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Bank Alfalah & PayFast collaborate to disrupt online payments

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Bank Alfalah and PayFast have joined hands to enable MasterCard Payment Gateway Services (MPG) on PayFast’s payment gateway with the objective of transforming the financial services sector in Pakistan. The partnership will make PayFast the only payment gateway solution in Pakistan to offer multiple financial instrument acceptance i.e. bank accounts, mobile wallets and scheme cards such as UnionPay and now Visa and MasterCard.

With the COVID 19 pandemic, the need for digital payments has increased exponentially. This partnership between PayFast and Bank Alfalah will thus offer acceptance of domestic and international Visa & MasterCards to PayFast’s E-Commerce merchant’s ecosystem. The ambition is to make online payments seamless and frictionless for online shoppers.

Speaking about this partnership, Bank Alfalah representative Mr. Syed Muhammad Asif, Head of Unsecured Business, said “We at Bank Alfalah are pleased to collaborate with PayFast to branch out online payments further. This will help in creating a smooth and safe experience for digital transactions for users across the country, which will be a step forward in making cashless transactions more popular.”

Bank Alfalah is one of the largest private banks in Pakistan with a network of over 700 branches in more than 200 cities across Pakistan with an international presence in Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Bahrain and a representative office in the UAE. The Bank is owned and operated by the Abu Dhabi Group. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank partnered with the Bank in 2014 and holds a 15 percent stake in Bank Alfalah. The Bank provides financial solutions to consumers, corporations, institutions, and governments through a broad spectrum of products and services, including corporate and investment banking, consumer banking and credit, securities brokerage, commercial, SME, AgriFinance, Islamic Banking, and Asset Financing.

Mr. Adnan Ali, CEO, APPS, said, “Bank Alfalah shares the same vision with us for creating a cashless society and MPG integration with our Checkout will play a catalyst role in E-commerce payment acceptance. This partnership further diversifies payment methods of PayFast as we can also accept Visa and MasterCard Debit & Credit Cards for our online merchant partners. This will allow us to continue our quest in fighting cash and resolving the bottlenecks faced by merchants while embracing the digital era.”

The mission of PayFast is to create a digital payment platform and offer acceptance of multiple payment instruments, instant onboarding, Robust APIs and 24/7 ready support & request to pay/invoicing-based payments through a payment link. PayFast has also partnered with UnionPay International to innovate mobile payment in Pakistan by upgrading Bank’s Mobile Apps for QR & Contactless Payments.

 

 

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Zong Special Bundles for Hajj Pilgrims

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ISLAMABAD – Zong, Pakistan’s leading technology service enterprise, has launched customized bundles for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, aimed at ensuring seamless connectivity and uninterrupted communication for pilgrims throughout their sacred journey.

Zong ensures continuity through international roaming services, allowing pilgrims to continue using their existing Pakistan number while staying connected on Zong’s own network. With instant connectivity upon arrival at the airport, users can access communication services immediately and share important updates and cherished moments without disruption throughout their journey.

A key highlight of these bundles is seamless WhatsApp-based communication in Saudi Arabia, enabling pilgrims to stay connected with family and loved ones on their existing Zong number without any additional setup.

The bundle portfolio features the Saudi Arabia IR WhatsApp Offer (1 GB for PKR 1,374), Mini Hajj Bundle (2 GB, 10 mins, 10 SMS for PKR 1,500), and the Super Hajj Bundle (5 GB, 20 mins, 50 SMS for PKR 3,000). For higher-usage customers, the Mega Hajj Bundle provides 10 GB of data, an additional 2 GB for WhatsApp, 60 minutes, and 60 SMS for PKR 5,500. All bundles are valid for 30 days, ensuring reliable, convenient and uninterrupted communication throughout the pilgrimage.

Khurram Ishaq, Head of International Business, Zong, stated: “Supporting Pakistan’s pilgrims is a responsibility we hold close to our hearts. We’ve moved beyond standard offerings to design truly personalized bundles that reflect how families communicate today.

By prioritizing seamless, high-speed access for the apps pilgrims rely on most, such as WhatsApp, we are addressing the modern traveler’s need for convenience and peace of mind. We are proud to serve as the bridge that keeps our customers connected to home, allowing them to remain fully focused on this journey of a lifetime.”

Zong users can conveniently subscribe to these special bundles through the Zong website, My Zong App, or by dialing 310.

Through these specially curated offerings, Zong continues to drive Pakistan’s digital transformation agenda through innovative solutions and services, ensuring uninterrupted communication and a seamless experience for pilgrims.

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itel Energy showcases AI-powered solar solutions at Lahore expo

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LAHORE – itel Energy concluded its participation as a diamond sponsor at the Lahore Solar Expo 2026 on April 22, presenting a range of renewable energy solutions aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s energy resilience.

The three-day exhibition attracted industry professionals and technology enthusiasts, with the company using the platform to introduce its latest innovations in solar and energy storage technologies.

A key highlight of the showcase was the Sparta Series hybrid inverter, featuring an AI-based optimisation system branded as SmartGo AI. According to the company, the system monitors weather patterns and adjusts battery usage automatically to maintain uninterrupted power supply during adverse conditions.

itel Energy also presented its Power Series portable energy solutions, which it said are equipped with Grade A lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) cells designed to ensure durability and a lifespan of up to 10 years.

In addition, the company demonstrated its commercial and industrial (C&I) energy systems, including the IPX-51314SPT battery solution. The system is designed to support scalable energy storage, allowing businesses to expand backup capacity up to 768kWh.

Speaking at the event, itel Energy Vice-President Eason Duan said the company’s “Power Up Pakistan” initiative focuses on providing reliable and intelligent energy solutions to households and industries.

The company said its participation in the expo reflects a broader commitment to promoting sustainable energy adoption and supporting the country’s transition towards cleaner power sources.

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Saad Ali Qureshi launches USPBA Pakistan chapter to promote trade and investment

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LAHORE – The US–Pakistan Business Alliance (USPBA) was successfully launched under Chairman Saad Ali Qureshi, COO of Rustum Associates and Dynamic Constructors. This marks a key advancement in boosting bilateral trade, investment, and economic collaboration between Pakistan and the United States.

The newly formed alliance aims to create a dynamic platform that connects entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, and professionals from both countries. By fostering collaboration and building strategic partnerships, the alliance seeks to unlock new opportunities for trade expansion, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.
Addressing the launch ceremony, Chairman Saad Ali Qureshi emphasized the importance of stronger economic ties between Pakistan and the United States. He stated that the US–Pakistan Business Alliance will play a vital role in bridging the gap between the business communities of both nations and facilitating meaningful partnerships.

“The establishment of the US–Pakistan Business Alliance is a major milestone in strengthening commercial relations between Pakistan and the United States. Our mission is to empower entrepreneurs, promote investment opportunities, and create a supportive platform where businesses from both countries can collaborate and grow together,” said Saad Ali Qureshi.

He further added that the alliance will focus on encouraging cross-border investments, supporting startups and emerging businesses, and promoting innovation across various sectors, including technology, manufacturing, trade, and services.

The alliance also plans to organize international business forums, networking events, trade delegations, and policy dialogues aimed at bringing together business leaders, policymakers, and investors. These initiatives will help facilitate knowledge exchange, strengthen economic partnerships, and promote mutual understanding between the private sectors of both countries.

Business leaders, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders welcomed the launch of the alliance and expressed optimism that the platform will open new avenues for cooperation and create long-term opportunities for trade and investment. They noted that such initiatives are essential for building stronger economic bridges and enhancing global business connectivity.

The launch of the US–Pakistan Business Alliance is being viewed as a positive and forward-looking development that will contribute to the expansion of bilateral trade, encourage foreign investment, and strengthen long-term economic collaboration between Pakistan and the United States.

Through its initiatives and partnerships, the alliance aims to become a key platform for promoting business growth, supporting economic diplomacy, and fostering stronger commercial ties between the two nations.

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