The News SPECIALREPORT Friday, June 2, 2017

Three 3G/4G Auctions yield Record PKR 205,884 Billion: The three auctions of 3G/4G Next Generation Four glorious years spectrum Licenses since 2014 has resulted in total contribution of PKR 205.884 Billion (including tax) to treasury. It’s to the credit of Minister IT & Telecom Ms Anusha Rahman Khan and team to execute the three auctions in a transparent and forBroadband IT for & telecom sector successful manner. sustainable 96% Growth in IT The last PPP government failed to conduct the Development: Exports in last 4 years Broadband Every unconnected vil- 3G/4G Auction during its tenure. A clear and well & Strong Growth in lage with 100 population Local IT Industry. laid out professional policy concluded by the Users from less will be connected by Auction Supervisory Committee headed by Senator than 3 million in 2014 2018. Pakistan’s IT exports Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Finance, jump to over 42 Million: Under a mas- groew by 96%. Over the Revenue, Statistics & Privatization yielded PKR Due to successful auction of 3G/4G sive Connectivity last four years IT & ITES Program of con- are estimated to have 119.796 billion (including tax) in an auction licenses, Broadband penetration in necting the un- Pakistan has increased from less than 3 c o n n e c t e d , crossed $2.9 billion a conducted in 2014. This yield was much greater year including exports than the budgetary estimates made for the million in 2014 to over 42 million now. the Ministry This has allowed better connectivity, of IT & Tele- generated by IT auction. Later on the Auction Supervisory reception and introduction of Digital com has pro- companies and Committee was headed by Minister of State for Applications. People in Pakistan now vided tele- freelancers. Total Information Technology Ms. Anusha Rahman Khan communicate, share video/audio, shop and c o m revenue of IT industry for the two consecutive auctions held in 2016 & bank and do business in the most modern services to over 10,000 including exports and 2017. Due to growth of the market and the way and comparable to any country in the Villages in domestic revenue is proactive professional policy management by all world. Productivity has increased manifold the remotest estimated to be around stakeholders ensured that the remaining frequency due to faster upload and download speeds parts of the Minister of State for IT & Telecom Ms Anusha Rehman Khan receives $3.4 billion this year. spectrum lots were further successfully auctioned of 3G/4G networks. As announced by c o u n t r y . “GSMA Government Leadership Award 2017” at the Global Mobile Minister of State for IT Ms. Anusha Around 7000 Awards in Barcelona Pakistan Software at winning prices of PKR 48.095 billion and PKR Export Board is Rahman Khan, now Pakistan is kms of fiber optic Control over Grey Traffic: from some 35.339 billion (including taxes) in the FY 2015-16 preparing for the test of 5G services, is being laid to con- 2 billion minutes before ICH facilitating IT growth Legal traffic increases regime to less than 400 million and FY 2016-17 respectively. which will further improve the nect the remotest from less than 400 million with Software The Auction Supervisory Committees ensured to parts of the country minutes. The ICH regime also led quality, and range of under Broadband for Sus- minutes to over 1.5 billion to exponential increase in call Technology parks. A set right kind of base prices of USD 395 Million broadband services in minutes. rates for oversees Pakistanis and Software Technology tainable Development Pro- The phenomenon of grey traf- provided arbitrage for the grey and USD 295 Million for 10 MHz blocks in 2016 Pakistan. gramme, every 100 population fic was one of the key concerns in traffickers resulting in serious Park is being setup in and 2017 auctions respectively which led to unconnected village will be 2012 due to uncalled for conse- concerns among overseas Pak- Islamabad with Korean optimal sale of the scarce asset of the State. provided connectivity by 2018. quences of ICH regime. The legal istanis. Exim Bank financing. incoming minutes were reduced Continued on page II II The News SPECIALREPORT THEPOWEROFDIGITALPAKISTAN Friday, June 2, 2017 Four glorious years for IT & telecom sector Latest applications trend after Continued from page I The present government after taking office in June 2013 handled the issue on priority. Ministry of IT & Telecom under the leadership of Minister of State for IT Ms. Anusha Rahman Khan reinvigorated the essence of de-regulation in the LDI sector and hence discontinued the ICH regime in nformation andbroadband Communication Tech- creasingly changed with the growth digital networks in Pakistanments have now launched payment of traffic June 2014 and most aggressively fought all cases and got the nologies (ICTs) are the key enabler for that have huge impact on personal and busi- 'challans' through mobile money solutions. revised policy directive implemented in letter and spirit. A key the sustainable economic development ness relationships. According to the World Eco- SBP and PTA have also provided necessary ingredient of the revised directive was to put APC on zero for and technological revolution in a coun- nomic Forum (WEF), this is now considered as regulatory framework for Third Party Services try. Implementation of comprehensive the fourth industrial revolution which is evolv- Providers (TPSPs), Payment System Operators and collaborative ICT policies and pro- ing at an exponential pace and transforming (PSOs) and Payment Service Providers (PSPs), gramsI can be differentiating factors in achiev- the entire systems of production, management which will play a catalyst role for the expan- ing sustainable fiscal and social targets of na- and governance. sion of interoperable financial and payment so- tional development agenda. A big step in this In Pakistan, the major hurdle in ICT prolif- lutions in the economy. direction was introduction of mobile broad- eration was the unavailability of sufficient Some of the local portals have emerged as band services (3G and 4G) in Pakistan in 2014 bandwidth, which was addressed by spectrum leading online businesses in Pakistan. The auto and onwards, that are serving as bedrock for auction in 2014. Both operators and broadband portal PakWheels has emerged as the leading modernisation of ICTs in the country. users in Pakistan responded overwhelmingly online car classifieds in Pakistan. It has Latest ICTs are re-shaping the communica- and resulted in an exponential growth of reached a listing of over 160,000 cars, over tion norms in every facet of human society. The broadband subscription. Keeping in view the 24,000 motorcycles and is accessed by more traditional way of information flow has in- extra-ordinary demand for mobile broadband than 100,000 unique visitors every day. Za- and to facilitate further meen.com is the leading online real estate growth in broadband database that connects real estate dealers, de- services, Ministry of velopers, estate agencies with general buyers, 500,00 Used International IT & Telecom sellers and renters in Pakistan. Foodpanda, (MoIT) and Pakistan Pakistan's leading food delivery app, estimates 450,000 Internet Bandwidth Telecommunication Au- that it has generated a staggering one billion ru- (Mbit/s) thority (PTA) adopted a strategy pees in additional sales for the restaurant in- 400,000 to make the availability of required By Dr. Syed Ismail Shah Chairman PTA dustry during the last year. Rozee.pk enjoys an spectrum on continuous basis and system, which provides huge potential for mo- exalted standard as Pakistan's #1 job website 350,000 Minister of State for IT & Telecom Ms Anusha Rehman Khan thereby auctioned additional spec- bile payments and e-payments solutions. Pak- with plenty of nationwide vacancies advertised receiving Global achievement GEM TECK award by UN trum in 2016 and 2017. Now out of istan is also making good progress on the Busi- each day. Daraz.pk is the largest online shop- Women and ITU in New York 300,000 four mobile operators, three opera- ness to Business front as the software industry ping mall, which provide platform to multiple tors are providing the cutting edge 4G aims to achieve the goal of USD 5 billion export vendors and one-stop shop to consumers. the time being in order to ensure complete deregulated envi- 200,00 services. These policy decisions have mark by the year 2020. Approximately 10,000 These portals are now also providing mobile ronment around international incoming telephony. The imple- increased broadband subscribers new IT graduates are being produced every and online solutions for payments. mentation of the Revised Policy Directive, the LDI segment is 150,000 from 3.8 million, in June 2014, to 42.4 year. E-commerce can provide entrepreneur- Looking at the internet usage trends in Pak- fully deregulated resulting in increase of legal/white interna- million in a short period of only three ship and self-employment opportunities to the istan, the use of social media platforms and tional incoming traffic from less than 400 million to around 1.5 100,000 years, which is an exemplary policy- youth. search engines are the favorite activities of in- billion minutes/month now. The increase in legal traffic means induced growth for other sectors in In recent years, SBP and PTA have taken ternet users. Facebook is the most popular so- significant improvement both in terms of quality of service as 50,000 Pakistan. regulatory initiatives with a more focused ap- cial platform/website which handles more than well as revenues of the industry with proportionate increase in The fast proach towards financial inclusion by capital- 3 billion connections per day. Google is the sec- tax collection. International incoming call rates have de- - paced broad- ising on modern technologies that can be used ond most accessed website in the country with creased significantly to benefit of expatriate Pakistanis and 2013 2014 2015 2016 band adop- to improve financial access in the country, in over 2.5 billion connections per day. Twitter quality of incoming calls has improved as well. tion is trans- particular, through improved payment systems and Instagram are also among the toppers in forming and branchless/ mobile banking networks. the list of most online hits per day. 2,500 the land- Since 2014, there has been a tremendous Another big factor in the fast adoption of in- Amount Transacted Through 2,097 scape of growth in the mobile banking accounts and ternet is the exponential use of Over the Top IT Incubators for Startups: M-banking Accounts b u s i - transaction activities. Today, mobile banking (OTT) services such as Skype, WhatsApp, MoIT has already setup a National 1,872 n e s s e s sector has 20 million m-banking accounts with Viber, Tango, Facetime, IMO etc. The tradi- 2,000 (during Jan to Dec) in Pakistan. annual transaction volume of over Rs 2100 bil- tional means of voice communication are in Incubation Center (NIC) at Islamabad, The impact on e- lion compared to only 4 million m-banking ac- tough competition with the OTT services. which is to host 40 incubatees every year 1,353 commerce industry counts with a transaction volume of Rs 1353 Skype is one of the most popular OTT services and mobile financial ser- billion in 2014. The m-banking agents network in Pakistan in terms of connections per day. for the next five years. Likewise, NICs are 1,500 vices has been fascinating. has been expanded to every nook and corner The spread of high-speed internet connec- being setup, one each in Karachi, Lahore, More and more products and ser- of the country, in particular, serving a large tions within households in Pakistan and the 802 vices are now being made available population in the rural areas where traditional success of broadband applications provide an Peshawar and Quetta. online in Pakistan with e-commerce bank branches are not available. Keeping in easy means for businesses and individuals to 1,000 websites/portals being rolled out. It is view the demand of e/m payments, local ex- publish music, audio, video or text/picture dig- 492 estimated that the size of Pakistan e- perts are developing innovative payment solu- itally. The entertainment industry is shifting its ICT for Girls: commerce market is around USD 100 tions / apps whereby users can avail financial traditional way of production, packaging, deliv- 226 Girls Schools in Islamabad are being million and expected to increase to services of multiple services providers from a ery and marketing to the online environment. equipped with computer labs and Microsoft 500 209 USD 1 billion by 2025. More than 90% single platform. Other industries are entering the territory of of the e-commerce transactions are Now, companies are coming forward with content production, creating fierce competi- 4C training. In addition 150 Women done by solutions to transform almost all manual and tion. Empowerment Centers across Pakistan are 0 Cash on tedious jobs in the society to make them digi- Many students are now adopting online ed- D e l i v e r y tal through apps and mobile services. Mobile ucation in Pakistan. being equipped with Computer Labs and Rs billions 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 (CAD) companies, technology firms and police depart- Continued on page IV Microsoft 4C training. III THENEWSSPECIALREPORT THEPOWEROFDIGITALPAKISTAN Friday, June 2, 2017 IV The News SPECIALREPORT THEPOWEROFDIGITALPAKISTAN Friday, June 2, 2017 Telenor Pakistan’s contribution Latest applications trend in Pakistan Continued from page II Group and Frontier Digital Ven- These young students tend to tures. Careem has raised an invest- to the society & digital leadership enroll in local/international educa- ment of USD 60 million from ith an estimated popula- cial good, Telenor has introduced mobile tion institutes that offer online Abraaj Group (Abraaj) as lead in- tion of over 200 million, agriculture and digital birth registrations in training programs as well as on-line vestor for its operations in Pak- over 50 million of which is the country for the very first time. The com- certification courses, where stu- istan and MENA region. Rozee.pk youth in the age group of pany's mAgri initiative 'Khushaal Zamindar' dents can learn new skills and raised USD 6.5 million in a Series C 18-29 years, Pakistan is an is a mobile agriculture service for small equip themselves with the neces- funding round with Vostok Nafta amazing place that is full scale farmers that provides location-specific sary knowledge to compete with and Piton Capital Lead Investment ofW great potential and opportunities. Having weather forecast along with contextual others in their professional careers. as the main investors. World's an average annual GDP growth of 4.91 per- agronomic advisory for every farmer's rele- The trend of online education is in- largest e-commerce company, Al- cent, the country is on the road for further vant crop mix and tips for livestock manage- creasing rapidly in Pakistan, and ibaba, has shown its interest in economic stability and boost with increased ment. Telenor has also launched women-ex- many online education institutes Pakistani market and has signed a foreign investment. Some recent develop- clusive mAgri services to cater to the 20 are operating in Pakistan, e.g. MoU with the Trade Development ments, such as inclusion of the Pakistan percent of the 2.5 million Khushaal Zamin- eCoursesPK (an education start- Authority of Pakistan to bring the bourse in the MSCI's 'Emerging-Market dar users who are females. up) offers online education pro- small and medium enterprise in Index, foreign acquisition of PSX shares1, Digital birth registration grams via distance learning. the realm of e-commerce platform. and the enormous CPEC project, hint to the Telenor Pakistan collaborated with The unprecedented uptake of Engagements with Alibaba can fact that the only way Pakistan's economy UNICEF Pakistan to launch a pilot in 2014 mobile broadband has opened transform the reach of Pakistani is going in the future is up. to mediate child's right to identity through doors for new and innovative busi- products to international markets Pakistan is presently undergoing a digital mobile birth registrations. The disparity of ness ventures in Pakistan. Uber, and help promote e-commerce and transformation and, with increased public- statistics before and after the project was world's largest cab service, has financial services in Pakistan. private sector collaboration, is determined launched in Sindh in 2014, stand testament started its services in major cities Pakistan is at the crossroads of to do away with the hurdles holding it back to its success. Sindh Multi Indicator Cluster of Pakistan including Karachi, Hy- ICT revolution where ample regu- from achieving its full growth potential. As towards the socioeconomic development of band outreach to the unserved areas. As it Survey, conducted by the Sindh government derabad, Lahore and Islamabad. latory space is provided to the in- the country aims to bring itself at par with the country while lending its complete and continues to boost its broadband services and UNICEF in 2014, showed that the rate of Similarly, Careem is another car novators and entrepreneurs. Pak- the developed world in terms of advance- incessant support to the Government of Pak- with measures like recent acquisition of the registered births of children under five was hiring service, which has huge suc- istan is going to become a start-up ment and opportunities, it has made digital istan for reaching the shared goals of inclu- 850MHz spectrum and launch of the best-in- mere 29%. Once the pilot project was rolled cess in Pakistan. Travly is another factory for new and innovative and financial inclusion two of the key con- sion and empowerment faster. class 4G services, Telenor also maintains an out, 94% of births were being registered. very innovative service that allow ideas which will positively impact stituents of its Vision 2025. Realising the op- To bridge the gaping financial inclusion in-house portfolio of affordable small and Social and economic contribution users to book rickshaw, car, and the life experience of Pakistanis. portunities of financial inclusion in the coun- divide, Telenor has pioneered branchless large screen 3G/4G devises to ensure that When it comes to the socioeconomic bus online through app. Mobilink Payload is the local startup, which try, Pakistan has also developed a National banking in Pakistan with Easypaisa that the benefits of digitisation are extended to contributions to Pakistan, Telenor also takes has also launched its mLift services have introduced the Bitcoin tech- Financial Inclusion Strategy aimed at today enjoys the largest financial footprint all budget segments. The company also fre- the lead there. Telenor Group's 'Global Im- to connect drivers and riders ini- nology to Pakistani users. Bitcoin 'building a dynamic and inclusive financial in the country with over 75,000 Easypaisa quently holds Digital Festivals to exhibit its pact Report 2016' reveals that in 2015 alone, tially in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, is a type of digital currency used sector to support Pakistan's growth in the shops in more than 800 cities across the devices portfolio in an attempt to build and Telenor Pakistan generated over $1,793 mil- and is planned to launch its app to to verify and transfer funds. With 21st century.' country, and over 650,000 transactions con- promote the digital ecosystem in Pakistan. lion of GVA (Gross Value Added) for the expand its services. USD 121 million worth of transac- Financial inclusion ducted every day by 20 million active cus- Youth empowerment Pakistani economy, created close to 180,000 Even long distance travel ser- tions taking place through Bitcoin The current digital and financial inclu- tomers. To boost the e-commerce industry Another way for Telenor to boost the direct and indirect employments, made $170 vices at government and private every day, the technology is fast sion figures suggest that there's still much in Pakistan, Telenor also introduced the country's digital ecosystem is through million capital investment and a fiscal level are now using online systems becoming a reliable method of left to achieve. International Telecommuni- country's first complete online payment so- youth engagement. Telenor contribution of $339 million to the for booking and other services. transactions for individuals and cation Union's (ITU) ICT Development lution with 'Easypay'. The company also achieves it through widely Government of Pakistan Pakistan Railways and Pakistan In- businesses worldwide. Smart De- Index 2016 has placed Pakistan 146th out of keeps partnering with the country's leading popular annual pro- through taxes and other reg- ternational Airline Ticket reserva- vices is another start-up working 175 countries. Despite being among the top e-commerce players to build and improve grams like Apportu- ulatory payments, and en- tion portals are getting popular; on Internet of Things (IoT); the 10 countries of the world in terms of num- customer trust in online shopping. nity, Telenor Youth sured sustainability in similarly the consumers are enjoy- company is recently acquired by ber of mobile users, share of broadband and Digital transformation Forum (TYF), and the supply chain. ing online services of Daewoo Pak- Orient Pakistan. Similarly, there mobile users in Pakistan is still low with Talking about the contributions to the Telenor Velocity. Through many istan and many such services in the are number of startups like Mizaj only 16.7 million people having access to country's digital transformation, Telenor has Apportunity is one other programs such private sector, and are availing the (connecting fashion designer to broadband services as compared to the 130 many other industry-first initiatives to its of the most as UNDP's 'Youth & payment through mobile and on- the consumer), ShaadiBox (online million people who actually need them. As credit. Foreseeing how connected homes sought-after plat- Social Cohesion' pro- line solutions. Currently, con- market connect you with mar- for financial inclusion, less than 15% Pak- and devices can make lives easier, safer, and forms for the ject, Telenor Open sumers who have credit cards are riage bureaus/vendors), Chimera istani adults have a formal bank account more productive, Telenor became the first emerging app de- Mind, Naya Aghaz, and enjoying these services. (for online 3D-modeling) and a lot with less than 5% women included in the for- mover of IOT (Internet of Things) in Pak- velopers to show- iChamp, Telenor ar- Apart from attracting over USD more. mal financial sector. This shows large un- istan organising large-scale IOT exhibitions case their creativity ranges constructive en- 2 billion investment in the auction The demand side of ICTs is ever tapped potential in both digital and financial in key metropolises. Having launched such and talent in the mo- gagement for vulnerable of spectrum since 2014, broadband expanding and the operators, de- services spheres. useful IOT devices as companion watch for bile application market. youth, enhances PWDs' em- growth has also opened up Pak- velopers and service providers are Operating in Pakistan for 12 years now, keeping location track of your kids and auto- Telenor Youth Forum in- ployability thorough with ca- istan for foreign investment in the rapidly catching up. However, Telenor Pakistan knows the ins and outs of mate for tracking your vehicle's live perfor- spires courageous young minds pacity building measures, prepares digital world. Daraz.pk recently there are challenges also. PTA is these dynamics. Having emerged as the mance, Telenor has established a strong from Telenor's 13 global markets to women to get back to work after a career managed to secure an investment exerting all possible efforts, per- country's second largest cellular operator foothold in the IOT arena. tackle social challenges through technology break, and fulfils its responsibility as a digi- of USD 55 million for its opera- missible within its regulatory and its primary digital lifestyle partner, Te- With 'Internet for all' being its ambition, and innovation. Velocity is an accelerator tal leader to educate children about using in- tions in Pakistan, Bangladesh and ambit to highlight the importance lenor Pakistan has become the frontrunner Telenor has done more for digital inclusion program that focus on making available the ternet safely for constructive purposes. Te- Myanmar from Asia Pacific Inter- of ICTs in the economy, and con- of the ICT-powered digital and financial rev- of the masses than any other operator. The full width and breadth of Telenor's solutions lenor has a long-term commitment in net Group (APACIG) and Com- tinuously engaging stakeholders olution that the country is witnessing today. company's successful two-pronged strategy and experiences to help startups reach mass Pakistan and has now transformed into the monwealth Development Corpora- for collaborations and new initia- With a vision of empowering the Pakistani for 3G/4G penetration has been to flourish market. country's local company with customers tion Group, UK. Zameen raised tives to maximise the benefits of society and the mission of digitising Pak- and diversify in urban centres, while at the Mobile agriculture and Pakistani people being at the heart of all USD 29 million in two rounds of in- ICT and broadband technologies in istan, Telenor has been contributing its best same time expand its network and broad- Using its digital competencies for the so- its operations, products and services. ternational funding from Catch every sector of the economy. SPECIALREPORT The News V Friday, June 2, 2017 THEPOWEROFDIGITALPAKISTAN Working towards A few words from our Jazz XLR8 superstars Rizwan Asif Abdullah igitalDigital Pakistan, Pakistannected society. Only by creating such Co-Founder and Lead Developer Mad Hunt Co founder Mapalytics which means a more environment, where public-private eing in a startup is like building your own ship. While at sea,you EON (formerly VimpelCom), prosperous and an partnerships ensure support to the could either drown or get upgraded onto a bigger ship. The National economically stable youth of Pakistan, the country will parent company of JAZZ, se- Incubation Center (NIC) and it's Jazz xlr8 program are the bigger lected 5 teams/startups from Pakistan where citi- become a player in the digital revolu- ship for our startup. We have been equipped with some of the essen- zens have accessi- tion. B VPakistan to represent NIC at tial tools here which would have been really difficult to acquire at the initial ble,D affordable and reliable Infor- One example of this initiative is the 4YFN (4 Years From Now)-Mobile World stage of our initiative. A work-space where we can work under one roof, build mation & Communication successfully executed National Incu- Congress 2017, Barcelona. Mapalytics inter and intra team skills and collaborate with others. One important skill was one of those five startups. Mapalyt- Technology (ICT) services and bation Center (NIC), where startups we,the young entrepreneurs require, is the instruction manual for building a ics has expertise in 3D scanning and Vir- solutions. Jazz, as the largest from around the country are creating ship. The mentor-ship program at the NIC allows us to interact with experi- tual Reality.We make aesthetically pleas- ICT provided in the country, is experiences that enable learning, net- enced sailors, enabling us to shape our dreams into reality. Our startup also ing interactive scaled 3D models and committed to a progressive Pak- working and business growth under had the privilege to participate in 4YFN this year, held in Barcelona(under Virtual Tours of objects and sites. We are istan. Jazz's own transformation the Jazz XLR8 program. An excellent the umbrella of Jazz XLR8 program). Me and my team are grateful to the team focused on preserving historical sites dig- to a digital company will deliver example of public-private collabora- behind NIC and Jazz. We intend on making the most through this journey. itally, so in case of any damage to the site huge benefits, not just for our tion, Jazz has partnered with the Min- we can accurately recreate the sites using consumers but to Pakistan's fu- istry of Information Technology & our scaled 3D models. These models are ture as well. Telecoms, and the National ICT R&D very important for Heritage preservation Around us the world is changing at Fund, to create a space that will drive Ershian Co-founder Anzen and Tourism promotion. Our content has a rapid pace and we, as a nation, need innovation and entrepreneurialism. huge potential for e-learning and interac- to keep up with the same pace. Super- To be a part of something as impor- Aamir Ibrahim nzen designs Surveillance solutions based on Artificial Intelli- tive historical learnings. computing; Artificial intelligence; CEO Jazz tant and game changing as the Na- gence and Deep Learning on the platform of IoT. We got the op- It was the first opportunity for us to Self-driving cars; Genetic modifica- tional Incubation Center was our vi- portunity to represent Pakistan at 4YFN under the flag of VEON, showcase our product in the interna- tions - there is enough evidence of the sion. Now that we have realised this the parent organization of JAZZ. It was an interesting experience tional market. The scale of the event coming of the 'Fourth Industrial Revo- vision by opening doors to young en- A for us as it gave us the exposure needed for young startups to experi- was massive with hundreds of potential lution' and that too at an exponential Around us the world trepreneurs, the goal now is to ensure ence the global market. We utilized this opportunity to interact with clients, partners, investors and media pace, for us to try and future proof their long term success and suste- major global brands and players like Samsung, Intel, Microsoft and personnel visiting the stall. At 4YFN our progress. is changing at a nance. Adobe. Similarly, we got the opportunity to interact with investors who we got the opportunity to showcase For this reason, the merger of two All of this is just the start. This is look for the entrepreneurial spirit and next billion dollar ventures. These our work and learned from what other large telecom operators in a single rapid pace and we, but one small piece of the larger jig- investors and brands, both were amazed at the level of work and type of companies are doing. We were inter- digital company, backed by a global saw that Jazz is endeavouring to be a entrepreneurial ventures coming out of Pakistan. We got a chance to viewed by multiple online and print tech company in VEON, we are now as a nation, need to part of. A key enabler for this environ- exthe local hospitality, cuisine and interact with the locals. While doing media firms including Wall Street Jour- working tirelessly to achieve the gov- ment will be played by policy makers that, it came to our observation that while the region and culture might nal. We are working in the domain of ernment's vision of a 'Digital Pak- keep up with the and the government. be different than that of Pakistan, their problems are quite similar. This digital mapping and virtual reality. The istan'. These include enhanced coopera- meant that any venture based in Pakistan has a really great chance to ex- greatest achievement and confidence We understand that the technolog- same pace. tion, among other states and stake- pand into the global market provided it can adapt to local culture. Over- booster was when the companies ical revolution will fundamentally holders, in building consensus around all it was a great experience interacting with investors, global players, working in the same domains were alter the way we live, work and relate Supercomputing; a set of agreed international protocols incubators and other startups like us. amazed by the level of detail our mod- to one another. In its scale, scope and Artificial to strengthen the stability, trust and els have and they wanted to use our complexity we believe the transfor- security in the cyberspace. product. mation from a telecom to a digital intelligence; Self- It is also imperative to find a way company allows us to play an integral for protection of offline rights of the Our Experience at National Incubation and leading role in this technological driving cars; Genetic citizens in an online world and to en- revolution that will help Pakistan to able an environment which is con- Centre by team Lets Innovate convert the 'digital divide' in to a modifications - ducive to universal access to the inter- 'digital dividend'. net for all segments and businesses. Its been an amazing start here at NIC Islamabad, We as a team, over the Digital technologies have boosted there is enough Also, there are needs to be growth, expanded opportunities, and evidence of the strengthening of regulations that en- past few months have gone through a clear positive transformation. From improved service delivery. But it is by sure competition among businesses, mentorship to facilities, NIC was the missing piece of our growth puzzle. way of digital inclusion, efficiency coming of the adapting workers' skills to the de- and innovation that we can create dig- mands of the new digital economy, After joining NIC, we have had valuable feedback about our product HELLI, ital dividends for the entire economy. 'Fourth Industrial and ensuring that institutions are pre- For this to happen, it is important pared to take the digital leap - some- mentors and their ability to critically evaluate our processes has helped us to provide an environment supporting Revolution' and that thing Jazz is already supporting the improve and create value from within our start-up. We were recently young people to find solutions to the government with. challenge of achieving sustainable de- too at an Jazz's understanding of what gaps awarded a grant by the US embassy as part of the First Global Initiative, it velopment. These include access to we need to fill, our programs that so- basic education and inspiring social exponential pace, lidify public-private partnerships, and goes without saying that team at NIC was the catalyst in making this entrepreneurship, particularly in the our efforts to empower the nation at happen. Over the past few months we have participated in countless digital arena. As part of our group forustotryand large through digital sustainability, are wide initiative, 'Make Your Mark,' we future proof our some of the ways Pakistan is forging mentorship sessions, we were runner ups at the Start Up Cup and have been look to contribute to a more sustain- forward towards a digital Pakistan-an interviewed by multiple local and global news firms and potential investors. able community which will provide a progress. exciting connected journey more than solid foundation for a more con- a destination. NIC was central to all of this and so far, its been a phenomenal experience. VI The News SPECIALREPORT THEPOWEROFDIGITALPAKISTAN Friday, June 2, 2017

By Mr. Liu Dianfeng ket at record speed, helping Pak- nectivity for the first time and help people’s ability to lead a better, Chairman of the board & istan’s commerce industry directly. them compete on a global scale. quicker, faster and more connected Chief Executive OfficerLeading of For our doctors, 4G the is about how So far, we 4G have invested over “4G revolution life”, which will be the most in- We are happy and excited that we China Mobile Pakistan to treat our patients with most ad- PKR 250 Billion in the Pakistani novative way of education, health- vanced technology and the latest Telecommunications market care, social reform and creativity. have announced our future plans of he Pakistani Telecom- healthcare solutions. For the which has served to bolster multi- We will leverage China Mobile munications market is media, 4G is about keeping our na- ple aspects of the Pakistani busi- Communications Corporation’s 4G 2017 for upgrading all our 2G and 3G evolving very quickly. tion up to date on the latest hap- nesses, household and governmen- knowledge and research and imple- With the advent of 3G penings live from around the tal functioning. We have chosen to ment this vision in Pakistan. sites to 4G within 2017 and have and 4G and tech start- world. 4G helps everyone, to get in- invest in Pakistan for a very simple Other than connectivity, we ups accelerating the formation quicker, to be able to reason: we realize that technology have also announced our corpo- more and more innovative and paceT of advancement, we are compete faster, to improve and is an engine for economic growth, rate social responsibility program closer to furthering the cause of a progress more efficiently, provide one that will help existing busi- for Pakistan with a strong commit- “Digital Pakistan” than ever before. new solutions and learn new ways nesses to grow while encouraging ment to use our 4G technology to intelligent solutions for our The important and critical mile- of a better and prosperous lifestyle investment from overseas. make the life of our Pakistani peo- stones that we aim to achieve dur- for every Pakistani. We are happy and excited to ple easier, faster and better with subscribers here in Pakistan and ing this period will go a long way in Under the Belt and Road initia- have announced our future plans the best quality network. As our developing a sustainable ecosys- cell sites. tive and with the help of China Mo- for 2017 in upgrading all our 2G and commitment to the future of Pak- continue to invest in our network to tem for the Pakistani telecommuni- It is important to understand bile Communications Corporation, 3G sites to 4G within 2017 and have istani people, Zong and Lahore cations market to thrive in the new what 4G is. 4G is the connection to for areas in Pakistan where access more and more innovative and in- University of Management Sci- expand our 4G coverage throughout digitized age. life, connection to a better future, to fixed line broadband connec- telligent solutions for our sub- ences (LUMS) have come together From its launch in 2008, Zong a new and improved lifestyle for tions is limited, our 4G services scribers here in Pakistan, and con- to enter into a strategic partner- the country and connect Pakistan 4G has committed itself to acceler- every Pakistani. It is a step into a will bring super-high-speed con- tinue to invest in our network to ship by striking a Memorandum of expand our 4G coverage through- Understanding (MoU) for the de- with the rest of the world, starting out the country and connect Pak- velopment of a state-of-the-art 4G istan with the rest of the world research lab at the university. At a from the most remote areas possible. from the most remote areas possi- school in Islamabad for street chil- Zong 4G was the first 4G cellular mobile operator ble. This will enhance our Pakistani dren, we have setup a 4G internet This will enhance our Pakistani people's ability to lead a better, of the country and currently, more than 7,000 quicker, faster and more connected sites power over 300 cities of Pakistan with 4G "4G life" which will be the most innovative way of education, services. Today, Zong is the largest and fastest healthcare, social reform and 4G Network of the country, with a 75% 4G market creativity. We will leverage China Mobile Communications share. By the end of this year, Zong will be the Corporation's 4G knowledge and first and only operator to be 100% 4G through research and implement in Pakistan. lab, connecting them to the virtual As the world’s largest operator and an upgrade of all our cell sites world for the first time. From the as Pakistan’s best 4G operator, we urban slums of Sindh to the hilly expect to fulfil our promise of inte- terrains of KPK, Zong has con- grated communications services to ating the pace of development in faster, more advanced, more inno- nected female at-home doctors to the business, governments and in- the country through technological vative horizon for our country. For the underprivileged patients dividuals connecting each other innovation. This is substantiated our youth, it is a bright future with through 4G videoconferencing in 9 within and outside the two coun- by the fact that Zong 4G was the unlimited knowledge instantly, telemedicine centers. In an initia- tries to materialize our common first 4G cellular mobile operator of connected with 4G, reshaping the tive with Punjab Police, we are dream. the country and currently, more country’s future. For our profes- using 4G to connect police facilita- Zong will continue to invest and than 7,000 sites power over 300 sionals, 4G is innovation beyond tion centers for public. lead the 4G telecommunication cities of Pakistan with 4G services. limits to advance their capability Under the umbrella of “Belt and market in Pakistan through our Today, Zong is the largest and and learn new and modern ways of Road” initiative by China, we are continued investment, our employ- fastest 4G Network of the country, efficiency to be more productive in very excited to play a strong role in ees’ hard work and dedication and with a 75% 4G market share. By the their work. For our businessmen, it connecting this project as well as we will work very closely with the end of this year, Zong will be the is a faster way of doing their busi- connect all the industries tied with government of Pakistan in materi- first and only operator to be 100% ness and make their products this project to have a 4G ecosys- alizing our dream of a “Digital Pak- 4G through an upgrade of all our available in the international mar- tem led by China Mobile Pakistan. istan”.

Achievement during past four years by NTC -the only Telecom and ICT service provider of Public Sector ational Telecommunication get their applications up and running Corporation (NTC) created faster, with improved manageability and under the Act of Parliament less maintenance, and enables informa- on Jan 1, 1996 with the man- tion technology (IT) teams to more date to operate, build and rapidly adjust resources to meet fluctuat- maintain telecom systems ing and unpredictable business demand. Nand provide services to the Federal Govern- Cloud providers typically use a "pay as ment, Provincial governments, defence pro- you go" model. Regarding Service models jects, governmental organizations and insti- of Cloud Data Centre, NIST has defined tutions. The Corporation faced critical three models of services including Infras- challenges to sustain itself but with the sin- tructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as cere dedications of its staff and management, a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Ser- made it a success story in the Public Sector. vice (SaaS). NTC was vested with analogue sys- Access to the Data Center requires tems including Microwave and Co-axial network deployment; NTC has expanded Cable network and few (five) analogue its network to cover more districts and and digital exchanges in 1996-97. Man- tehsils. Over a period of twenty years, power vested from PTC was also not NTC is able to reach to 87 locations, in- properly trained to plan and develop in- Engr. Miraj Gul cluding 35 increases in 2013-2017 and this frastructure with the emerging technolo- Director General (Technical) NTC count shall cross hundred in the coming gies of that time. The Analog Microwave two to three years. system deployed in 1974 had become ob- munication intact in a redundant mode The present Government helped in soleted when handed over to NTC in during migration. opening new avenues for the Telecom 1996-7. The new transmission systems It is also to add that during the period Sector as per Telecom Policy. NTC signed based on Fiber Optic was deployed by 2013-17, past four years, the Annual De- agreements with other mobile operators PTC in 1992-94 along the main and alter- velopment Plan implementation progress on Public Private Partnership for provi- nate routes was given to PTCL along with remained more than 85 % and in recent sion of 3G/4G to NTC customers. NTC is the Submarines Cable network termi- FY it will be 100%, which is a record com- also first in the country to introduce new nated at Karachi. The Analogue Trans- pared to the period 1996-2013. In the past technologies such as Point to Point mission systems were not capable to the progress recorded per year is not (P2P), Machine to Machine (M2M) for meet NTC requirement so Government more than 30 %. provision of services in remote areas on the request of NTC issued instructions NTC was not vested with any Data where NTC infrastructure is not avail- to PTCL Management for allocation of Network systems; however, a Multi Ser- able. one Fiber pair on National Backbone of vices Data Network (MSDN) was de- In addition NTC has also signed a Ser- the 9 pairs Optical Fiber Cable. Hence on ployed in 2003. This small scale MSDN vice Provider Licensing Agreement acquisitioned pair in the long haul OF platform made it possible to provide In- (SPLA), with Microsoft where under Mi- cable from Peshawar to Karachi was tranet, e-mail, Co-location, virtual private crosoft products/applications would be equipped with 622 Mbps SDH systems in networking, video conferencing, Radio/ hosted at NTC’s cloud National Data Cen- the year 2001-2. This STM-4 system, ini- Networking solution, DSL and other cus- ter and users would purchase it on line as tially, was sufficient to provide connectiv- tomized data services to its valued sub- per their requirement. ity of its digital exchanges and establish- scribers. This platform was required to be Another highly important and strate- ment of data communication network, upgraded and updated with time but no gic achievement on the part of NTC is the however, with the passage of time; it was practical steps were taken till 2013. From establishment of Registry in 2016 for saturated in almost 5-7 years. As such this FY 2013-14, continuous process of up gra- Country Code Top Level Domain STM-4 was upgraded with 10 G (STM-64) dation with introduction of new comput- (ccTLD) for Urdu and other local lan- on DWDM based system in 2010. ing machines, storages enhancement and guages with the support of Ministry of IT. With the advent of NGN Technology, latest security tools and gadgets deploy- This will help promotion of National Lan- NTC initiated replacement and migration ment was initiated. A plan for new Tier- guage and other local languages through of the TDM based EWSD switches with III cloud Data Centre was prepared in internet. Next Generation Network (NGN). As by 2014-15 for meeting growing demand of Regarding future plans, NTC has the time, it became mandatory to replace data services specifically for government planned to establish Optical Fiber based these exchanges with NGN based IP and public sector. This was required to National Backbone along CPEC Motor- switches being flexible in provision of help implementation of the goal of “Digi- ways/Highways and Submarines Cable customized and triple play services. Ac- tal Pakistan”. network landing Station at Gwadar for cordingly, NTC initiated the project TDM NTC prepared and implemented this meeting Public Sector national and inter- to IP migration in 2013-14 with deploy- plan of National Data Centre through national connectivity in a secure environ- ment of Soft switches and Multi Services own resources in a record time of 4-5 ment. This will also help facilitate all op- Access Gateways (MSAGs) on a very fast months which was inaugurated in August erators with Broadband at cheaper rates track. The project plan and design 2016 by the honourable Minister of State on NTC’s system spare capacity for hav- chalked out with Geographical redun- for IT. This Data Centre is cloud based ing a level playing field required for the dancy to avoid any untoward situation. Tier–III compliant capable to provide re- ICT sector growth. As per international practice NTC pre- sources in a secure environment. The All these initiatives and achievements pared plan for TDM to IP (NGN) migra- cloud computing allows organizations to during 2013-2017 has helped NTC to sus- tion in a phased manner and during the avoid up-front infrastructure costs (e.g., tain its existence, loss converted into past 2013-17, more than 70 % of network purchasing servers). As well, it enables profit, and became able to further en- has been migrated. The migration in a organizations to focus on their core busi- hance its network and strengthen its phased manner is implemented to utilize nesses instead of spending time and muscle in this challenging environment the available resources to its maxi- money on computer infrastructure. of technological evolution and demand of mum/optimum level and keep the com- Cloud computing allows enterprises to security. Friday, June 2, 2017 THEPOWEROFDIGITALPAKISTAN THENEWSSPECIALREPORT VII VIII The News SPECIALREPORT THEPOWEROFDIGITALPAKISTAN Friday, June 2, 2017 OPPO is winning hearts of consumers through its revolutionary Selfie technology and stunning designs OPPO, founded in 2004, across Pakistan and employs cent ‘Selfie Experts’ F-series. Our more than 3,000 staff. OPPO has brand has been growing rapidly is a leading global quickly proved itself in the mar- across Pakistan and around the technology brand, ket with its intense attention to world. The dual selfie camera F3 dedicated to providing details and sales volume in the Plus will mark a new ‘Group- local market has increased 20 Selfie’ trend and reinforce our po- pioneer products to times, compared to February sition as the Selfie Expert,” said consumers across Asia, 2016. George Long, CEO of OPPO Pak- Each OPPO product encom- istan. Africa, Europe and passes a carefully selected array OPPO kick started Oceania, with a presence of attributes to specifically the ‘Group Selfie’ in 28 global markets. cater for users, combining trend in 2017 by impressive features launching the new According to a leading with elegant Selfie Expert F3 market research Plus. The F3 Plus company GFK, OPPO is features the brand’s first dual the No.1 Smartphone in front selfie camera China and ranks in the including a first- ever 120-degree top 2 in India in terms of wide-angle Group market share. OPPO has Selfie Camera. also been ranked the Following the F3 Plus, the Selfie No.4 Smartphone brand Expert F3 was for the past two years in launched target- terms of shipment ing the mid- range market. volume, as per an IDC The F3 also fea- report. tures a dual selfie camera - a 16-megapixel PPO, since its front camera in F series, lio includes OPPO Find 7, OPPO Pakistan’s leading fashion de- dual selfie camera that are worth Selfie camera inception, has which initiated a selfie N3, OPPO R7 Series, and now the signer HSY by appointing him as capturing” shares George Long, for individual been devoted trend in the industry. focus is on its camera phone, es- the Brand partner of OPPO to CEO of OPPO Pakistan. selfies and an to young con- OPPO now provides excel- pecially Selfie Expert F series. launch its Classic Black F1s Selfie OPPO’s alliances with the ultra wide- sumers and has lent photography experi- In order to better connect with Expert in November 2016 and cre- leading international partners en- angle 8MP f o c u s e d o n ence to over 100 million the consumers in Pakistan, OPPO ating a new trend in the fashion sure that OPPO has the latest and camera for Olaunching the best Camera youngsters around the is the official global partner of In- industry of Pakistan. best hardware available. With a group selfie. Phones. For the past 10 world. ternational Cricket Council (ICC) “At OPPO, our customers unique independent R&D capac- OPPO, years, OPPO has led OPPO entered the Pakistani since 2016 and as a sign of its have always been our top priority ity, the company designs, devel- with its pas- through technological market in June 2014 with the commitment to support Cricket in and through our innovative prod- ops, manufactures, markets and sion for design and com- breakthroughs in terms of launch of its flagship device Pakistan, OPPO by having an es- ucts with groundbreaking tech- sells its products itself with full mitment to new technologies, en- mobile photography; it called OPPO Find 7. OPPO aims tablished long-term affiliation nology we have made a promise control over the entire supply designs. The ‘Selfie Experts’ F-se- visions enabling the youth of started an era of selfie to utilize its globally renowned with the International Cricket to deliver and meet their require- chain from factories to the hands ries models are high-end smart- Pakistan and provide them with beautification, creatively technological superiority and in- Council will bring more values ments. With the help of our cus- of customers. OPPO is dedicated phones that are efficient, long- avenues for growth and progress. brought out the world’s novation to bring a diverse prod- and create a platform to commu- tomers’ support and feedback we to providing excellent services to lasting, secure and beautiful, OPPO will continue to facilitate first motorized rotating uct portfolio for Pakistani buyers; nicate with the youth and provide are given the opportunity to de- consumers. addressing today’s highly-de- Pakistanis in staying connected, camera and Ultra HD fea- and has launched more than 20 them with a source of complete liver that promise by offering the Committed to Pakistani mar- manding mobile-first world. and to pursue opportunities for ture, was the first to launch models in the local market in the entertainment. ultimate smartphone that allows ket, OPPO has sales offices and “OPPO is an industry leader in social and developmental ad- “Selfie Expert” with 16MP past 3 years. The product portfo- OPPO also joined hands with you to create memories from your networks in all major cities the Selfie Revolution with the re- vances. SPECIALREPORT The News IX Friday, June 2, 2017 THEPOWEROFDIGITALPAKISTAN Pakistan Software Export Board Unleashing Pakistan’s IT potential globally akistan Soft- space cost for them. tional exhibitions with IT PSEB has organized IT dele- ware Export * Provide protocol, host- companies which generated gations to United Kingdom Board (PSEB) ing and matchmaking facili- more than thousand leads. and Canada. is a body under ties for foreign delegates Many MoUs have been PSEB actively supports Ministry of IT and investors. signed by IT companies all local initiatives intended with the man- * Establish a web portal through participation in in- to bolster IT industry and in Pdate to promote and to grow for customers, investors and ternational exhibitions as this regard facilitates partic- Pakistan's IT exports. For companies, and prepare and Pakistani IT companies seek ipation of local IT compa- this purpose, PSEB has dif- disseminate marketing col- not only customers but also nies in local trade fairs and ferent initiatives for interna- lateral. look for opportunities for events. Local exhibitions tional marketing, infrastruc- * Build capacity of IT collaboration and partner- provide an ideal platform ture development, and companies by subsidizing ship. Many contracts rang- for Software and Informa- capacity building of IT com- costs of quality, security and ing from hundred thousand tion Technology firms to panies and graduates. The other international certifica- dollars to half a million dol- showcase their respective government realizes that it tions. lars have been generated by expertise, interact with has an important role in * Build capacity of IT IT companies through par- prospective customers and terms of providing a con- graduates by sponsoring ticipation in subsidized in- other stakeholders. In 2016- ducive environment to IT in- their internship and training ternational exhibitions. 17, PSEB and member com- dustry through infrastruc- in different IT companies. PSEB supports and en- panies participated in seven ture and HR development. courages outbound delega- local IT exhibitions which Government's incentives for Quick facts about Pak- tions comprising of local IT included ITCN Karachi, IT industry include zero in- istan's IT industry industry representatives to BYTES Islamabad, IDEAS come tax on IT exports till Pakistan's IT sector is create linkages with foreign Expo and RCCI Awards. June 2019, 100% equity own- one of the few segments in IT companies. These delega- PSEB also sponsored dif- ership allowed to foreign in- Pakistan's economy that has tions have represented Pak- ferent industry events in- vestors, 100% repatriation of demonstrated positive and istan's IT industry in many cluding PASHA ICT capital and dividends al- consistent year on year important markets such as lowed, and 7-year tax holi- growth in exports. Pakistan the USA, UK, Canada, day for venture capital has a vibrant and growing IT China and Malaysia funds. PSEB's core func- industry with more than over the past tions are summarized below: 2500 IT companies and more decade. In than 200,000 IT profession- J u n e * Undertake research and als with education and expe- lenor(r), and many others. have grown by 96% over the key international markets. istan to build an e-com- study regarding the state of rience in latest IT tools and Pakistani IT companies have last four years and are esti- Around $400 million was merce platform to further Future plans Pakistan's IT sector, and technologies. Pakistani IT received recognition and mated to have crossed $2.9 invested in different Pak- promote online business During 2016-17, IT remittances as propose strategies for sus- companies are providing awards at International billion a year at present in- istani technology startups in ventures. In May 2017, Al- tainable development of IT services to many large multi- events such as Asia Pacific cluding exports generated 2015-16 including Daraz.pk, ibaba signed an MoU with reported by State Bank of Pakistan industry. nationals as their clients. Information and Communi- by IT companies and free- Careem, Zameen.com, etc. Government of Pakistan have grown by 16.4% over previous year. * Analyze and take mea- Many international IT firms cation Technology Awards lancers. Total revenue of IT demonstrating the confi- for establishing its e- sures which have the poten- have established offices in (APICTA). Since 2010, Pak- industry including exports dence of investors in Pak- commerce operations This growth rate is higher than many other tial of enhancing exports of Pakistan including IBM(r), istan has won over 39 gold and domestic revenue is es- istan's tech startups. At the in Pakistan. software and IT services Cisco(r), Microsoft(r), Ora- and silver awards at APICTA timated to be around $3.4 World Economic Forum in exports sectors of Pakistan making IT one of the from Pakistan. cle(r), SAP(r), Teradata(r), in different categories in- billion a year at present. Davos, Switzerland in Jan- International * Register IT companies Mentor Graphics(r), Bent- cluding e-learning, e-health, Every possible step is being uary 2017, Devin Wenig, marketing fastest growing export sectors of Pakistan. For P a k i s t a n 2017-18, PSEB's goal is to grow IT remittances by Software Ex- Infrastructure development port Board ac- 20-25%. For this purpose, PSEB will hold seminars In the short term, PSEB has es- tively facili- tates new in different cities to educate companies and tablished 13 Software Technol- business de- ogy Parks (STPs) in Islamabad, v e l o p m e n t freelancers to report IT remittances correctly. PSEB will Rawalpindi, Lahore and Karachi for Pakistani also participate in different international exhibitions by signing MoUs with owners of IT compa- these buildings to provide office nies. Signifi- and delegations with IT companies in relevant countries space to IT companies. At pre- cant subsi- sent, 96 IT companies are oper- dies are to generate new leads and business for these ating in these STPs. In the long provided to companies. Based on interest from foreign customers, term, PSEB has leased lands in IT companies Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore to enable PSEB might also organize an international IT to build new IT parks. In Islam- them to ex- hibit in key In- conference in Pakistan. PSEB will also recognize the abad, PSEB will be building a ternational IT new IT park on 14.9 acres under exhibitions. Par- top IT exporters of Pakistan through its annual awards financing from Korea Eximbank ticipation in through the Economic Develop- PSEB subsidized ceremony. PSEB will certify more IT companies in ment Cooperation Fund international CMMI, ISO 27001, and ISO 20000. PSEB will also (EDCF). The IT park would ac- events has enabled commodate between 100-120 Pakistani IT compa- place 1,500 IT graduates as interns at different companies and is expected to be nies to generate valu- completed by 2020. PSEB is able leads and revenue in companies. For new IT park in Islamabad, also planning financing for more addition to improving Pak- design consultancy will be completed IT parks on its land in Karachi istan's perception as a viable and feasible destination for followed by selection of contractor and and Lahore. outsourcing. Since 2008, nearly 300 IT ground breaking. The work will also companies have been facili- in Pakistan and extend max- ley(r), S&P Global(r), Cik- e-government, security, sup- extended to enhance Pak- CEO of eBay said, "It's (Pak- tated by PSEB through sub- start on feasibility study for a imum facilitation to them. lum(r) and many others indi- ply chain management, istan's IT exports which in- istan) the fastest growing (e- sidies to exhibit in local and 2016, PSEB fa- * Renovate buildings with cating strong confidence of startup, media, and financial cludes enhanced participa- commerce) market we have international IT exhibitions. cilitated an IT dele- second IT park on PSEB's sufficient space for IT com- the international players in applications. This is a testa- tion in international around the world. Anywhere Many companies have gen- gation for US Pakistan land in Karachi. panies to Software Technol- the competence of Pak- ment to the immense IT po- exhibitions, outbound and where wealth is growing and erated good leads from business opportunities con- ogy Parks (STPs) after sign- istan's IT workforce and en- tential of Pakistan. inbound delegations, confer- technology is being adopted, these international exhibi- ference in New York. The Awards, Lahore and Tele- ing agreements with their couraging investment poli- ences and seminars. En- e-commerce is being tions which convert to out- conference attracted many con 2016, Islamabad. landlords. cies of the government. Pakistan's IT exports - hanced focus is also being adopted like crazy." Like- sourcing, partnership, or in- representatives from US PSEB also organized the * Provide internet service Pakistani IT companies have A stellar growth placed on social media and wise, Jack Ma, Chairman Al- vestment opportunities companies as well as US- "PSEB IT Awards 2016" to at affordable rates to IT world's largest companies other media channels to en- ibaba Group expressed keen later. During 2016-17, PSEB based Pakistani en- recognize the top IT ex- companies inside STPs. amongst their clients includ- Pakistan's IT exports hance Pakistan's IT image in interest in investing in Pak- participated in five interna- trepreneurs. This year, porters of Pakistan. * Plan, finance and build ing Halliburton(r), Mo- new state of the art Software torola(r), GE(r), BMW(r), Technology Parks (STPs) in Toyota(r), Daimler Pakistan. Chrysler(r), AT&T(r), Voda- * Arrange for Pakistan's fone(r), e-Bay(r), Pepsi(r), IT companies to exhibit at Deutsche Telecom(r), domestic and international DHL(r), KPMG(r), ABN IT events to generate new Amro(r), NYSE(r), British leads and new opportunities Petroleum(r), Petronas(r), for business by subsidizing Caltex(r), Sears(r), Te-

Around $400 million was invested in different Pakistani technology startups in 2015-16 including Daraz.pk, Careem, Zameen.com, etc. demonstrating the confidence of investors in Pakistan's tech startups. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland in January 2017, Devin Wenig, CEO of eBay said, "It's (Pakistan) the fastest growing (e-commerce) market we have around the world. Anywhere where wealth is growing and technology is being adopted, e- commerce is being adopted like crazy." Likewise, Jack Ma, Chairman Alibaba Group expressed keen interest in investing in Pakistan to build an e-commerce platform to further promote online business ventures. In May 2017, Alibaba signed an MoU with Government of Pakistan for establishing its e- commerce operations in Pakistan. X The News SPECIALREPORT THEPOWEROFDIGITALPAKISTAN Friday, June 2, 2017 Megaplus - Master IT solution providers in a competitive market egaplus is one to look after and cater to manage requirements of end cals. Our passion of delivering resellers all over Pakistan which we automate end to extraordinary quality ser- of the largest various kinds of customer customers. In this BU we results for you as a client is through a team of profes- end operations of hospitals. vices. IT solution requirements and solutions. have executed lot of IT pro- the key where we put our ex- sional Channel Account Man- HACIMS incorporates HL7 We deliver innovative, effi- providers in There are primarily four jects successfully including pertise to exceed your expec- agers. that provides standard for the cient and state-of-the-art IT Pakistan with Business Units (BU) in the most recent 'Shahbaz tations. Megaplus is the Third business unit in exchange of data among services to businesses. Our extremelyM diversified busi- Megaplus with professional Sharif 115,000 Laptop largest and oldest partner of Megaplus is called 'Power worldwide healthcare com- team meets and exceeds cus- ness model, operating since and capable teams, looking Scheme' of 2017, which is ex- Dell EMC and has been given Control & Communication' puting applications. Several tomer's expectations by keep- 1994. With geographic pres- after the needs of our es- ecuted and completed in a the highest status of 'titanium' (PCC) where we are the dis- other standards are also used ing customers interest first ence in Pakistan, teemed and valuable cus- record period of 90 days. We partner for Dell EMC. We are tributors for Schneider Elec- in conjunction with HL7 such and foremost. Afghanistan, UAE, Kenya, tomers. First BU is our core are able to close high value also tier one partner of tric low throughout voltage as ICD-10 disease codes, ICD- Our expertise surpasses Malaysia and Singapore, business, where we work as a projects in time for our cus- Lenovo, Microsoft CSP products including circuit 10 procedure codes, LOINC, the norm of enterprise world, Megaplus is well positioned System Integrator (SI) and tomers from multiple verti- (Cloud Solution Provider) breakers, contactors, ACB, DICOM. HACIMS is offered where our experts have in- MCB, connectors, MCCB etc., on-premise as well as cloud depth knowledge and experi- Honeywell for fire alarm & hosted solution. We have over ence of delivering complex Asim Bukhari CEO Magaplus Pakistan fire detection systems, secu- 30 modules and they are de- solutions, which have helped rity & surveillance, and home ployed in various hospitals different organisations adapt and HP MPS (Managed Print automation & VIRDI - a lead- throughout Pakistan running to rapidly evolving industry Services) where we cater ing Korean brand in Biometric successfully. trends and technology inte- printing needs and require- (finger print & face recogni- Our vision and mission in gration. ments of our customers and tion) & Access Control sys- Megaplus is to be the first Megaplus understands the provide customised printing tems. choice as the technology solu- pressures that today's man- solutions at a fraction of a Our fourth BU deals in ap- tions provider for its clients in agement faces to increase cost compared to traditional plication development where different territories where customer service levels while photocopiers through re- we specialise in healthcare. Megaplus is operating. Our effectively controlling costs cently introduced HP A3 & A4 Megaplus has its own in-house exceptional team will make and keeping up with the latest size printers/copiers based on developed software - HACIMS this happen by delivering technology trends - and we HP's latest PageWide technol- (Hospital & Clinical Informa- above par solutions backed are here to help every step of ogy. We also work closely on tion Management System) in by innovative, consistent and the way. Cisco networking products and solutions, Polycom audio and video conferencing solu- tions, HP enterprise products, VMware virtualisation solu- Our vision tions, Huawei networking & and mission in Megaplus is to be data center solutions and Kaspersky & Sonicwall secu- the first choice as the technology rity solutions. solutions provider for its clients in In second business unit we are the distributors for Dell different territories where Megaplus Consumer & Commercial PC products, HP PC's/Notebooks, is operating. Our exceptional team Inkjet & Laser Printers & their will make this happen by delivering supplies, LENOCO PC's/Notebooks, tablets, Mi- above par solutions backed by crosoft OEM & Volume Li- cense (VL) software & En- innovative, consistent and Genuis wireless network products, where we stock and extraordinary quality services. sell these products to various

Kwick High Tech Solutions for smart living oT (Internet of Things) is team, who are dedicated to (Finger, iris, face detection), the future technology. provide the best services to and Payment Secure Access Exquisiteness of this ex- their customers. We have an Module (PSAM), connectivity pertise is that machine exclusive division for the with wifi, bluetooth, 2G/3G. shall interact or commu- Smart Card production. Our This solution is developed nicate with another ma- constituent is well-equipped to specially to those entities chineI to perform certain works. manufacture ATM Cards, which have the aim to provide Likewise, now the country's ad- Debit Cards, & Loyalty Cards 'one step ahead' service to ministration is switching them- etc. their customers. This artefact selves towards smart and safe Kwick High Tech & Solu- is very widespread in different cities. With this conception and tions (Pvt) Limited is undoubt- industries as it is a handy de- hypothesis, we can track each edly a ground-breaking organ- vice and easy to carry by the and every movement which can isation of Pakistan where they field staff. Its supplementary also be reordered for future ref- are providing comprehensive countenance of a battery pack erence. Under this development, Mohammad Waseem Rafi consultancy to their cus- installed in it, substantiate its the purpose is to assimilate Chief Executive Officer tomers and tailor-made solu- effectiveness further. The ma- transmission equipment and In- Kwick High Tech & Solutions tion according to their needs chine is a perfect solution for ternet of Things (IoT) knowledge (Pvt) Ltd. and requirements. They are countering terrorism and for in a reliable manner to accom- (VAS) which have proved to the pioneers in SIM and Plas- board security management. plish a city's resources. be a great success in this pro- tic Card manufacturing in Pak- All incoming immigrant's data We have made a successful ject. istan. shall be stored and verified deployment for the issuance Besides SIM manufactur- They have developed solu- through this solution. Its ear- and SIM re-verification project ing, we are also dedicated pro- tions for banking & financial lier version was already being Biometric Verification System fessionals in biometric & IT sector too. For banking and fi- depleted for the registration (BVS) (initiated on the direc- solutions. We have our own lu- nancial sector, they have de- of Internally Displaced Per- tives of PTA) in Pakistan. We minous software development veloped branchless banking sons. This solution is fully pro- have clinched a maximum of team, a group of dedicated solutions and mobile wallet. ficient and accomplished for market share. We have pro- hardware engineers, database Furthermore, they have devel- the disbursement of social vided front, mid & end tier so- administrators & network ad- oped biometric account open- payments in a very translu- lutions and a complete pack- ministrators for the server ing modules which have been cent manner. age to the telecom sector. end. We have a knack and su- deployed in various banks in This device can be utilised Besides the project of is- periority for providing solu- Pakistan. In order to counter as a high quality time and at- suance and re-verification of tions to our customers accord- AML &CFT, they have devel- tendance management sys- SIMs; we have also provided ing to their needs and oped complete counter trans- tem. This solution is copiously different menus & options for requirements. We have a com- actions module. A mobile wal- accomplished to process sub- their Value Added Services mitted customer service staff let is a way to carry your credit stance testimonies. This solu- card or debit card information tion is rugged &water & dust in a digital form on your mo- resistant. They have imple- bile device. Instead of using mented their own developed your physical plastic card to security algorithms. Now in make purchases, you can pay terms of smart & safe cities, with your smart phone or we have come up with differ- tablet. Here's an overview of ent solutions. In connection the benefits of mobile wallets with wide multiplicity of and how mobile wallet ser- smart and safe cities which vices generally work to make are amalgamated with their in-store purchases. Just hold IoT products, these artefacts your device to pay and make are now not the extravagance quick purchases in mobile but have become inevitability apps. No need to enter your of the advent e.on. The smart card info. An ideal solution for city challenge will address e-commerce and online shop- how emergent and evolving ping. They have further devel- transportation data, technolo- oped many desktop applica- gies, and applications can be tions for banking sector in integrated with prevailing sys- which biometric involvement tems in a city to address trans- played a key role for opening portation challenges. This an account. The biometric shall exhibit how advanced helps to authenticate the data and Intelligent Trans- record of the customer from portation Systems (ITS) tech- the national database. They nologies and applications can have used their solutions suc- be used to reduce congestion, cessfully for the disbursement keep travelers safe, protect of social payments too. the environment, respond to Now they are developing climate change, connect un- Enterprise Resource Planning derserved communities, and (ERP) which shall be catering support economic vitality. both small and medium enter- They are providing a wide prises along with corporate range of products along with enterprises. This ERP shall be their solutions. These include: catering to finance, human re- * SIM, Smart, Banking and source, sales & distribution, Plastic Cards Manufacturing inventory, commercial in solutions which customer profiling and * Biometrics (in Iris, Finger their record retention along Print etc.) solutions with Participated Tender up- * Handheld dation. Enterprise Resource * Desktop Planning expounds the delib- * Bluetooth eration that it should have a * Middleware solutions. large-scale query and data * Branchless banking & mo- handling competency and ca- bile wallet pacity. Normally ERPs are *ERP cogitated to gratify large enti- * Fleet management ties only but their ERP is de- * Asset tracking signed for modern busi- * Smart building nesses, both large and small * Supply chain management along with medium enter- * Smart energy prises. * Healthcare They, along with their wide * Smart agriculture (Improvi- range of biometric product sation of crop yield) line, have developed a hand- * Industrial automation held solution which is inte- * Fuel monitoring grated with biometric scanner * Smart transportation SPECIALREPORT The News XI Friday, June 2, 2017 THEPOWEROFDIGITALPAKISTAN Universal Service Fund: A journey towards sustainable development through ICTs f we want to make this great State of Pakistan “ happy and prosperous we USF Project “ICTs for Girls” is playing a should wholly and solely concentrate on the well- colossal role for knowledge enhancement and being of the people, and es- ultimately the financial independence of peciallyI of the masses and the poor.” - Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah women in Pakistan. Microsoft has For bridging the access gap, around a decade ago, many coun- collaborated in this project to provide training tries in South Asia, Latin America and Africa were running schemes to young girls which will empower and accredit for providing subsidy to private op- erators and bidding the subsidy on them to participate in socio-economic competitive basis to keep the cost development of the country and will bridge the as low as possible for proliferation of telecom services. There was a gender digital-divide. Through this program, great need in Pakistan to take the same initiative for bridging the dig- thousands of girls at Pakistan Baitulmal are ital divide and enabling the people of less privileged areas. So after a another major programme aims to extend the reach being trained at the state-of-the-art computer lot of groundwork, Ministry of In- labs under the coaching and training program. formation Technology in 2006 came of optic fiber connectivity to un-served Tehsils, so up with the idea of establishing This specialised program includes training on Universal Service Fund (USF) to that modern day information highways reach up to spread the benefits of the telecom coding, computing and communication skills revolution to all corners of the Tehsil level. USF is proud of the fact that more than country. This fund consists of con- 6,785 kms of optic fiber cable is being laid to coupled with coaching from industry experts. tributions (1.5% of adjusted rev- enues) by the Telecom Operators connect un-served tehsils. The 2nd wave of this program is covering girl’s with no Government funding in- ‘s schools in Islamabad to provide digital volved. USF in Pakistan proved this per- years, due to the constant efforts of There was also a general belief ception completely wrong. In a Minister for IT, Anusha Rahman, learning to thousands of students in one cycle. that initiatives taken by public sec- very short period of time, USF put USF has been able to create a dras- tor in Pakistan used to be either too in its best efforts to ensure that its tic and unprecedented digital revo- Through this programme, computer labs will short-sighted or did not sustain for innovative structure and efficient lution in the country. The Minister long due to lack of funds and weak execution process becomes a role- of IT has been the torchbearer of be established in 226 schools and implementation procedure. The es- USFmodel for many other countries to translating Prime Minister’s vision tablishment and management of follow. Specially in the past 04 for a “Digital Pakistan” and has en- approximately 110,000 students and 200 teachers will be provided training by Microsoft. The aim of this program is to increase the employability potential of girls, so that they are financially empowered to take care of their families in future

ership, bureaucrats, technocrats, services to the unserved Mauzas private sector and consumer across the country. After the is- groups in the board has enabled the suance of 3G/4G licenses by the company to implement an overall Federal Government, this pro- effective, well-balanced and trans- gramme was redesigned to include parent system. the broadband equivalent data (in- The very fact that USF has ternet) services as a compulsory abled USF to transform the lives of balanced between four members made a remarkable difference dur- component. For new projects, people of the country. from the government and four from ing the past few years in the lives of powering of telecommunication For those who might not be the private sector. CEO is the ninth people across the country is very site through solar energy was also aware, the structure of USF Co (a director of the Board. The most in- satisfying. Through the broadband made a part of each project. Since Public Private Partnership) is one teresting aspect of the composition for Sustainable Development Pro- 2013, services are being provided in of a kind. USF has an independent of USF Board is its diversification. gramme, USF has been aggres- Kalat, Sibi, Zhob, Shangla, Board of Directors which is equally Representation of the political lead- sively working to provide telecom Continued on page XIV XII The News SPECIALREPORT THEPOWEROFDIGITALPAKISTAN Friday, June 2, 2017 Falling in love with Scandinavian Design

- the story behindfunctionality of the each part. Otherwise, new Nokia smartphonesHow do you discover those irra- Raun Forsyth and Alasdair Mcphail, design you will affect the performance. Take tional desires? the antenna, for example. We have We conduct a lot of research. It is directors at HMD Global, led the team behind the seen in the past how disappointing the not about asking people to tell us what user experience can be when design is smartphone designs they want. We new Nokia smartphones - the Nokia 3, Nokia 5 and the only driver behind repositioning it. want to find out more about the other So we worked with our experienced brands and products they like. Then engineers to create a beautifully plain we use our knowledge of consumer Nokia 6. Here they take us behind the scenes for an back panel by hiding the antenna lines behaviour to draw our own conclu- on the edge of the phone without neg- sions on the common factors behind intimate look into the design process from start to atively impacting the performance. those affections and the emotive trig- Scandinavian simplicity and purity gers they provide. finish, the principles of pure Scandinavian as opposed to complexity - reducing Talking about other brands and the unnecessary: If you take away products, what did you draw your in- what's not essential from a device, the spiration from? simplicity and functionality, staying true to the features that remain are naturally bet- Coming from our roots, we draw in- ter quality as there is more attention spiration from the minimalism and Nokia design heritage, and what it means to add and space for them. Think about For- simplicity of Scandinavian design and mula One racing cars - the engine is architecture. The most iconic object purpose to beautiful design. now part of the chassis, it is all in one for us is the wavy glass vase by Scan- piece, reduced and simplified. And dinavian architect and designer Alvar they have never been more powerful. Aalto. His pieces are simple but also How does the creative process work separately in a lot of organisa- Also, let's be honest, the more super- memorable and confident in their begin? tions but we work together. Phones fluous parts you can remove, the less piecing together separate parts to cre- Not everyone has the same prefer- uniqueness. It all started with a strong team vi- have such intricate internals that you chance there is for quality issues. And ate a shell results in a higher risk of ences when it comes to the size, We also look at popular fashion. We sion, we got together with one goal - to cannot design the exterior without un- by focussing on essential features, you them breaking apart and disrupting weight, shape and colour of their noticed that copper, for example, is create something mind-blowing. As a derstanding the can reduce the overall size of the the structural integrity - not something smartphones. So instead of trying to making a subtle comeback into house- newly established product team, we smartphone too. we were prepared to compromise on. get it almost right for the largest set of ware as part of the trend for natural began by drawing on our inti- So we invested in a metal unibody - consumers, we decided to get it ex- metal colours to be incorporated into mate understanding of Design with pur- each Nokia smartphone is carved from actly right for everyone by creating a everyday fashion. The metal colours Nokia's brand heritage and pose: When deciding a single block of aluminium, a process portfolio. we are using are honest and natural, defining a solid common vi- which materials to which takes 12 hours per unit. And First, we focused on creating a natu- avoiding the bright cheap metals sion for what we are heading use for the chassis, we with the shell being made out of a ral, pebble-like, soft ergonomic form which could be perceived as Christ- towards. started by determin- solid metal block, we didn't need to factor. It is a very human shape and al- mas decorations. Another colour we The goal was to deliver ing what qualities are add a supporting structure inside to though it takes a lot longer to manufac- used was the colour of tempered steel fantastically durable and most important to us hold the parts together which reduced ture than a flat line, we were deter- - when heated to 600 degrees, steel smart devices that are at the and the Nokia users. the space requirements and resulted in mined to invest in it to trigger that turns a very deep, rich, silky blue. This same time so beautiful that We wanted phones the compact size we were looking for. emotive response we all have to natural colour also triggers pleasant familiar- you fall in love with them. which are solid, Excellence in visual mechanics: objects. Emotions are not easily mea- ity from its resemblance to the dark However, we believe that durable and feel good People buy on emotions. We can't help surable and certainly not logical but it denim and deep blue leather goods love develops over time. in the hand. Metal pro- but react to how the look of something has taken us many years of experience Italian fashion houses featured in their Whilst others try to trap your vides durability but makes us feel. That is why, often, in the industry to know what triggers recent collections. attention with shiny, over-the- beauty overrides logic - consumers are them. And we are willing to break the top designs, we take a more known to choose the aesthetically rules and invest in those subtle features, Concluding remarks understated approach. Our pleasing device over the supercom- like the pebble shape, which our cus- Things we are fighting for as de- smartphones will not blind puter. It's a hard-balancing act to fit tomers may not even realise are there in signers are not logical, some of our you, they will just keep de- performance into a shell designed in the first instance. However, it is these choices may, to the untrained eye, lighting you as you use them isolation, which is why we work from features that will make them fall in love look the same and cost more. How- until you end up in love, the the outset with engineering, making it with their phones over time. ever, those are the features which give gradual and undemanding possible to bundle functionality and Then, we experimented with de- a smartphone its emotional appeal. process it should be. usability with a sleek and beautiful de- signing ergonomics that stop short And we've learned when to break the sign. Once the bones of the structure from being completely rational - a rules. Even when phones sell, the de- What are your main de- are in the right place, we look at form shape that is ultra-cool, edgy and dif- sign team often doesn't get the kudos sign principles? and colours, the all-important visual ferent. With sharp machined side walls as people often assign the success to Get the bones right first - a side of things, to deliver the complete that could kill, this design has attitude, technical specifications. But it is easy thorough understanding of package. it is not trying to be loved. The smart- to get bored by the spec race so it is the fundamentals of what you You have chosen two very different phone makes a strong statement to time to give people real choice, and want to achieve. The design product form factors, what was the our customers who are looking for the only way to do that is through de- and engineering departments logic behind the choices? something meaningfully different. sign.

Xiaomi brings Redmi 4X to Pakistan in partnership with Smartlink Technologies i t h t h e Care Centers within the lead- to different accounts, remov- • Qualcomm Snapdragon launch of ing cities of Pakistan. ing the inconvenience of hav- 435 with (Octa-core 1.4GHz) R e d m i ing to log in and out on the • 4100mAh battery 4 X , Xi- Redmi 4X same app. With MIUI 8, users • 13MP camera with a o m i Redmi 4X features a full can also split their smart- PDAF; 5MP front camera d e m o n - metal body, is incredibly slim phones into two accounts. • 5-inch HD display Wstrates its commitment at just 8.65mm thick and This means that a different • Dual SIM (3-choose-2 to the market The weighs a mere 150g. password or fingerprint can hybrid SIM tray) world’s leading tech- Equipped with a 4100mAh allow users to access a dif- • LTE support nology company Xiaomi battery, Redmi 4X has an im- ferent home screen entirely, • 3GB RAM + 32GB Flash will launch Redmi 4X pressive standby time of up with different apps and data • Up to 128GB microSD in Pakistan on May to 18 days. It will be avail- that are completely indepen- expandable storage 20th 2017 through dis- able with 3GB RAM and dent. According to their • Rear fingerprint sensor tribution partner 32GB storage, so users can needs, users can choose to • Available in Black SmartLink Technology. multi-task more efficiently, merge certain data such as Xiaomi have disrupted while also having more the address book and call About Xiaomi the Pakistani smartphone space for apps and images. history. Xiaomi was founded in market when it unveiled Redmi 4X will be available Marketing Director of 2010 by serial entrepreneur Lei Jun based on the vision “innovation for everyone”. We believe that high-quality products built with cutting edge technology should be made accessible to everyone. We create remarkable hard- ware, software, and internet services for and with the help of our Mi fans. We in- corporate their feedback into our product range, which currently includes Mi and Redmi smartphones, Mi TVs and set-top boxes, Mi routers, and Mi Ecosystem products including smart home products, wearables and other accessories. With more than 70 million hand- sets sold in 2015, Xiaomi is expanding its footprint across the world to become a global brand.

About Smartlink Tech- nologies Established in 2016, Smartlink Technologies is a brainchild of a pool of pro- fessionals whose strong vi- sion and even stronger con- three smartphones, Mi Max, starting May 20th in black at Smartlink Technologies, viction paved the way for an Redmi 4A and Redmi Note 4 18,900 PKR. Ahmed Butt says, "Majority exclusive partnership with in February. It also brought The smartphones will be of the Pakistani consumers Xiaomi. We believe in reach- its amazing ecosystem prod- available offline across the prefer to purchase smart- ing out to both the low-end ucts such as Mi Band 2 and country and online at official phones remaining in this and the high-end consumers Mi Power Banks ranging mistore.pk and at authorized price bracket and thus this and still give out state-of-the- from 5,000 mAh to 20,000 online sales agents online bracket has always remained art and warranted products mAh. shops at Daraz.pk and a key market for all brands. at the best possible prices. With a considerable fan Yayvo.com. We have confidence that We live in an age where the growth in the country and Every Redmi 4X will ship Redmi 4X will be a hit within digital world meanders from with the help of Smartlink with MIUI 8 which builds in its own price bracket, as the smartphones to smart every- Technologies, Xiaomi was several technology break- smartphone surely outper- thing – we see it all around able to grab a strong throughs such as being able forms its competition in the us. Smartlink Technologies foothold within the country. to clone apps and manage market." strives to connect latest As promised, extending their multiple accounts on the The device will also be technology with modern and partners ‘consumer comes same phone. This means that available on SmartLink Tech- innovative sales techniques first’ philosophy, Smartlink users can have two instances nology’s online platform to change not only how Technologies will fulfill the of a messaging app on the starting May 1st 2017. brands are marketed but also requirement of Mi Customer same phone that correspond Key features of Redmi 4X: how they define themselves. SPECIALREPORT The News XIII Friday, June 2, 2017 THEPOWEROFDIGITALPAKISTAN National ICT R&D Fund: National Incubation Center Towards an innovation and trategically placed Islamabad in the heart of Pak- istan's capital, Is- commercialisation ecosystem lamabad, the Na- tional Incubation Center (NIC) is at Sthe pinnacle of developing a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, helping technol- ogy entrepreneurs to build sustainable products and companies. Launched officially by Minister Anusha Rehman, on February 07, 2017, NIC is Pak- istan's first of its kind innova- tion hub launched under the public-private partnership of Ministry of Information Tech- nology & Telecom, National ICT R&D Fun, Teamup & Jazz. With currently 21 startups in- cubated, NIC offers free of cost workspace, incubation, acceleration (the JAZZ XLR8 program), seed funding and access to 50M mobile cus- tomers. This innovation hub also offers tech entrepreneurs ac- cess to industry leaders and world-class mentors, who help in startups to realize National Incubation Center in their full potential. It also pro- Islamabad that provides busi- vides Pakistani startups with Launched officially by Minister Anusha ness support and access to the resources required to Rehman, on February 07, 2017, NIC is mentors and investment. build sustainable companies, Since 2014, Teamup has accel- which will boost the eco- Pakistan's first of its kind innovation erated multiple startups in ational ICT nomic growth of Pakistan. Pakistan, which have gone on R&D Fund is A comprehensive national level technical training International and local hub launched under the public-private to raise over multi million in the premier na- partners including FbStart, partnership of Ministry of Information capital, scaled their busi- tional institu- program for freelancers is also being launched this Google, Hult Prize, In- nesses, created over numer- tion which is vest2Innovate and Acumen Technology & Telecom, National ICT ous jobs and deepened their dedicated to- year which will train approximately 1 million Fund will be working with social and economic impact Nwards promoting an innova- NIC, to drive economic R&D Fun, Teamup & Jazz. With in the country. Teamup also freelancers within the span of 2 years. A nation-wide tion and research commer- growth in Pakistan through in- currently 21 startups incubated, NIC has 75+ mentors and several cialisation ecosystem across "ICT for Women Entrepreneurship Development novation in Information and investors in its network, who the country. The company is Communication Technology offers free of cost workspace, are all local and successful inspired by the magic that in- Program" has already been launched to tap the (ICT). Pakistani entrepreneurs dedi- formation and communica- Headed by Aamir Ibrahim, incubation, acceleration (the JAZZ cated to support innovative tion technologies have entrepreneurial potential of Pakistani women. The CEO, Jazz is laying the foun- startups in Pakistan. brought about in all our lives. dation of a sustainable tech XLR8 program), seed funding and In February, 5 startups It is focused towards making program will train a total of 500 women from across ecosystem, and using the NIC, namely; Madhunt, Anzen, Ma- Pakistan a player in the to provide resources and ex- access to 50M mobile customers. palytics, Getpayd, Helli, from knowledge economy by trans- the country. pertise to enable young en- ple, also seeks to ignite local celerate their businesses into the NIC, also a part of the Jazz trepreneurs to fulfill their po- entrepreneurship for the good sustainable companies- Im- xlr8 program, got an amazing Entrepreneurship Develop- tential and assist them in of the economy of Pakistan. pacting millions of lives every- opportunity to participate and ment Program" has already bringing sustainable eco- Headed and Co - founded day. showcase their products at been launched to tap the en- nomic growth to their com- by industry veterans Zouhair Teamup is building a the 4 Years From Now ( trepreneurial potential of Pak- munities. Khaliq and Parvez Abbasi, strong ecosystem for nurtur- 4YFN) 2017 at the Mobile istani women. The program This initiative is aligned Teamup is the managing part- ing innovation for startups in World Congress in Barcelona. will train a total of 500 women with VimpelCom's groupwide ner with Jazz for the National Pakistan with the goal to drive All teams had their respective from across the country. 'Make Your Mark' (MYM) pro- Incubation Center, a private sustainable economic growth, booths from where they were Taking cognisance of the gram which aims to help entity formed to help tech en- commercialize startups and able to promote themselves, remarkable pace at which shape the future of the young trepreneurs and pushing star- SMEs and empower them to exhibit their products, attract technology is transforming generation. The campaign, tups to greater heights by pro- grow through innovation and investors and network with our lives, the company has which aims to build technol- viding mentorship and design. other startups & corporates. identified specific horizontals ogy skills among the students linkages into the industry that Currently, Teamup is run- The startups managed to con- that will be the focus of its ef- and tech-literate young peo- will help these startups to ac- ning a 12-month program at nect with a lot of possible in- forts. This however does not vestors and potential partners inhibit its ability to fund pro- at the event for future syner- posals/projects from any gies. Minister Anusha Rah- other ICT centric domains. man, Veon Chairman Augie The priority thematic areas TPL Trakker & NIC Fabela, PTA Chairman Dr. are listed below: "The focus of TPL Trakker with NIC will be to provide selected start-ups Syed Ismail Shah, and CDFSO Artificial Intelligence/Big physical infrastructure; business, technological, and commercialization Aniqa Afzal were also present Data at the event. Internet of things support; cutting-edge research; networking and mentorship opportunities; The National Incubation Cloud/Cyber ecurity and enabling their successful graduation for investment matchmaking. Our Center mission statement di- Block chain rects us not only to "advance Shared economy vision places science and technology at the centre of developing a fast- knowledge" but also to train Virtual/Augmented reality growing, internationally competitive, and export-driven industrial tech sector. them to be the economic con- forming the company into a 1984. Over the last decade, it (IoT). Wearables, Implantables tributors of our country's Venture Capital (VC) fund fo- has funded 130 high quality A comprehensive national 3D/4D Printing TPL will identify key issues and challenges, set out strategic objectives and ecosystem. We feel proud to cused on fourth industrial technical projects worth more level technical training pro- Robotics targets, spread that knowledge amongst the wider entrepreneurial community have several international and wave technologies and by ad- than Rs 2 billion. The com- gram for freelancers is also Neurotech local partners who will be dressing gaps in the en- pany has also funded and ad- being launched this year at the pre-incubation phase and spell out a detailed action plan to realize the working with NIC to drive the trepreneurial ecosystem. It ministered the country's which will train approxi- National ICT R&D Fund is vision by handpicking start-ups along the key verticals identified and helping economic growth in Pakistan believes that a critical driver largest undergraduate schol- mately 1 million freelancers committed to play its part in through innovation in infor- of the knowledge economy is arship program worth about within the span of 2 years. A building a progressive and vi- them grow through capacity building, access to finance and access to mation and communication a robust startup ecosystem Rs 3.8 billion through which nation-wide "ICT for Women brant future for Pakistan. markets, both local & international. technology. which sets the pace for a more than 4000 students were holistic national transforma- awarded 4-year undergradu- tion. ate degree scholarships in ICT An innovation and com- related disciplines in some of mercialisation centric ecosys- the top universities of the tem is pivotal to the formation country. It has, over the years, of a knowledge economy. funded a series of programs Emerging technologies such and activities where emphasis as the ones highlighted in was given to achieve technical "The Fourth Industrial Revolu- excellence, innovation, and its tion"1 by Klaus Schwab are diffusion and positive impact disrupting and transforming on the economic growth of human life in many facets. the country and for the bene- Tech startups are the building fit of the society at large. blocks of this innovation and The company is now set- research commercialisation ting up a series of incubation ecosystem, and the resultant centres across the country to knowledge economy. The stir an entrepreneurial drive company has aligned itself amongst the young graduates. with these changing dynam- It has already setup a 21000 ics. Going forward, the com- sq. ft National Incubation Cen- pany will focus on commer- ter (NIC) at Islamabad, which cialisation and impact of will host 40 incubatees every funded projects and function year for the next five years. more like a Venture Capital Likewise, NICs are being (VC) Fund, which will con- setup, one each in Karachi, tinue to provide grants, but Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta with an emphasis on impact and would be inducting their of funded projects. first cohorts within the next The company was estab- few months. The company is lished in 2006 by the Federal also looking to set up centres government, under Section 42 of excellence in Fintech, of the Companies Ordinance, Robotics & Internet of Things

The priority thematic areas are listed below: Artificial Intelligence/Big Data Internet of things Cloud/Cyber ecurity Block chain Shared economy Virtual/Augmented reality Wearables, Implantables 3D/4D Printing Robotics Neurotech XIV The News SPECIALREPORT THEPOWEROFDIGITALPAKISTAN Friday, June 2, 2017

inistry of IT & new, it is fast gaining traction. The Telecom first for- Digital Pakistan Policy growth of e-commerce in Pakistan mulated National can have substantial results, as it IT Policy on Au- allows for business to be gener- gust 18, 2000. Presently ated, the economy to flourish and However, given more competitive practices to be Mthe augmented demand and MoIT, in-consultation established. Since the auction of growth for IT, it has become imper- 3G and 4G/LTE licenses, the e- ative to reformulate the National with relevant stakeholders, is commerce industry has had the IT Policy. One that takes into ac- opportunity to boost its extent count its increasingly transformed in the process of formulation of and businesses. role across all sectors of socio-eco- E-commerce is a major tool nomic development, their acceler- e-commerce regulatory framework towards positive development ated digitisation and transforma- of the country and Ministry of tional modernisation into for the proliferation of e-commerce IT, being an enabler towards IT integrated components of a holis- & Telecommunication sector tic knowledge based economy. eco-system to safeguard the users has taken the initiative to for- With this in mind, Ministry of IT & mulate an Inter-Ministerial Com- Telecom has endeavored to draft and merchants' trust and will mittee for a fast-track implemen- an updated Digital Pakistan Policy tation of this critical initiative. In document based on multi-stake- resolve longstanding barrier this regard, MoIT, as an enabler, holder model to rapidly transform through relevant stakeholders the IT and other sectors of econ- to growth of Pakistani such as SBP has approved regula- omy and to enhance economic tions regarding System Operators growth. In this regard, Ministry has e-commerce. (PSO) and Payment System engaged in consultations with all Providers (PSP). Another measure stakeholders (including various di- proposed by the IMC related to ef- visions, public and private organi- every address is unique and all in- forts on part of the Ministry of Fi- asations, P@SHA, civil society, ternet users can find valid internet nance (MoF) to improve Pakistan's Academia, provincial govern- addresses. Through this resolution, ranking on the Financial Action ments, IT & Telecom industries National Telecommunication Cor- Task Force (FATF) list from Grey and associations related to persons poration (NTC) is the manager for to White to enable entry to credi- with disabilities etc) were given internet registry Dot Pakistan. ble international players like Pay- foremost importance in the pro- The local language content in Pal. cess. The consultations were car- digital form has assumed a central Presently MoIT, in-consultation ried-out in the form of meetings, significance. IDN top-level domain with relevant stakeholders, is in workshops and seminars. Further- names like Dot Pakistan, will usher the process of formulation of e- more, working groups, having rep- into numerous opportunities and commerce regulatory framework resentation from relevant stake- benefits for internet users of Pak- for the proliferation of e-com- holders, were formulated for each By launching ccTLD istan by enabling them to establish merce eco-system to safeguard the key pillar of the draft policy and and use domains in their native users and merchants' trust and will different sessions of these working Dot Pakistan, internet languages and scripts. resolve longstanding barrier to groups were also held to attain cies, experience and credibility achieved by the Min- egation request for the inter- By launching ccTLD Dot Pak- growth of Pakistani e-commerce. their valuable input to draft the and become better positioned to istry of IT to prolif- accessibility for Urdu language net registry Dot Pakistan, in- istan, internet accessibility for The initial draft is finalised and policy document. Presently, this compete on the international erate the digitalisa- consultation with stake- Urdu language users will be revo- shared with relevant stakeholders Ministry is in the process of sub- stage. The draft Digital Pakistan tion and bridging users will be revolutionised as holders committee lutionised as IDNs in native lan- for their input. Once finalised, the mission of said policy document to Policy 2017 is available on Min- the digital divide in members from Academia, guage will facilitate internet navi- same will be incorporated in Na- ECC for its approval. istry's website for public views and Pakistan through IDNs in native language will Civil Society, Internet gation much easier. It will help tional E-Commerce Policy by the This Digital Policy document comments. promoting local Community, ISPAK, Na- local citizens to access web ad- Ministry of Commerce. will serve as the foundation pillars content. IT Minis- facilitate internet navigation tional Language Authori- dresses using Urdu language. A Memorandum of Understand- for the construction of a holistic Establishment of Dot Pak- ter, on various oc- ties, PASHA, PTA, Govern- IDNs posit an explicit advan- ing (MoU) between Alibaba Group, Digital Ecosystem with advanced istan casions, has lauded much easier. It will help local ments etc. tage in targeting local markets, China and Trade Development Au- concepts and components for the Internet Corporation for As- the efforts of team Pakistan has already suc- non- English speaking Internet thority of Pakistan (TDAP) is rapid delivery of next generation signed Names and Numbers MoIT, multi-stake- citizens to access web cessfully completed the prepa- users, and for local promotions. signed on May 13-14, 2017 during digital services, applications and (ICANN) Board has passed resolu- holder technical com- ration and evolution stages of Alongside, rising trend of E-com- Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's visit content. It will serve as an aggrega- tion on Internet Registry Dot Pak- mittee members on inter- addresses using Urdu ICANN Fast track for IDN merce in Pakistan will enormously to the Alibaba Headquarters in tor of demand for innovative digi- istan, through which local commu- net registry Dot Pakistan, ccTLDs. benefit from this development by Hangzhou, China. With the support tal services and as a supplier of nity of Pakistan will now be able to and team NTC on achieving this language. ICANN, the Internet Corpora- eliminating the language barriers. of the Alibaba Group and Ant Fi- data for value added services and register and use internet domains major internet governance initia- tion for Assigned Names and Num- nancial we hope to elevate our applications. It provides an oppor- in Pakistan's native languages and tive. bers, is responsible for managing E-commerce: local businesses to new heights tunity for local entrepreneurs and scripts. In December 2016, Ministry of and coordinating the Domain Even though the e-commerce and bring them into the realm of firms to acquire core competen- It is an important milestone IT and Telecom had processed del- Name System (DNS) to ensure that industry in Pakistan is relatively the e-commerce platform.

Continued from page XI entrepreneurs, students, females etc. Islamabad Chitral, Chagai,Universal Khuzdar, Awaran-Las- Service FundMoreover, with the use of ICTs, tele- bela, Kohistan, Dera Bugti and Kha- centres provide opportunities to fa- ran-Washuk Although, the field teams cilitate knowledge creation and shar- faced immense hurdles in laying in- ing and can also strengthen or frastructure in some areas but these replace the traditional system which iven the prefolia-City App projects started bearing fruits very was being used to acquire knowl- tion and expan- soon and telecom services are cur- edge. Services that have been sion of 4G/LTE/3G rently being provided in more than planned to be provided at these cen- network in the 10,000 villages. tres are Civil Registration Services country, National Second major landmark of USF is (Birth, Death, Marriage, Divorce, etc) InformationG Technology the successful execution of broad- in collaboration with NADRA, SIM Board attached department of band programme which aims to de- Verification and E-Services (E- Ministry of Information Tech- liver the social and economic benefits Health, E-Agriculture, E-Banking, E- nology and Telecommunica- of ICTs to the masses through afford- Education, E-Commerce and E- tion and Capital Development able broadband, thus helping to Tourism). Administration (CDA) joint ef- achieve Government’s objective of In short, all these initiatives along forts to empower the citizens breaking the poverty cycle and elimi- that around 741,229 broadband con- world. According to USF model, with innovative and futuristic ap- of Islamabad with indige- nating the social divide. It is pertinent nections have been provided in 552 these centres will provide public ac- proach of USF have enabled the citi- nously developed mobile ap- to mention here that broadband is cities and towns. cess to ICT services primarily for zens of Pakistan to reap maximum plication that not only can also a key element of the United Na- USF’s another major programme people in un-served and under-served benefits from ICTs. It is important to help them to explore city life tions Millennium Development Goals aims to extend the reach of optic areas of Pakistan. This project has mention here that what USF has but also equip each citizen (MDGs) on poverty reduction and is fiber connectivity to un-served immense potential to open avenues achieved so far would not have been with the direct access to law globally bringing a paradigm shift to Tehsils, so that modern day informa- enforcement agencies' and the way people run their lives. What tion highways reach up to Tehsil most critical emergency con- makes usage of broadband all the level. USF is proud of the fact that tact numbers based on user's more important is that it is transform- more than 6,785 kms of optic fiber GIS location. ing every facet of communications, cable is being laid to connect un- The first version of the from entertainment and telephone served tehsils. This mobile based applica- ATM services to delivery of vital services In order to not limit the utilisation  application is launched for tion will facilitate the citizens  Library like health care. More importantly, ac- of fund on broadband and optic fiber and visitors to have direct ac-  Bakery android based mobile cording to ‘The Lisbon Consensus’, services, USF adopted a novel ap- cess to the following informa-  Banks phones and ready for adopted at the 4th International proach by taking Information and tion based on their locations:  Lodging download at Google app Telecommunication Union, World Communication Technologies (ICTs)  Mosques store by searching "Islam- Telecommunication Policy Forum on to grass root level in the country.  History of Islamabad  Museums April 24, 2009, the intervention of gov- To execute all these projects, USF About Pakistan Car rental abad City App". It is also ernment for broadband penetration came across various challenges to   available for download  Metro Bus Stations  Amusement Parks was also endorsed. With broadband achieve the real objectives. Problems  Emergency Numbers  Laundry from NITB and CDA's web- creating such a huge impact on peo- such as security, accessibility of civic  Draw Route to destinations Pharmacy site as well. ples’ lives globally, USF launched amenities, power shortage, increase  Virtual Tours  Restaurants USF broadband programme in in cost (inflation, rupee exchange  Attractions  Embassy Such initiatives will lay 2nd/3rd tier un-served urban areas. rate), high operational expenses and Treasures Schools Special emphasis in this programme low revenue generation were faced in   down a foundation and a  CDA Complaint Manage-  Shopping Malls has been on educational institutions, implementation of USF programmes. ment System  Bus Stations step towards Smart City vi- where the subsidy winners are re- In order to form a future course of  Report a Crime  University sion of Ministry of IT and quired to set-up computer labs (Edu- action, USF has designed an innova-  Report Cyber Crime  Train Stations National IT Board. In near cational Broadband Centres), with tive plan so that people can seek in the fields of education, small busi- possible without the assistance of the  Gas stations  Lawyers future, National IT Board is broadband connectivity in all the maximum socio-economic benefits nesses, and health-care and gender Minister of IT, Anusha Rahman, who  Hospitals  Local Government Offices planning to connect differ- higher secondary schools and col- through ICTs. This objective will be empowerment. Also, global studies has left no stone un-turned to trigger Police Veterinary Care leges in their respective areas and achieved through the project ‘Estab- and practices have demonstrated sustainable development in the coun-   ent citizen centric services  Doctor  Travel Agency Community Broadband Centres for lishment of Telecentres’. In present that telecentres have a strong link try through the use of ICTs. With all  Art Gallery  and may more to come to this app as well. those who cannot afford to have their scenario, telecentres are becoming a with achievement of Millennium De- these inventive future plans, USF in- own computers. The success of this valued and recognised part of the de- velopment Goals (MDGs) and open tends to reach even greater heights in programme is evident from the fact velopment landscape all over the various business opportunities for years to come. REVAMPING of TIP Haripur On special directions and vision of  Rationalization and Reduction of  Introduction of e office in TIP (both MOS IT & Telecom, the following fi- temporary staff from 135 (as on at Haripur and Islamabad offices). nancial and administrative steps are 30.6.2016) to 55 ( April 2017) (sav-  Introduction of bio-metric atten- taken ings) dance system in TIP Factory Haripur  In compliance with BOD decision,  Administrative action against agita-  Fighting 64 court cases at various ju- all delegation of financial powers tors/theft including blacklisting dicial forums, including Supreme were withdrawn. MD signatory to them. Court. TIP bank accounts.  Change of ownership of bulk meters  Re-designed and launched new Web-  Strict financial monitoring and su- in T&T colony Haripur to PTCL (re- site of TIP. pervision of TIP accounts and pay- sulted in saving of Rs. 10 million per  After a break of five years, started ments month since September 2016). work on production of telephone  Streamlining of financial system and  Took over management of TIP Hous- sets. HR system ing Scheme. Freeze on activities Court Cases  Conversion of all on road TIP vehi- there  Total 64 Court Cases cles to PSO fleet cards (savings).  NAB arrest of six TIP employees (TIP is taking proactive approach  Condemnation of vehicles - Auction who carried out un-authorized bal- in courts for pending disputes lying of 24 vehicles- Rs.17.72 million) (in- Syed Khalid Gardezi loting of plots in TIP housing there for long periods of time and were come) Managing Director TIP scheme. not contested) SPECIALREPORT The News XV Friday, June 2, 2017 THEPOWEROFDIGITALPAKISTAN

NITB:i g i t a l Pak- hospital, email services, Focused citi- process of filling (internal visit government offices on and E-Governance istan, a step zen-facing applications and communication module), in- faster communication among t o w a r d s websites for quick citizen-to- ventory & procurement, different government depart- S m a r t Gov- government interaction and human resource manage- ments. On average around e r n a n c e dissemination of informa- ment, project management, 6.5 million visitors visit the t h r o u g h e - tion, SAP Financial System and finance planning & bud- GoP portal every year, which DGovernance. Pakistan (used by AGPR), capacity geting. This application is re- makes this the most effective is heading towards au- building programs for federal placing the traditional man- vehicles for citizen-govern- tomation on a lightning employees through e-learn- ual filing system by ment interaction. speed by developing ing, and revamping & empowering the government Given the pre-foliation and deploying multiple strengthening core ICT in- offices with digital environ- and expansion of 4G/LTE/3G solutions that are en- frastructure and resources ment for efficient, transpar- network in the country, Na- abling automation of for public sector organiza- ent, and effective disposal of tional Information Technol- processes and promot- tions; these are central to the work. E-office application is ogy Board and Capital Devel- ing transparency & effi- establishment of e-Gover- fully operational and de- opment Administration ciency of the system nance. ployed in nine (9) min- (CDA) joint efforts to em- through Information In alignment with the e- istries/divisions and nine (9) power the citizens of Islam- and Communication Governance objectives of departments whereas, six- abad with indigenously de- Technology (ICT) envi- Digital Pakistan, NITB had teen (16) ministries/divisions veloped mobile application ronment for government established a model of Smart and fourteen (14) depart- (Islamabad City App) that organisations. E-Gover- Governance which will ments are in the process of not only can help them to ex- nance is automating and clearly list out the verticals implementation. plore city life but also equip delivering government where intervention of ICT In the health sector, vari- each citizen with the direct services through inte- will play a vital role in uplift- ous initiatives under imple- access to law enforcement gration of various stand- ing the country towards digi- mentation are aligned with agencies' and most critical alone systems between tal environment. the Vision 2025. In this re- emergency contact numbers Government-to-Citizens Ministry of Information gard, automating hospital based on user's GIS location. (G2C), Government-to- Technology and Telecom is management workflows for This mobile based applica- Business (G2B), and taking different initiatives di- public sector hospitals is one tion will facilitate the citizens Government-to-Govern- rectly or through its attached of the key initiatives for a and visitors to have direct ac- ment (G2G) services. departments that will lead to- better and more efficient cess to the following infor- This integrated system wards: public service delivery. mation based on their loca- will lead towards bet- * Better efficiency in mass Under this initiative, Hospital tion ter delivery of govern- processing tasks and public Management Information ment services to citi- administration operations, System (HMIS) project has  History of Islamabad zens, i m p r o v e d web-based (internet or in- been deployed in Children  About Pakistan interactions with busi- tranet) applications can gen- Hospital at Pakistan Institute  Metro Bus Stations sustainability, interactivity all federal government admin- records from Law Enforce- tunities (females preferred) ness and industry, citi- erate savings on data collec- of Medical Sciences (PIMS)  Emergency Numbers and standardization of e-gov- istered hospitals with a cen- ment Agencies, marriage cer-
Health Care Services includ- zen empowerment tion and transmission, in Islamabad and Sheikh  Draw Route to destinations ernance activities, NITB will tral Patient Registration Sys- tificate / marital status, pass- ing hospitals and doctors through access to in- provision of information and Zayed Hospital in Lahore.  Attractions be establishing the frame- tem; Outpatient & port, Income and property for females formation, and more effi- communication with citizens This pilot project that pro-  Treasures works, policies, and standard- Specialties/Consultant, In-Pa- tax, senior citizen / old age
Lodging and hostel facilities  CDA Complaint Manage- ization for: tient & Emergency/Casualty, benefits and so on. for females ment System * IT Products/Services Pro- Operation Theatres, Intensive  Report a Crime curement Framework Care Unit (ICU), Diagnostic * E-women (Baytee):
E-jobs: Centralised portal to  Report Cyber Crime * IT Advisory Framework Information, Patient Billing & Strengthening the existing manage process of hiring - not  Gas stations * Enterprise Architect Income, Medical Stores & 'ICT for Girls' initiative of covered by FPSC - from place-  Hospitals Framework Pharmacy, Medical Record MOITT by providing a cross ment of job advertisement till  Police NITB will continue its ef- Management System; and platform app that can be used selection of the right candi-  Doctor forts in providing technical Clinical Laboratory Module to provide single interface to dates in federal government  Art Gallery expertise to federal govern- Provision of HR, Finance, Li- urban and rural female com- ministries and department,  ATM ment organizations in their brary, Helpdesk, Assets man- munity of Pakistan to have the profile management for job  Library process of revamping and agement system access to following services: seekers and employers, main-  Banks strengthening core ICT infras-
Advocacy on Women taining job seekers database  Lodging tructure and resources, estab- * E-citizen: Portal for Rights, Information on for future analysis.  Mosques lishing citizen facing portals cross-agency citizen-centric Laws, Rules & Regulations,
Smart Office: Automation  Museums and application. government information and
Search of business processes though  Car rental In 2017-18, NITB is going services. Provision (through
Academic Institutes, providing unified communica-  Amusement Parks to initiate the following pro- development or integration of schools, colleges, and uni- tion platform that includes  Pharmacy jects under e-governance to existing applications) of all versities better and more secure enter-  Restaurants facilitate citizens, businesses, basic citizen services through
Scholarship opportunities prise collaboration,  Embassy and government organiza- single portal and/or mobile for females email/messaging services,  Schools tions. app such as processes for get-
Career development and VoIP based text, audio and  Shopping Malls ting birth/death certificate, training opportunities for fe- video conferencing, paperless  Bus Stations * E-health: Promote "One domicile, CNIC, weapon regis- males faxing facility, and content  University Patient - One ID" by providing tration, driving license,
Jobs and internships oppor- management system.  Train Stations  Lawyers  Local Government Offices  Veterinary Care  Travel Agency  and may more to come The first version of the ap- plication is launched for an- droid based mobile phones and ready for download at Google store by searching "Islamabad City App". It is also available for download from NITB and CDA's web- site as well. Such Initiatives cient government man- and encourage sharing of motes the concept of "One will lay down a foundation agement. data within and between gov- Patient - One ID" for all fed- and a step towards Smart National Information ernments. eral government hospitals City vision of Ministry of IT Technology Board (NITB) * Improved citizen service will eventually be accessible and CDA. MoITT, NITB, and under the administrative con- delivery through well inte- to doctors and medical staff CDA are planning to connect trol of Ministry of Informa- grated and unified govern- in any government hospital different citizen centric ser- tion Technology and ment application by keeping to maintain a unified and up- vices to this app in the fu- Telecommunication (MoITT) complex government struc- to-date profile of patients for ture. is committed to implement- tures and relationships to- correct diagnosis and dis- NITB team, being a subject ing Federal Government of tally transparent to the citi- pensing the most suitable matter expert on ICT is provid- Pakistan's revolutionary e- zen. It will also facilitate the treatment. ing technical consultancy ser- Governance policies and vi- citizens to directly partici- The set of e-Governance vices to different federal gov- sionary approach in align- pate in system improvement. initiatives focusing on busi- ernment organizations in their ment with Digital Pakistan * Enhance transparency nesses and citizens is the key process of revamping and on highest priority. In this and accountability, reduce agenda of Government of strengthening core ICT infras- connection, goals and targets corruption, increases open- Pakistan (GoP). By develop- tructure and capacity building are clearly defined; and their ness and trust in government, ing websites, portals, and for e-readiness. These services progress is closely moni- and thus contributes to eco- agency specific applications, include but are not limited to tored. nomic policy objectives. Spe- NITB is facilitating the provi- requirement analysis, tender- Various arms of govern- cific impacts include reduced sion of necessary informa- ing for ICT services and equip- ment have made significant government spending tion required by citizens of ment, and technical assistance progress in deploying ICT through more effective pro- Pakistan and businesses. in preparing PC-I's. By provid- NITB has established and ing dedicated customer driven m a i n t a i n e d ICT based support and ser- www.pakistan.gov.pk, the vices, number of Federal Gov- gateway to the Government ernment Min- of Pakistan on internet that istries/Divisions/Organizations gives a common entry point have improved their ICT in- to websites/portals for all frastructure to meet the e- Federal Ministries/Divisions readiness requirement for e- and departments. These web- governance initiatives. sites and portal provide a In pursuance of Vision host of information specific 2025, a comprehensive plan to the concerned min- for e-learning based Human istry/division, citizen or busi- Resource Development in ICT ness relevant informa- to cater for the overall require- tion/rules/regulations, search ments of the Public Sector has of relevant contents, access been developed. Various train- to electronic or scanned ing programs for capacity forms/applications to down- building are in progress in- load, linkages with other rel- cluding elementary, advanced, evant sites, as well as e-mail and professional trainings in addresses and phone num- the field of ICT. In connection bers of concerned senior thereof, more than 6500 fed- government officials. eral government employees in During 2013-17, NITB has different disciplines of IT have successfully developed and been trained. Moreover, full deployed around 25 new support is being extended to websites/portals, 15 agency National Internship Program specific applications (like on- for the capacity building of line Grievance Management fresh IT graduates from the System for Overseas Pakista- universities nis at Wafaqi Mohtasib, On- line Complaint Management Other Success Stories under e-government initia- grams, transparency of deci- System for Ministry of Water
Online Grievance Manage- tives. These solutions can be sion-making processes by and Power, Citizen facing ex- ment System for Overseas categorised into both e-gov- making information accessi- ternal interface of FPSC por- Pakistanis. ernment and e-governance ble - publishing government tal,
Online Complaint Manage- solutions. Currently, several debates and minutes, bud- Web based System for PM ment System initiatives are being under- gets and expenditure state- Internship Program, Web-
National Internship Portal taken within the public sec- ments, outcomes and ratio- based International Investor
Online Case Tracking Sys- tor. The number of ICT pro- nales for key decisions, etc. and Visa System for Board of tem for Attorney General jects has increased over the E-office application, a Investment) and has ensured for Pakistan years resulting in adopting software to automate and e-mail access to all ministries
Work Visa Online Applica- application like e-Office (a digitise the common business and divisions. These initia- tion System for Board of project of National IT processes across all govern- tives have resulted in several Investment Board/Ministry of Informa- ment ministries, divisions, benefits like dissemination of tion Technology and Tele- and departments. e-Office ap- up-to-date information to cit- Plans for Future com), "e-Health" for federal plication computerise the izens without having them to To address the issues of

‘ XVI The News ‘ SPECIALREPORT THEPOWEROFDIGITALPAKISTAN Saturday, May 6, 2017 On the forefront: Our vision is Ufone set to change to be the leading and most admired telecom and ICT provider in and for Pakistan’. Being a Pakistani company Balochistan’s and also having ‘Pakistan’ in our name, we take it as our telecom ecosystem elecommunications established by the Government of Pak- responsibility to cater to customer’s needs and provide has affected human istan (Ministry of Information Technol- lives like no other ogy) in 2006 to spread the benefits of the them with the latest technologies available globally, technology. People are telecom revolution to all corners of Pak- better connected, bet- istan. USF promotes the development of building a ‘digital and connected Pakistan’. ter equipped and better telecommunication services in un- Tinformed than ever before. served and under-served areas through- Telecommunication technolo- out the length and breadth of the coun- gies have enabled people to find try. Machines (VTM) where the customers innovative solutions of the Balochistan and its cities have Message from PTCL today is a can pay their bills 24/7 at their own con- problems faced by developing presently been under the focus for new Dr Daniel Ritz venience. world and improve standards of projects related to deployment of optic modern and forward To serve our technology-savvy audi- living. fiber, rural telephony, broadband and e- President & CEO, PTCL ence, PTCL has improved its website, Pakistan, with over 139 million cellu- services. Of course, the development of launched PTCL touch mobile application lar subscribers, has been on the fore- ICT-enabled infrastructure in under- TCL has been serving this looking company that and increased the usage of the e-care and front of the ICT revolution and the initi- served areas will support the mega pro- nation for the past 70 years. social media channels. With these chan- ation of telecom services in the country. jects of CPEC in future. Starting as the Post & Tele- enjoys distinct nels the customers can see their orders, The ICT revolution has further propelled To date, Ufone has won 5 USF lots in graph Department in 1947, track them through the processes and see growth and innovation in many sectors. Baluchistan worth PKR 11.4 billion and today it serves as the coun- leadership in the ICT them fulfilled. Similarly, customers can The introduction of 3G/4G launch in 2 more lots are in awarding process. try’s communication nerve track their complaints, chat with the sup- Pakistan proved to be a key develop- Ufone has been rolling out services Pcentre, and is a part of the everyday life sector. Serving as the port executives online, see live usage of ment in this context. When formally under the Broadband for Sustainable of every Pakistani. It offers products and broadband package, payment of out- launched, it quenched the frantic need Development' (BSD) in different areas services including voice telephony, fixed communication standing dues etc. A centralised e-care of quick access to data and services, of Balochistan which include Sibi, Lo- and wireless broadband, Over-the-Top ap- team has also been established, whereby while also bridging the technological ralai, Killa Saifullah, Barkhan, Kalat, plications, digital television (Smart TV), backbone of the country-wide customers’ complaints re- gap between the developed and develop- Khuzdar, Chagai, Mashkhel, Awaran and carrier &‘ wholesale, satellite services and ceived through various electronic chan- ing countries. Lasbela districts. data centres, which serve the connectiv- country since nels are addressed promptly to the satis- Ufone, an Etisalat group company, The development projects of ity needs of millions of consumers and faction of our customers. has spearheaded this transformation. telecommunication infrastructure with businesses nationwide. Being an active inception, we are Bringing world class entertainment to Fully realising the potential of telecom the financing of USF is indispensable member of the Submarine Undersea our customers’ doorstep, PTCL became services, Ufone has focused on develop- towards the expansion and penetration Cable Network systems, the company en- in certain areas customers can now enjoy the only telecommunication company in ing the whole ecosystem to utilize this of ICT services across the country, espe- joys the status of ‘Carrier of Carriers’, high speed internet up to 100 Mbps. An- embarked upon the Pakistan to collaborate with Netflix, the technology with its innovative products cially in Balochistan which is likely to connecting Pakistan with the rest of the other step towards this strategy is the global internet television network. It has and services, be it aid disbursement to give a synergetic effect to China-Pak- world. massive network transformation project mission of being the also partnered with iflix, the world’s lead- flood or earthquake affectees or launch istan Economic Corridor (CPEC) along Our vision is ‘to be the leading and which has already been initiated since ing Subscription Video-on-Demand of affordable 3G handsets. with benefiting the people of the most admired telecom and ICT January 2017. With its completion, partner of choice for (SVoD) service for emerging markets and Balochistan, geographically the province by connecting them to a world provider in and for Pak- majority of our customers will Icflix, the Middle East and North Africa’s largest province of Pakistan, with a pop- of opportunities. istan’. Being a Pakistani be able to enjoy uninter- our customers. We leading Internet streaming service. These ulation of about 7.7 million, has the low- Ufone's focus on Balochistan ex- company and also hav- rupted internet with higher partnerships allow PTCL to provide its est number of mobile phone users. 46 tends beyond growing the telecom ser- ing ‘Pakistan’ in our speeds of 20 Mbps, 50 have focused our customers access to thousands of hours percent of Balochistan's population has vices network. Recognising that name, we take it as Mbps and 100 Mbps. of high quality streaming content which no access to either mobile, wireless or a Balochistan is home to a lot of unac- ‘our responsibility PTCL is the only energies and contains movies, dramas and contents for fixed line network. knowledged talented, Ufone chose two to cater to cus- telecommunication kids. PTCL also hosts caching servers for Expanding telecom services in gifted sportsmen from Balochistan last tomer’s needs and company that has the resources to deliver Google, YouTube and Daily Motion, offer- Balochistan is a priority of Ufone. Ufone year as brand ambassadors to highlight provide them with largest customer inter- ing a superior viewing experience. is currently present in about 275 cities their achievements. Fazal Mohammad, the latest technolo- action network with PTCL today is a modern and forward with largest coverage in the province 21, football player belonging to Khuzdar gies available glob- 190 plus company services to our looking company that enjoys distinct and plans on installing over 400 new and Hayat Achakzai, 33, a boxer from ally, building a ‘digi- owned shops across the leadership in the ICT sector. Serving as base transceiver stations (or mobile Quetta, both have triumphed in their tal and connected country. These shops fa- customers which they the communication backbone of the towers) to provide mobile 2G/3G ser- chosen fields. Pakistan’. cilitate customers with vari- country since inception, we are em- vices in remote areas. Ufone is committed to continue and Each action we take re- ety of services within their expect from us - that barked upon the mission of being the Ufone has extensive plans to further empower people in all areas of Pakistan volves around our customers reach. Recently, 79 selected shops partner of choice for our customers. We develop telecommunication infrastruc- by providing them with telecommunica- and in order to cater to the increasing de- across the country were rehabilitated to is the real success we have focused our energies and resources ture in the province. This will include tion technology, and broadening hori- mand for high speed internet, PTCL has provide customers with premium cus- to deliver services to our customers providing voice services and other value zons along with opening up new possi- made advanced broadband growth a key tomer care experience. These shops are are aiming towards. which they expect from us - that is the added services under 3G licenses. bilities for their growth and focus of its future direction. For instance, also equipped with the latest Virtual Teller real success we are aiming towards. Universal Service Fund (USF) was development.