaping a 'Digital Pakistan' by launching the country's first neutral Internet Exchange powered by DE-CIX and renewing partnerships with TPL Trakker Ltd. and SNGPL for provision of ICT services and cellular services, respectively. Ufone 4G, PTCL's subsidiary, reported a remarkable 27% year-over-year growth in revenue for its 4G segment, supported by network expansion and strategic initiatives. Ufone's digital brand onic also made significant strides in providing customers with a complete digital ecosystem for an enhanced experience. Furthermore, PTCL Group demonstrated its commitment to corporate social responsibility by providing relief efforts during natural disasters, such as floods in Gwadar, and collaborating with PPAF to bridge the digital gap by equipping 100 women entrepreneurs with smartphones under the "Ba-Ikhtiar" program in Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Overall, PTCL Group's performance in Q1 2024 reflects its continued dedication to driving innovation, enhancing customer experience, and fostering social development, thereby contributing to the advancement of Pakistan's digital landscape. #lougheeloug | Hatem Bamatraf Shoaib Baig

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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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Breaking Ground: Jazz achieves a milestone with Pakistan's inaugural Telecom Sukuk, valued at Rupees. 15 billion. . . . . . . . . . . #initiatemagazine #initiate #Initiators #JazzTelecomSukuk #PakistanFinance #TelecomInnovation #IslamicFinance #FinancialMilestone #MarketTrends #EconomicProgress #CorporateAchievement #SukukMarket #InvestmentOpportunity #EmergingMarkets #FinanceNews #IslamicEconomy #PakistanBusiness #CapitalMarket #CorporateFinance #DebtMarket #MarketLeadership #FinancialGrowth #MarketInsights #SukukOffering #IslamicBanking #PakistanEconomy #FinanceLeaders #MarketInnovation

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