Asiatic PR ایشیاٹک پبلک ریلیشنز

#Ufone offers additional balance - Another exciting offer for new and Port-In customers

2014-02-18T12:18:00.003+05:00

Karachi Feb 17, 2014: #Ufone, an #Etisalat group company and one of the leading telecom operators in the country has introduced an incredible offer for its new and port-in customers. Anyone who buys a new Ufone SIM or switches to network will receive balance of Rs.600. In line withthe ‘Customer First’ slogan; this is Ufone’s way of welcoming new members to the Ufone family.

Any customer, who buys a new Ufone SIM or switches to the Ufone network, will get additional balance of Rs.100 per month, once every month, on a minimum recharge of Rs. 100. The offer will continue for six months, hence giving the customer a benefit of Rs. 600 in total.

Speaking about this exciting offer, General Manager Marketing at Ufone, Taimur Cheema, said, “We consider our customers as the most important members of the Ufone family. Keeping that in mind, we have launched this lucrative offer to reward new customers so that they can benefit from our exceptional services while looking forward to earning more balance each month.”

“This offer is to remind our customers that they are a part of a network that believes in giving the best to the consumers. The offer will ensure peace of mind as new and port-in customers can look forward to enjoying Ufone services without worrying about their balance.” He added.

About Ufone: Ufone the leader in innovation is an Etisalat Group Company with its presence in all the major cities of Pakistan along with a comprehensive coverage across all major towns, villages and tehsil headquarters of the country. The company employs more than 3,850 people and operates with a network of more than 380 franchises and 23 company-owned customer service centers along with a distribution network of 150,000 outlets nationwide.

#HBL strengthens service excellence standards

2014-02-18T12:07:00.002+05:00

Karachi, February 17,2014: #HBL, Pakistan’s largest bank has taken strong initiatives towards strengthening their service excellence standards. They have collaborated with a leading global training company, UP! Your Service College, Singapore, to attain a licensed program. The objective of this program was to develop a customer-centric culture, upgrading service skills in view of world class service concepts and taking HBL’s mission of customer focus forward.

To commemorate this achievement, #HBL recently held a ceremony in Karachi to certify HBL Course Leaders of ‘Achieving Superior Service’. Present at the occasion were Aman Aziz Siddiqui, Head-Strategy and Investment, HBL, Ron Kaufman, Founder, Up Your Service College, Sima Kamil, head-Branch Banking, HBL, Tariq M Akbar, Head-Global Operations and Roofi Jamil, Head - Learning and Development Head South, HBL.

Mr. Aman Aziz Siddiqui while speaking at the ceremony, congratulated the Learning & Development division of the bank and the course leaders on achieving this milestone and stated that providing superior customer service at all levels serves as an integral platform towards achieving further growth and maintaining their leadership standpoint.

Ron Kaufman, the founder of founder of UP! Your Service College is one of the world’s most sought-after educators, consultants, and thought-leaders in the world of superior service and has enabled large organizations to excel in the service arena and rated as one of the world’s top 25 speakers and is author of more than 14 books.

The Bank has worked closely with Ron Kaufman, to inculcate a service culture throughout the organisation. Over a span of eighteen months HBL has successfully trained 7,700 staff members across the bank nationwide

#LG LAUNCHES NEW POCKET PHOTO WITH ENHANCED PORTABILITY

2014-02-18T12:00:00.000+05:00

The leaner Pocket Photo 2.0 is the perfect on-the-go companion

for customizing, printing and sharing images

Karachi, Feb. 14, 2014 –LG Electronics (LG) recently announced the launch of the Pocket Photo 2.0 (PD239) smart mobile printer. The deviceprovides wireless connectivity with NFC and Bluetooth, enabling users to print customized pictures from tablets and smartphones. It also offers a slimmer design and increased battery life. Compatible with Android, iOS and Windows Phone 8, the refreshingly versatile Pocket Photo 2.0 is an excellent travel companion. The stylish new model comes in sweet pink, jewel white and lime yellow.

“Printed photos have a sentimental appeal that digital images are not truly able to replicate,” said Mr. D.Y. Kim, President of LG Electronics, Gulf FZE. “Our Pocket Photo 2.0 embraces the emotional aspect of the printed photo while offering a level of portability and convenience that traditional film cameras just can’t match.We are confident that people will find the customization and sharing potential offered by this innovative product very exciting.”

The eye-pleasing LG Pocket Photo 2.0 is one of the smallest mobile photo printing devices on the market. With a width of just 20mm, the new model is 4mm thinner than its predecessor. Despite having a thinner body, the device provides longer battery life for more on-the-go fun. Moreover, the LG Pocket Photo 2.0 prints 5.1 x 7.6-cm (2 x 3-inch) pictures rendered at a crystal clear 313dpi – perfect for sharing or displaying. After downloading and installing the free editing app, users can connect their smartphone or tablet to the Pocket Photo 2.0 and begin printing immediately.

A Better App and Exceptional Social Integration

LG has also enhanced its editing app to let users experiment with an expanded range of customization options. A new set of filter effects has been added, as well as a clever frame augmentation feature. The upgraded app still boasts all of the favorites from the previous version, including the ability to embed QR codes on photographs. This feature has been praised by tech enthusiasts looking for a fast and simple way to connect a physical photograph with an online community or internet-based content. The creative and easy-to-use combination of app and device makes the Pocket Photo 2.0 an absolutely stellar tool for bringing family, friends and even perfect strangers together.

ZINK Printing Technology
The Pocket Photo 2.0 uses ZINK^® paper, eliminating the need for expensive ink cartridges. ZINK printing technology utilizes heat to activate the necessary color-forming chemistry. Compared to conventional printing processes, ZINK’s inkless paper system preserves images for longer and produces less smearing. Impressively, the Pocket Photo 2.0 can produce 30 ZINK paper prints on a single charge.

###

About LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company

The LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company is a global top player in televisions, monitors, commercial displays, audio video systems, personal computers and security systems. The company constantly pushes technological boundaries to create feature-rich devices with stylish designs that meet global consumer needs. LG's consumer products include OLED TV, Ultra HD TV, CINEMA 3D Smart TV, IPS monitors, home theater systems, Blu-ray Disc™ players, car audio video systems, mouse scanners and external storage devices. LG’s commercial products include digital signage, video conferencing systems and IP security cameras.

ایل جی نے جدید پورٹیبٹلی کاحامل نیاپاکٹ فوٹو پیش کردی

پاکٹ فوٹو 2.0 کسی بھی حالت میں تصاویر شیئر ، پرنٹ اور تخصیص کرنے کے لئے بہترین ساتھی ہے۔

کراچی، 14 فروری 2014: ایل جی الیکٹرونکس اپنے پاکٹ فوٹو 2.0 سمارٹ موبائل پرنٹر کے اجراء کا اعلان کردیا ہے۔ یہ ڈیوائس این ایف سی، اور بلوتوتھ کے ساتھ وائرلیس کنکٹیویٹی فراہم کرتی ہےجس کی بدولت صارفین اپنے ٹیبلٹس اور سمارٹ فون سے تصاویر کی تخصیص کرکے پرنٹ کرسکتے ہیں۔ یہ ڈیوائس اب سلمر ڈیزائن اور لمبی بیٹری لائف کے ساتھ پیش کی جارہی ہے۔ یہ انڈرائڈ، آئی او ایس اور ونڈوس فون 8 کے ساتھ ہم آہنگ ہے، تازہ ترین ورسٹائل پاکٹ فوٹو 2.0 ایک بہترین سفری ساتھی ہےاور یہ اسٹائلش نیا ماڈل خوبصورت پنک، جیول وہائٹ اور لائم پیلی رنگوں میں آرہی ہے۔

ڈی وائی کم، ایل جی الیکٹرونکس گلف ایف زیڈ ای کے صدر نے کہا ۔ طباعت شدہ تصاویرجذبات کی عکاس ہوتی ہیں جس کی جگہ لینے کی ڈیجیٹل تصاویر واقعی کے قابل نہیں ہیں ۔ہماری پاکٹ فوٹو 2.0 پرنٹ شدہ تصویر کے جذباتی پہلو کو قبول کرتے ہوئے ، پورٹیبلیٹی اور سہولت کوایک نئی سطح پیش کرتی ہےجس کا مقابلہ روایتی فلم کیمرے نہیں کرسکتے ۔ہم مطمئن ہیں ہے کہ لوگ اس جدید پروڈکٹ سے تصاویر میں حسب ضرورت تبدیلی اور شیئرنگ کی صلاحیت حاصل کرسکیں گے۔

یہ خوبصورت ایل جی پاکٹ 2.0 موبائل فوٹو پرنٹنگ ڈیوائسز میں سب سے چھوٹی ڈیوائس ہے جو اس وقت مارکیٹ میں دستیاب ہے۔ اس کی چوڑائی صرف 20 ملی میٹر اور موٹائی دوسرے ڈیوائسز کے مقابلے میں4 ایم ایم پتلا ہے۔ پتلی باڈی ہونے باوجود یہ ڈیوائس لمبی بیٹری ٹائم فراہم کرتی ہے۔ ایل جی پاکٹ فوٹو 2.0 تصاویر کو 2 بائی 3 انچ سائز میں 313 ڈی پی آئی میں صاف ترین پرنٹ کرتی ہے۔ فری ایڈیٹنگ اپلی کیشن کو ڈاون لوڈ اور انسٹال کرنے کے بعد صارفین اپنے سمارٹ فون یا ٹیبلٹ کو اس ڈیوائس کے ساتھ مربوط کرسکتے ہیں ۔

First winner of #Ufone, #British Council scholarship programme

2014-02-18T11:54:00.001+05:00

Ufone has recently partnered with British Council for a scholarship programme with prizes worth Rs.5 Million; Rs.1 million each will be given to five winners. Picture shows Israr Ahmed (2nd from left) the first prize winner receiving a cheque of Rs. 1 million from Ufone and British Council’s representatives.

یوفون نے حال ہی میں برٹش کونسل کے ساتھ50لاکھ مالیت کے ایک سکالر شپ پروگرام کے لئے شراکت کی ہے، اس پروگرام کے تحت 10 لاکھ روپے پانچ جیتنے والوں میں سے ہر ایک کو دیئے جائینگے۔ تصویر میں (دائیں سے چوتھے) پہلا انعام جیتنے والے اسرار احمد یوفون اور برٹش کونسل کے نمائندوں سے 10 لاکھ کا چیک وصول کر رہے ہیں۔

#Coca-Cola to support Karachi Literature Festival (#KLF) for second consecutive year

2014-02-08T12:34:00.000+05:00

#Coca-Cola to support Karachi Literature Festival (#KLF) for second consecutive year

Karachi, February 06, 2014: Coca-Cola Pakistan has signed an agreement with the organizers of the Karachi Literature Festival whereby the Company will be supporting the prestigious Festival again this year, after its sponsorship support to KLF in 2013. The highlight of the sponsorship package is the Coca-Cola Karachi Literature Festival Prize for the Best Non-fiction Work in English in 2013 by a Pakistani author, with an enhanced value over last year. Honorariums will also be given to the 3 judges of this Prize.

Read Full Story >>>

At the 5th Karachi Literature Festival which started off on February 07, the #KLF – #Coca-Cola Prize for the Best Non-Fiction Work in English

2014-02-08T12:26:00.001+05:00

At the 5^th Karachi Literature Festival which started off on February 07, the #KLF – #Coca-Cola Prize for the Best Non-Fiction Work in English by a Pakistani author was awarded to Osama Siddique for his book Pakistan’s Experience with Formal Law. Seen in the photo from the left are Ghazi Salahuddin, one of the judges, Ameena Saiyid, founder of the KLF, the award-winner Osama Siddique, Zohare Ali Shariff, CEO Asiatic Public Relations Network presenting the award on behalf of Coca-Cola Pakistan, and Asif Farrukhi, co-founder of KLF

Ufone and Buksh Foundation illuminating lives and homes

2014-02-06T17:00:00.001+05:00

Islamabad, February 4th, 2014: #Ufone, an #Etisalat group company, has collaborated with Buksh Foundation, a microfinance organization, to bring convenience through electricity by becoming a part of the latter’s ‘Lighting a Million Lives’ campaign. The pilot project has been initiated in two villages in Chiniot and through this campaign Ufone intends to facilitate the access and use of solar lighting devices among Pakistan’s rural communities as part of its CSR program.

Read Full Story >>>

A NEW BEGINNING OF TULLO WITH DR.AMIR LIAQUAT

2014-02-06T16:52:00.005+05:00

Wazir Ali Industries, one of the leading edible oil and fats company in Pakistan today announced the partnership of its leading brand Tullo with Dr. Amir Liaquat. As per agreement, Dr. Amir Liaquat has become the official Brand Ambassador for Tullo Cooking Oil & Banaspati. Picture shows Dr. Amir Liaquat addressing the media at the press conference along with Ms. Nida Parvez, Brand Manager Tullo.

Karachi, February 04, 2014: Wazir Ali Industries, one of the leading edible oil and fats company in Pakistan today announced the partnership of its leading brand Tullo with Dr. Amir Liaquat. As per agreement, Dr. Amir Liaquat has become the official Brand Ambassador for Tullo Cooking Oil & Banaspati.

Read Full Story >>>

LG’s PREMIUM, STYLISH APPLIANCES IMPRESSED AT CES 2014

2014-02-06T16:46:00.002+05:00

LG partners with top decorator and product designer Nate Berkus to expand LG studio presence

Karachi, February 04, 2013 — #LG Electronics (LG) showcased its stunning LG Studio premium kitchen appliance lineup at the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), held on Jan. 7-10 in Las Vegas.

Read Full Story >>>

LG’s PREMIUM, STYLISH APPLIANCES IMPRESSED AT CES 2014

2014-02-04T15:32:00.001+05:00

#LG’s PREMIUM, STYLISH APPLIANCES IMPRESSED AT CES 2014

LG partners with top decorator and product designer Nate Berkus to expand LG studio presence

Karachi, February 04, 2013 — LG Electronics (LG) showcased its stunning LG Studio premium kitchen appliance lineup at the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), held on Jan. 7-10 in Las Vegas.

LG Studio delivers a winning combination of ultra-premium styling and innovative technologies. This year, LG has joined forces with top decorator and product designer Nate Berkus to help position LG Studio both as a premium kitchen appliance solution and as a personalized addition to the home to truly make it the customer’s own.

Read Full Story >>>

LG ULTRA HD TVs TO OFFER NETFLIX IN ULTRA HD 4K

2014-02-03T14:26:00.003+05:00

LG ULTRA HD TVs TO OFFER NETFLIX IN ULTRA HD 4K

New webOS Smart TV platform perfect match for 4K streaming

Karachi, Feb. 1, 2014 — #LG #Electronics (LG) today announced that its broad new 2014 line of Ultra HD TVs with LG’s proprietary #webOS Smart TV platform will support content streaming in Ultra HD 4K from Netflix, the world’s leading Internet television network. In total, 12 new models comprise LG’s 2014 Ultra HD lineup, which will be demonstrated for the first time this week at the 2014 International CES^®.

Read Full Story >>>

Lenovo to buy Google's Motorola in China's largest tech deal

2014-02-03T14:23:00.001+05:00

#Lenovo to buy Google's Motorola in China's largest tech deal

(Reuters) - Lenovo Group said on Wednesday it agreed to buyGoogle Inc's Motorola handset division for $2.91 billion, in what is China's largest-ever tech deal as Lenovo buys its way into a heavily competitive U.S. handset market dominated by Apple Inc.

It is Lenovo's second major deal on U.S. soil in a week as the Chinese electronics company angles to get a foothold in major global computing markets. Lenovo last week said it would buy IBM's low-end server business for $2.3 billion.

Read Full Story >>>

Cheaper #smartphones: #Lenovo set to challenge Samsung, Micromax, Nokia & Apple in India

2014-02-03T14:19:00.000+05:00

Cheaper #smartphones: #Lenovo set to challenge Samsung, Micromax, Nokia & Apple in India

NEW DELHI: The competition in India's smartphone space could hot up further with Lenovo likely to emerge as a real threat to major players Samsung, Micromax, Nokia and Apple post the Chinese major's acquisition of Motorola Mobility, with consumers likely the biggest beneficiaries of cheaper devices with better features.

"We have ambitions of being a leading player in the PC+ space and Motorola Mobility will give us patents and technical talent that will be very relevant and helpful ..

#Byco Net Sales Up 240% - Refining Throughput Up by 511%

2014-02-03T14:08:00.002+05:00

#Byco Net Sales Up 240% - Refining Throughput Up by 511%

Karachi, February 01, 2014: #Byco #Petroleum Pakistan Limited continued its way to recovery after achievinga significant increase of Rs. 66,187 million for the year ended June 30, 2013. This compared to Rs. 19,453 million during the same period last year (SPLY) resulted in an increase of 240% in netsales. The momentous rise was made possible due to an increase in throughput of refining operations which saw 5.7 million barrels refined as compared to 0.95 million barrels in 2011-12, approximately 511% higher than same period last year. As a result, the Company earned a gross profit of Rs. 73 million during the year as

Read Full Story >>>

#Boeing Reports Record 2013 Revenue, EPS and Backlog and Provides 2014 Guidance

2014-01-31T12:32:00.001+05:00

#Boeing Reports Record 2013 Revenue, EPS and Backlog and Provides 2014 Guidance

Karachi, January, 30, 2014: The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) reported fourth-quarter revenue of $23.8 billion and core earnings per share (non-GAAP) that increased 29 percent* to $1.88, driven by strong performance across the company's businesses and higher deliveries. Fourth-quarter core operating earnings (non-GAAP) of $1.8 billion includes a $406 million non-cash charge to settle A-12 litigation dating back to 1991, retiring a longstanding risk to the company. Excluding the A-12 charge, fourth-quarter 2013 core operating earnings increased 22 percent* to $2.2 billion and core operating margin increased to 9.4 percent*. Core and GAAP earnings per share includes a charge of $0.34 per share related to A-12 partially offset by a benefit of $0.28 per share for a tax regulation change.

Read Full Story >>>

#Lenovo launches its first store in #Pakistan

2014-01-30T16:13:00.002+05:00

#Lenovo launches its first store in #Pakistan

· First Lenovo store in Pakistan located on Fazal-e-Haq road, Blue Area, Islamabad furthers company’s investment in the country

· Store offers all major Lenovo consumer and business products including laptops, convertibles and accessories

· Lenovo signs distribution deal with Computer Marketing Company (CMC) and Joss Computers

· Appoints Zahid Mahmoud as country lead

Islamabad, Pakistan, January 28, 2014: Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY), the world’s No.1 PC company, in association with PC House, launched its first exclusive Lenovo Store in Pakistan on January 1^st, 2014, to further its investment in the country. Located conveniently on Fazal-e-Haq road in the Blue Area of Islamabad, the store offers all major Lenovo products including the flagship Yoga, the world’s first 360-degree convertibles, as well as Lenovo’s rage of IDEA and THINK devices and accessories. In addition, the store is selling Lenovo’s game-changing multimode Yoga Tablets.

Read Full Story >>>

Branchless Banking Transactions Hit Rs. 224 Billion During July-Sep 2013

2014-01-28T13:55:00.002+05:00

#Branchless #Banking Transactions Hit Rs. 224 Billion During July-Sep 2013

Branchless banking transactions crossed 52 million mark during July-September 2013, which led total value of transactions to reach Rs. 224 billion showing 16% growth in numbers and a notable 29% growth in value during the quarter, said State Bank of Pakistan.

The network of agents facilitating the BB industry across the country reached 110,214 agents, however, most of the growth – both in transaction number and value – came from shared agents than exclusive agents.

During the period under review, 355,574 new accounts were opened and the cumulative BB accounts grew to 2.97 million, said the state bank.

Increased market competition is prompting the new players to strongly pursue market share while early providers are introducing strategies to stay ahead. Cumulatively in terms of volume of transactions, the new players captured a share of 11.3% of total transactions in the market (4% more share than last quarter), while EasyPaisa and Omni remained market leaders with shares of 61% and 28% respectively.

M-wallet deposits‘ value of BB players currently stood at Rs. 2.32 billion. Compared to last quarter, the deposits witnessed an overall reduction of Rs. 71.5 million, particularly from level 0 accounts whose deposits shrunk by 33%.

The withdrawals were mainly attributed to G2P payments made in June and July 2013 under the Income Support Program as well as seasonal outflow related to Eid festivities during the month of August 2013.

Meanwhile, OTC transactions, with a share of 81% in overall number of BB transactions still dominated over m-wallet transactions which have taken up a share of 14%. However, a slight pickup of 2% in m-wallets transactions in comparison to last quarter has been observed during July-September 2013.

Mobile top up payments with a share of 35% remained the largest contributor to the volume of m-wallet transactions. Further, utility bill payments via m-wallets sharply rose by more than 100% from last quarter after a key player incentivized these payments by waiving off the linked service charges.

With each new quarter, the branchless banking industry is getting competitive; however its biggest test remains moving beyond money transfer and bills payments, and to accelerating registration and usage of customers‘ m-wallets.

The BB market, currently consisting of eight players, is gradually becoming competitive and innovative. According to the State Bank, international consultants from World Bank testified in a workshop held at SBP in December 2013 that SBP’s policy framework for BB and financial inclusion is in sync with the best approach for optimally managing linkages between financial inclusion and central banks’ traditionally core objectives of financial stability, financial integrity, and consumer protection.

Here are the key highlights again:

Indicators	Q3 2013	Q2 2013	Growth
Number of transactions during the quarter	51,914,000	44,760,000	16%
Value of transactions during the quarter	Rs. 224,024 Mln	Rs. 173,231 Mln	29%
Average Size of Transaction	Rs. 4,315	Rs. 3,870	11%
Average number of transaction per day	576,822	497,333	16%
Number of Accounts	2,966,306	2,642,941	12%
Number of Agents	110,214	93,862	11%
Deposits as of date	Rs. 2,230 Million	Rs. 2,391 Million	-3%

Share in Number of Transactions (July-Sep 13)

Volume of Transaction (PKR Million) (July-Sep 13)

Share in Number of Transactions (July-Sep 13)

Growth in Active BB Accounts (July-Sep 13)

Share of Accounts in Total Inactive Accounts (July-Sep 13)

#Smartphones Shipments Cross 1 Billion for the First Time in History in 2013

2014-01-28T11:47:00.001+05:00

#Smartphones Shipments Cross 1 Billion for the First Time in History in 2013

According to a new report by IDC, the number of smartphone shipments in 2013 reached one billion for the first time ever. Scales were tipped just above the golden figure, at 1.004 billion units. The total mobile phone sales also reached 1.82 billion.

The big names were responsible for the achievement. Samsung raked up most sales, selling a record 313.9 million smartphones, capturing 31.3% market share and marking a 42.9% year-on-year increase.

Apple remained second after it sold 153.4 million smartphones.

The Chinese giant, Huawei was third, managing to capture 4.9% of the market with 48.8 million phones sold. It along with LG and Lenovo was in for a tough battle, with the latter two selling 47.7 and 45.5 million smartphones respectively. Still, out of the three, Lenovo was a big winner with 91.7% increase in sales over last year.

The “Others” portion, which includes names as HTC and Nokia constituted for 39.3% of the smartphones sold worldwide, which is bigger than any single company right now.

The research firm also concluded that the biggest trends last year were the increase of display sizes and low cost phones. This was also the first year where the number of smartphones shipped was larger than that of feature-phones.

Smartphone Shipments and Market Share, 2013 (Units in Millions)

Vendor

2013 Shipment Volumes

2013 Market Share

2012 Shipment Volumes

2012 Market Share

Year-over-Year Change

Samsung

313.9

31.3%

219.7

30.3%

42.9%

Apple

153.4

15.3%

135.9

18.7%

12.9%

Huawei

48.8

4.9%

29.1

4.0%

67.5%

LG

47.7

4.8%

26.3

3.6%

81.1%

Lenovo

45.5

4.5%

23.7

3.3%

91.7%

Others

394.9

39.3%

290.5

40.1%

35.9%

Total

1,004.2

100.0%

725.3

100.0%

38.4%

Source - ProPakistani.pk

#Ufone introduces the very affordable ‘Super Sasta Package’

2014-01-27T17:12:00.003+05:00

#Ufone introduces the very affordable ‘Super Sasta Package’

Islamabad – January 27, 2014: #Ufone, an #Etisalat group company is yet again bringing an extremely competitive and pocket-friendly package for their valued customers. With Ufone Super Sasta package, Ufone prepaid customers can now make calls to any network in Pakistan at an unbelievably low rate of 90 paisa + tax per minute between midnight and 5:00 pm additionally from 5:00pm till midnight calls can be made for 90 paisa +tax per 30 seconds, without any daily charges.

The package can be availed by dialing *5678#.

At this moment, this is the industry’s lowest priced offer enabling customers to call any network across Pakistan including PTCL and Vfone. Ufone, which is considered and respected as a leader in innovation has also decided to add to the customers’ joy by making SMS charges to all local networks will at the most affordable rate of 90 paisa + tax/sms.

Taimur Faiz Cheema General Manager Marketing Ufone, says, “The launch of this package is yet another indicator to our highly valued customers that Ufone is and always will be all about the customer – a promise that the only local telecom operator in the country has always lived up to.”

Ufone has the simplest and most economical charging matrix in the cellular industry today. This new offer allows calls from Ufone to any Ufone, PTCL and Vfone numbers.

Fine Dining Restaurant showcasing World’s First LG 84” Ultra HD TV

2014-01-27T17:06:00.004+05:00

Fine Dining Restaurant showcasing World’s First #LG 84” Ultra HD TV
Lahore – January 27, 2014: In an initiative by LG Electronics Gulf FZE (Pakistan Office), Options restaurant has been installed with the LG 84” Ultra HD TV screen. In Pakistan, this is the first time this screen has been installed at a restaurant to provide customers with the unique experience of watching television on the world’s largest HDTV screen while enjoying their food and games. LG Electronics, a global leader in technology and consumer electronics, introduced this screen last year and is known for its quality and viewing experience.

At the inauguration of Options, which is a fine dining restaurant, along with a cafe, and which also consists of a 3D gaming zone, Mr. Michael Ha, Director, LG Electronics Pakistan personally met the customers and shared his comments. “We are thrilled by the response we have received by the customers who have shown a lot of enthusiasm for the 84” Ultra HD TV screening. As always here at LG, the customers are our main concern and we hope that through this initiative we are able to reach out to them.”

As the FIFA World Cup 2014 grows closer, customers are more than excited by this development. They have now found a place to come and watch the games together with their family and friends. The LG Ultra HD TV 84” screen also boasts astonishing picture quality, cinema 3D technology, a 2.2 speaker system, and four times the resolution (3840x2160) of existing HDTV screens.

Present at the venue, Dr. Kaisar Rafiq, Owner Options Restaurant also expressed his views. “The citizens of Lahore are showing great excitement towards this venture, and we are happy to provide them with this experience.”

LG Electronics plays an active role in world markets with its assertive global business policy. As a result, LG Electronics controls 114 local subsidiaries worldwide, with roughly 82,000 executives and employees.

Global, Tomorrow, Energy, Humanity and Technology are the pillars that LG is founded on. LG is focused on continuing to build a lasting relationship with, and achieving the highest satisfaction for our customers.

###

#Visa offers #cardholders in #Pakistan ‘life-time opportunity’ to experience 2014 #FIFA World Cup

2014-01-23T12:16:00.000+05:00

Visa offers cardholders in Pakistan ‘life-time opportunity’ to experience 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil

Promotion Exclusive to Visa Cardholders in Pakistan
One lucky winner will get all-expense paid trip to final match

Karachi, January 22, 2014:As part of its sponsorship of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil^TM Visa Inc., one of the world’s largest retail electronic payments networks, has launched a promotionto send one valued cardholder in Pakistan to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ final match, hosted at the Estádio do Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday 13 July 2014.

Read Full Story >>>

#Ufone & #BritishCouncil Partner to provide a scholarship programme

2014-01-23T12:09:00.003+05:00

#Ufone & #BritishCouncil Partner to provide a scholarship programme

Islamabad – January 23, 2014: Ufone, an Etisalat Group company, has partnered with British Council for a scholarship programme with prizes worth Rs.5 Million; Rs.1 million eachwill be given to five lucky winners. Any student who has taken the IELTS through British Council and aims to take admission in a university is eligible for participation. All they need to do is to SMS their registration code through their Ufone number to 3242 and will be given a quiz.

The quiz will comprise 10 questions and the top 10 scorers will be given topics which they will work on and then present to British Council. One winner will receive Rs.1 million for each cycle and this process will repeat five times for different test dates

Sobia Nadir, Senior Manager Segments at Ufone said, “We, at Ufone look to benefit the youth and this initiative is a prime example of this. It is also an honor for us that British Council has decided to choose Ufone for their very first Telecom partnership to provide scholarships to the youth of the country. We hope to see a large number of participants trying out their skills for this scholarship.”

Syeda GulZehraMarketing Manager – Examsat British Council, said, “The British Council encourages students aiming towards excellence and we put in an extra effort to help them through scholarships and other opportunities. By partnering with Ufone, which is also a youth-focused brand, we aim to provide scholarships while engaging them through their favourite platform – their phones.”

About Ufone: Ufone the leader in innovation is an Etisalat Group Company with its presence in all the major cities of Pakistan along with a comprehensive coverage across all major towns, villages and tehsil headquarters of the country. The company employs more than 3,850 people and operates with a network of more than 380 franchises and 23 company-owned customer service centers along with a distribution network of 150,000 outlets nationwide.

About British Council:British Council is the UK's international organization for educational opportunities and cultural relations and is represented in 100 countries worldwide. We are a major channel for the UK's public diplomacy in Pakistan - putting Pakistani people in touch with people in the UK. We work for the benefit of the individual and for the mutual benefit of Britain and Pakistan. We have been working in Pakistan since 1948, starting from a small office in Karachi. A strong focus on maintaining high quality of service has always been a benchmark of the British Council. This is the reason that thousands of policymakers , academics , researchers , artists , sportspeople , scientists , curators , creative entrepreneurs , head- and classroom teachers work through us with their counterparts in the UK to develop policy , professional standards and participation in Exams , English , the Arts , Education and civil society . In the process, they create new opportunities and possibilities for Pakistan and the UK

#HBL enters into strategic agreement with #Muller & Phipps #Pakistan for HBL Express – #Branchless #Banking

2014-01-21T12:17:00.002+05:00

#HBL enters into strategic agreement with #Muller & Phipps #Pakistan for HBL Express – #Branchless #Banking

Karachi , January 16,2014 In a ceremony held at HBL Plaza, Karachi, HBL signed a Branchless Banking Super Agency Agreement with Muller & Phipps Pakistan (Pvt) Limited (M&P), a multinational distribution company operating in Pakistan with a pool of around 78,000 retail outlets.

Present at the occasion Mr. Nauman Dar, President and CEOHBL, Mr. Kamran Nishat, Managing Director& CEO M&P, Mr. Faiq Sadiq, Head - Payment ServicesHBL, Mr. Azfar Jamal, Head - Branchless Banking HBL, Mr. Munaf Lakda, CFO M&P and other senior officials.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kamran Nishat expressed his confidence in this strategic agreement.and brought special attention on M&P’sability to cater to unbanked Pakistanis living in extremely remote areas. He stated, “The Branchless Banking market in Pakistan is growing positively but the success should not restrict us from losing sight of the broader vision; fosteringfinancial inclusionacross Pakistan.M&P believes that this will only be possible once the agent base is expanded in terms ofprofile and outreach.The growth has come with its own set of issues and there is a genuine need of open, independent and nationalagent network management services provider which is the key value proposition that M&P shall bringinto the ecosystem.”

Mr. Faiq Sadiq added to this and said, “There is no doubt that this agreement will allow HBL to achieve its goal of financially including Pakistan’s masses by providing access to reliable and cheap financial services. We hope to use this opportunity to provide access to capital to various unbanked areas of Pakistan”.

HBL Expressis currently providing convenient and reliable banking services to the unbanked masses at affordable prices through its agent network spread across Pakistan. The strategic partnership between these two entities is envisioned to further strengthenthe branchless banking industry and the financial inclusion ecosystem in Pakistan.

About HBL

HBL was the first commercial bank to be established in Pakistan in 1947. With a history that is inextricably linked with the history of Pakistan itself, HBL has always been a bank and a brand for the masses. Over the years, HBL has grown its branch network and become the largest private sector bank with over 1,500 branches and more than 1,200 ATMs across the country, servicing a customer base that exceeds 6 million relationships.HBL’s key areas of operation encompass product offerings and services in Retail Banking, Investment Banking, Commercial and Corporate Banking; of which HBL has the largest portfolio in Pakistan. SME and Agriculture lending programmes and banking services are also offered in urban and rural centres.

About Muller & Phipps

Muller and Phipps Pakistan (Pvt) Limited is the leading pan-Pakistan cross industry Market Expansion Services provider. Established in 1912 at Karachi, the organization draws on a history of 101 years of doing business in Pakistan. M&P support companies to grow their sales and market share by helping them enter, establish or expand their brand in Pakistan. Market Expansion Services comprise a spectrum of integrated market entry and development services that involve intensive customer interaction such as marketing, sales, logistics, warehousing, distribution, collection and after sales support. The organization is part of the Getz Group, which is the largest non-commodity international marketing and services company in the United States and has more than 80 locations in 36 countries.

Football legend #Pelé is #Emirates’ Global Ambassador - #Pelé visits #Dubai, home of Emirates

2014-01-21T11:55:00.003+05:00

Football legend #Pelé is #Emirates’ Global Ambassador - #Pelé visits #Dubai, home of Emirates

Karachi / Dubai, U.A.E, 17 January 2014 – Emirates airline, an Official FIFA Worldwide Partner, announced that Brazilian football legend Pelé will be one of its Global Ambassadors.

Coinciding with the highly-anticipated FIFA World Cup™, hosted this summer in Brazil, Emirates has partnered with Pelé on its global campaign to showcase the connections that Emirates creates between people, places and passions around the world - through its sponsorship of sports, as well as its operations as an airline.

The partnership was announced at a media conference in Dubai, which brought Pelé to the home of Emirates airline. As part of the agreement the two parties will work together on a number of initiatives over the coming months. This announcement marks the second time the airline

Read Full Story >>>

Harvard University professor Mehrotra to participate in ‘Cities and Us’ Pakistan Urban Forum

2014-01-06T15:29:00.000+05:00

Harvard University professor Mehrotra to participate in ‘Cities and Us’ Pakistan Urban Forum 'South Asian Cities Conference ’14 in Karachi'

Karachi, December 31, 2013: The organising committee of the upcoming ‘Cities and Us’ Pakistan Urban Forum-South Asian Cities Conference 2014 confirmed the participation of Harvard University professor, Rahul Mehrotra today.

The conference is scheduled to take place from 10th to 12th January 2014 in Karachi, with the inauguration ceremony to be held on 9th January. The mega event will bring together stakeholders from Pakistan itself,

Read Full Story >>>

Vendor	2013 Shipment Volumes	2013 Market Share	2012 Shipment Volumes	2012 Market Share	Year-over-Year Change
Samsung	313.9	31.3%	219.7	30.3%	42.9%
Apple	153.4	15.3%	135.9	18.7%	12.9%
Huawei	48.8	4.9%	29.1	4.0%	67.5%
LG	47.7	4.8%	26.3	3.6%	81.1%
Lenovo	45.5	4.5%	23.7	3.3%	91.7%
Others	394.9	39.3%	290.5	40.1%	35.9%
Total	1,004.2	100.0%	725.3	100.0%	38.4%