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Online shopping booming in Pakistan during coronavirus lockdown

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LAHORE – As reported by the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA), internet consumption in Pakistan has increased by 15 percent since the last week as the fight against the coronavirus continues. It is safe to assume that this sizeable increase is largely due to a considerable amount of people across the Country working from home to help reduce the spread of this virus, following the advice from public health authorities.

As the situation gets more alarming day by day, safety and survival have become a primary concern for a vast majority of the population in Pakistan. This is also evident from the fact that since the outbreak was reported, people started stockpiling items of daily use in a fear that if the situation escalates towards a lockdown scenario or even a curfew in its extreme form, then access to items of daily use might become challenging.

This is not unique to Pakistan during a crisis, the phenomenon of panic buying was observed in many countries around the world since the virus was declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a global pandemic, with pictures of empty store shelves, stretched customer queues at hypermarkets and stories about the shortage of face masks, hand sanitizers, hygiene, and sanitisation products went viral on social media. 

In Pakistan, the Sindh government was first to declare a complete lockdown in the province which was recently upgraded to a strict curfew, restricting all forms of public transportation except the most essential ones recognized as exceptions in their official notification. Punjab, KPK and Baluchistan governments soon followed through, however, their current status is yet to be declared as a strict curfew.

In this situation, the public at large is most concerned about surviving through this difficult time while being isolated in their homes. A convenient e-commerce delivery system ensuring the safe and hygienic supply of food products and basic items of daily use at the customer’s doorstep can be the most ideal solution during this crisis, helping to reduce all forms of non-essential outside travel and averting any form of public panic or outcry. Unfortunately, supply chain logistics required to operate such an e-commerce delivery system for retail products has not yet been recognized under exceptions by the Sindh government and concern persists that other provinces might also plan accordingly, in case a strict curfew is declared by them too. 

Carrefour, operated in Pakistan by Majid Al Futtaim, recently introduced a mobile app to better serve its Pakistani customers. The new app brought shoppers across Lahore and Karachi a simple, digitised, and convenient mobile experience to shop for more than 5000 products offered through the newly launched Carrefour delivery app from the comfort of their homes. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Pakistan, online orders received through this app spiked sharply with a 70% increase per week, which reflected a major change in shopper preferences whereby a large number of customers preferred to use such a service to avoid the risk of stepping out of their homes.

Carrefour’s delivery team considered all precautions while delivering online orders such as wearing face masks, disposable gloves, disinfecting their clothes and vehicles after every order delivery, to protect themselves and the customers from spreading this virus. However, most recently the service had to be suspended in Karachi due to the imposition of curfew and because the delivery vehicles were not allowed to commute within the city by local law enforcement agencies since they were not listed under exceptions in the lockdown notification circulated by Sindh Government’s home department.

Online shopping has evolved in Pakistan at a rapid pace but has become critically important during this ongoing crisis. It appears to be an effective weapon to fight against the spread of this virus by averting public panic related to access and shortage of food supplies and other items of daily use. Major multinational retailers such as Carrefour Pakistan, who enjoy a wide public trust in following strict safety, hygiene and quality control protocols of international standards, should be supported and encouraged by the Government in all possible ways to maintain an efficient and consistent supply of daily use items directly to the customer’s doorstep to help implement the social distancing policy as advised by public health authorities, ensuring that shoppers are served with essential items of daily use right at their doorstep without having to step outside of their homes.

 

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Oppo A6 4G debuts in Pakistan with key upgrades in battery, performance, and camera

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LAHORE – OPPO, a global leader in smartphone devices, is thrilled to announce the launch of the OPPO A6 4G in Pakistan, which is now available for pre-order. The OPPO A6 4G features a long-lasting battery, powerful multitasking capabilities, and an advanced AI camera. It also comes with a 2-year warranty, reflecting OPPO’s commitment to providing reliable, high-quality smartphones to its users.

Power That Lasts All Day – Charge Once, Use Two Days

With a massive 7000mAh battery, the OPPO A6 4G only needs one charge to last up to two days. Stream videos, browse social media, or game without worrying about running out of power. Thanks to its reverse charging feature, the A6 4G can even power other devices on the go, acting as a portable power hub for earphones, smartwatches, or tablets etc. Its efficient power management keeps the battery healthy over time, ensuring consistent performance for all your daily activities.

Multitasking With Zero Lag
The OPPO A6 4G is built for seamless multitasking. Equipped with OPPO’s optimized ColorOS 15 and Snapdragon 685 4G chipset, the device enables smooth switching between apps, uninterrupted streaming, and efficient performance even under heavy workloads. To maximize performance, the OPPO A6 introduces the SuperCool VC System for enhanced heat dissipation and consistently smooth operation

Whether for work, study, or entertainment, the A6 4G ensures a fluid experience, keeping pace with the fast-moving lifestyle of today’s users.

Capture Smarter with AI Camera
The OPPO A6 4G’s AI-enhanced camera elevates photography to a new level, making flagship-level AI features accessible to all and helping users take stunning photos effortlessly. With AI Eraser, unwanted objects can be removed in a single tap, while Dual View Video lets you record from both front and rear cameras simultaneously. Not only this, but you can also capture breathtaking underwater shots or poolside adventures without additional gear, taking your photography to new depths.

With 50MP Main Camera, the phone also includes AI Portrait Retouching, AI Recompose, and AI Perfect Shot, ensuring sharper, well-composed, and professional-looking photos in any scenario. With these AI-powered tools and rugged design, the OPPO A6 4G is ready to turn every moment into a professional-grade memory, whether on land or under water.

Flagship-Inspired Design and Durability
The OPPO A6 4G combines sleek, modern design with exceptional durability, ensuring a worry-free experience through life’s daily adventures. Its refined unibody design offers a comfortable grip and a vibrant display, while SGS-certified IP66, IP68, and IP69 protection allows the device to endure everyday challenges.

“At OPPO, we believe cutting-edge technology should be accessible to everyone,” George Long, CEO of OPPO Pakistan, remarked. “The OPPO A6 4G ensures smooth performance and brings a premium design for every segment. We are proud to offer a device that combines long-lasting power, lag-free performance, and AI-powered photography—all backed by our commitment to quality.”

To make the user experience truly worry-free, OPPO offers a 2-year official warranty with the A6 4G, double the standard smartphone warranty available in the market. This extended protection reflects OPPO’s continued commitment to durability, quality, and after-sales excellence.

Availability
The OPPO A6 4G is now available in Aurora Gold and Sapphire Blue colors for pre-order in Pakistan, from OPPO’s official stores and online. So, grab the OPPO A6 4G now and experience power, performance, and style in one sleek package with 2-year warranty.

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Naseem Shah continues his partnership with TECNO for its upcoming Spark 40 series

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Lahore – TECNO has officially announced that Pakistan’s star fast bowler Naseem Shah will continue as the brand ambassador for its popular Spark 40 Series.

Known for his passion, determination, and youthful energy, Naseem Shah perfectly reflects the spirit of TECNO’s Spark series – bold, inspiring, and committed to excellence. Just as cricket fans admire Naseem for his dedication and fearless performances, young Pakistani consumers have embraced the Spark series for its innovative features, stylish designs, and exceptional value for money.

Carefully designed for the youth of Pakistan who seek both innovation and style, the Spark 40 Series features an ultra-slim and lightweight design for all-day comfort. The addition of 30W Magnetic Wireless Charging introduces a new level of convenience, offering fast, cable-free charging that fits seamlessly into modern lifestyles.

At its core is the world’s first MediaTek Helio G200 processor, delivering outstanding speed, efficiency, and smooth multitasking for gaming, streaming, and productivity. This performance is complemented by a 144Hz Ultra Bright 3D AMOLED Display with an impressive 4500-nit Peak Brightness, ensuring vibrant colors and fluid visuals even under direct sunlight.

Over the years, the Spark series has become one of the most loved smartphone ranges among Pakistan’s youth by offering advanced technology at accessible prices. With the upcoming Spark 40 Series, TECNO continues its mission to empower young users with smartphones that enhance productivity, inspire creativity, and elevate everyday life.

The official launch of the TECNO Spark 40 Series will take place on 15th August 2025. Stay tuned for more details on how TECNO is set to redefine the mid-range smartphone experience.

 

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IWMI for solar irrigation to protect Balochistan’s water resources

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ISLAMABAD – With groundwater levels of Balochistan declining and aquifers facing increasing stress, stakeholders have called for adopting clean energy solutions that not only reduce operational costs for farmers but also support the long-term resilience of water resources.

To help with this, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) introduced two new digital tools: Solar Suitability Mapping (SSM) and the Solar Irrigation Pump Sizing Tool (SIP-ST). These tools are designed to assist farmers and policymakers in making informed decisions about utilising solar power for irrigation.

The tools were introduced during two workshops held in Balochistan. These workshops were organised by IWMI with support from the European Union, the Government of Balochistan, and CGIAR’s Climate Action and Policy Innovation programs.

The first workshop focused on how solar-powered irrigation can replace expensive and harmful diesel or electric tubewells. Experts said solar energy is not just cheaper, it also helps the environment and can make farming more stable in the long term.

Dr Mohsin Hafeez from IWMI said, “Solar irrigation is more than just saving energy. It helps farmers deal with water shortages and climate change. But for this to work, we need strong cooperation between science, policy, and local communities.”

Dr Sardar Mohazzam from the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA) also spoke about the strong link between water and energy. He said switching to solar irrigation is a smart and necessary step for places like Balochistan that are facing serious resource problems.

The second workshop focused on using water more efficiently. With more than 90% of Pakistan’s freshwater going to agriculture, experts said it’s important to get the most benefit from every drop. IWMI shared its experience from Punjab and proposed building a similar Water Productivity Atlas for Balochistan.

Dr Muhammad Ashraf from IWMI said, “Data without action is useless. We want to give Balochistan the tools and knowledge it needs to build a better, more climate-friendly future.” The workshops ended with a clear message: solving the water crisis in Balochistan will take teamwork, strong data, and long-term planning.

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