logo
Meezan Bank rolls out ‘Visa Global eSIM'

Meezan Bank rolls out ‘Visa Global eSIM'

KARACHI: Meezan Bank becomes the first bank in the country to roll out Visa's latest digital innovation 'Visa Global eSIM' for its Visa Infinite Debit Cardholders.
Visa has introduced the Visa Global eSIM - an innovative digital connectivity solution for international travellers that eliminates the need for a physical SIM card, offering them seamless access to international data services.
Supported by Visa's robust backend infrastructure and broad device compatibility, this solution allows users to instantly switch mobile carriers and activate international data plans directly from their devices, without any physical SIM swap. As part of this offering, eligible Meezan Bank customers will also receive up to 3GB for 21 days of complimentary high-speed data access across more than 150 countries and 25% discount on any additional top-up purchases beyond free allocation.
Syed Iftikhar ul Haq Group Head, Consumer Finance, Meezan Bank, commented on the launch said that Meezan Bank has roll out this first-of-its-kind lifestyle benefit for the Pakistani market, offering our Visa Infinite Debit Cardholders a seamless and secure way to stay connected while travelling abroad.
With this launch, customers can avoid the inconvenience of purchasing local SIM cards or relying on unsecured public Wi-Fi networks. 'As the first bank in Pakistan to offer a global data roaming solution fully integrated into a premium debit card, Meezan Bank continues to enhance the international travel experience for its high-value customers', he added.
Umar Khan, Country Manager Pakistan & Afghanistan, Visa said that as international travel expands, staying connected securely and conveniently is more important than ever. By integrating Visa's Global eSIM into Meezan Bank's Visa Infinite Debit Card, we're enabling effortless global connectivity; without the need for physical SIMs or reliance on unsecured public Wi-Fi.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Internet firewall: Govt defends controversial rollout in NA
Internet firewall: Govt defends controversial rollout in NA

Business Recorder

timean hour ago

  • Business Recorder

Internet firewall: Govt defends controversial rollout in NA

ISLAMABAD: Amid fierce criticism over the multi-billion-rupee internet firewall installation, the federal government on Wednesday staunchly defended the controversial rollout, insisting it is essential to protect the country's digital infrastructure from escalating cybersecurity threats. In a written response to a question raised in National Assembly by MNA Muhammad Jawed Hanif Khan, the Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, emphasised the firewall's role in protecting citizens' data and complying with legal mandates under Article 19 of the Constitution. 'The internet is central to economic activity in the era of the fourth industrial revolution,' Khawaja said. 'Safeguarding the data of citizens, institutions, and entities is of paramount importance.' The firewall, quietly installed last year, blocks access to websites deemed objectionable under Pakistani law, including content violating morality, national security, or public order. Civil society groups and digital rights advocates have criticised the lack of transparency surrounding the firewall's deployment, warning it represents unprecedented surveillance rather than mere content filtering. Industry insiders say the firewall operates at upstream internet gateways, using deep packet inspection and traffic rerouting to monitor and restrict online content in real time. Users and service providers have noted disruptions, particularly on WhatsApp and Facebook, while IT businesses cite degraded connectivity. Officials describe the firewall as a 'web management upgrade,' but digital rights organisations like Bytes for All view it as a full-scale surveillance apparatus. The country's Internet infrastructure remains underdeveloped compared to regional peers, hampered by weak fibre networks and low broadband penetration. Critics argue the firewall prioritises governmental control over genuine cybersecurity improvements. Khawaja reiterated that the firewall is based on constitutional provisions allowing restrictions on freedom of expression for national security and public order, highlighting the government's commitment to protecting the country's digital space while navigating complex legal and ethical challenges. Separately, the House approved two amendments to criminal law removing the death penalty for tearing a woman's clothes and for contacting hijackers. The amendments, presented by Law Minister Azam Tarar in the National Assembly, are part of the Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill 2025. The first reduces punishment for tearing a woman's clothes, previously punishable by death under Section 354A – a provision introduced during late military dictator Gen Zia-ul-Haq's regime and criticised for misuse. 'The death penalty for this offence is being removed, and a lesser sentence imposed,' Tarar said. The second amendment abolishes the death penalty under Section 402C for anyone meeting or contacting hijacking suspects. This section was introduced under former president late Pervez Musharraf. The amendments faced opposition from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) MNA Aliya Kamran during the debate; however, the amendments were passed by a majority vote. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

PCA is ‘functionally weak with less strength': Chief Collector Customs
PCA is ‘functionally weak with less strength': Chief Collector Customs

Business Recorder

time2 hours ago

  • Business Recorder

PCA is ‘functionally weak with less strength': Chief Collector Customs

KARACHI: The Chief Collector of Customs Appraisement South, Jamil Nasir, has challenged the credibility of the Directorate of Post Clearance Audit (PCA), describing it as 'functionally weak with less strength'. Speaking at a press conference at Customs House Karachi on Tuesday, Nasir said that they wanted to strengthen PCA, which is currently weak with less strength, defending the performance of theFaceless Customs Assessment (FCA), system. The post-clearance audit reportedly accused the faceless system of facilitating tax evasion, under-invoicing, and money laundering activities. However, Nasir firmly disputed these claims, stating: 'the findings of money laundering and under-invoicing in the post-clearance audit are not correct.' The Chief Collector emphasised that his department has not yet received the audit report and will provide an appropriate response once it is formally submitted. Despite the audit concerns, Nasir expressed complete satisfaction with the FCA system's operational performance, citing significant improvements in customs clearance efficiency. Under the FCA system, 95 percent of Goods Declarations (GDs) are now being processed and cleared on the same day, a substantial improvement from previous manual processes. The Central Customs Appraisement Unit has extended its operational hours from 8:00 AM to midnight, processing between 1,500 to 2,000 GDs daily; hearing are now being conducted virtually, saving considerable time for importers and clearing agents, while laboratory samples receive same-day processing. The physical examination completion rates for Red Channel GDs have been increased dramatically from approximately 50 percent to 90 percent. Single-item GDs and those filed at off-dock terminals are achieving nearly 100 percent same-day completion rates. Nasir candidly acknowledged internal opposition to the FCA system, adding that there are deliberate attempts within the customs system to undermine the faceless system and other reforms. 'There are efforts being made to make this system fail within customs,' he said, describing the reforms as creating a 'paradigm shift in customs culture' that inevitably produces both supporters and opponents during the transformation process. Addressing specific concerns about vehicle clearances under expatriate Pakistani schemes, Nasir clarified that all processes are being conducted within existing legal frameworks and import policy conditions. He emphasised that no revenue loss is occurring and that clearance procedures remain consistent under the FCA system. The customs chief announced additional trade facilitation measures currently in development, including Direct Port Delivery and Decoupling of Payment from GD filing. These initiatives are expected to further reduce port congestion and alleviate liquidity constraints for importers. 'There is no question of their rollback,' Nasir said, emphasising that the faceless system and associated modernisation reforms will continue as planned. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

Pakistan Mart Project to connect local products with global markets: DG NLC
Pakistan Mart Project to connect local products with global markets: DG NLC

Business Recorder

time2 hours ago

  • Business Recorder

Pakistan Mart Project to connect local products with global markets: DG NLC

LAHORE: The Pakistan Mart project is a revolutionary initiative that will serve as a modern and comprehensive platform to connect Pakistani products with global markets. These views were expressed by Major General Farrukh Shehzad, Director General of the National Logistics Cell (NLC), during a presentation at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry. President of the Lahore Chamber Mian Abuzar Shad, Vice President Shahid Nazir Chaudhry, CEO of DP World Dubai Abdullah Hashmi, Fakhar e Alam, LCCI Executive Committee Members Karamat Ali Awan and Imran Saleemi also spoke on the occasion. DG NLC said that Pakistan Mart will prove to be a game-changer as it would boost Pakistani exports, ensure direct access to international markets and enhance the global identity of the 'Made in Pakistan' brand. He added that the state-of-the-art facility will be located in the heart of Dubai's commercial hub and offer easy access to key regions including the Middle East, Africa, South America and beyond, enable exporters to connect directly with buyers and eliminating middlemen. Major General Farrukh Shehzad said that the project is being jointly executed by NLC and DP World, leveraging their combined strengths to deliver a high-impact outcome. LCCI President said that such initiatives are the need of the hour to provide Pakistani industrialists and exporters with world-class facilities. He said that Pakistan Mart could serve as a global launching pad for Pakistan's small and medium enterprises. He hoped that the project would not only strengthen Pakistan's economy but also significantly promote the country's positive image on the international stage. LCCI Vice President Shahid Chaudhry said that the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with NLC, is ready to organize informational sessions on the Pakistan Mart project to raise awareness among its members and guide them on how to benefit from this opportunity. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store