Latest news with #Easypaisa
Hans India
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
PAK Game Pakistan New platfrom
In the heart of Pakistan's digital entertainment revolution, Pak Game has emerged as a highly engaging and strategy-based mobile platform. This game isn't just another ordinary pastime—it blends excitement, critical thinking, and real-time interaction, offering players a unique experience based on predicting and trading colors. With its growing popularity in regions like Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pak Game is transforming how users interact with mobile games in 2025. What is Pak Game? Pak Game is a digital color prediction and trading platform where users select from a range of colors in timed rounds. Each round lasts for a few seconds to a minute, and the outcome is determined randomly through an algorithm. The main objective of the player is to predict which color will be shown in the next round. If the player's prediction is correct, they earn points or rewards, which can be used to participate in future games or converted into in-game benefits. Key Features of Pak Game 1. Color Prediction Mechanics The core mechanic of the game revolves around choosing a color—typically from options like Red, Green, Blue, or sometimes combinations. These choices are made before a countdown timer ends. Once the time is up, the result is shown, and those who chose the correct color win the round. 2. Time-Based Rounds Each round runs on a clock—often 60 seconds. This short duration adds a layer of intensity and excitement. Players must make decisions quickly, increasing the engagement level of the game. 3. User-Friendly Interface Pak Game apps are designed for all types of users, from beginners to seasoned players. The layout is simple, often showing the color history, live timer, current round status, and reward table. Even those unfamiliar with mobile strategy games can learn the basics within minutes. How to Play Pak Game Getting started with Pak Game is simple. Here's a quick guide: 1. Download the App: Users can find Pak Game on several third-party app stores or dedicated websites. The app is lightweight and installs quickly. 2. Sign Up: Register using your phone number or email. Some platforms may require OTP (One-Time Password) verification. 3. Add Points: To enter rounds, players usually add points to their in-game wallet using payment methods like Easypaisa or JazzCash. 4. Choose a Color: In every round, you'll choose from available color options before the timer ends. 6. Wait for Result: After the countdown, the system displays the result. Earn and Reinvest: If your prediction is correct, your rewards are credited instantly. Safety and Fair Play Pak Game uses secure servers and automated algorithms to ensure fair results. The outcomes are generated randomly to maintain transparency and unpredictability. Reputable platforms also provide round history logs so players can verify outcomes over time. Additionally, platforms include age verification and usage limits to promote responsible play. These measures help ensure the game remains a source of fun rather than obsession. Why Pak Game is So Popular in Pakistan Pak Game has gained widespread traction across all age groups, especially among young adults. There are several reasons behind this success: 1. Cultural Relevance The game aligns with Pakistan's interest in color-based traditional games like Ludo and Tambola. The concept of anticipating results based on chance and pattern is already familiar to many. 2. Low Data Usage Unlike large mobile games, Pak Game doesn't require heavy downloads or constant high-speed internet. It runs smoothly even on 3G networks, making it accessible in both rural and urban areas. 3. Easy to Learn, Hard to Master The simplicity of selecting colors is deceptive. With practice, players start analyzing color trends, previous round results, and timers. This adds a layer of strategy that makes the game both fun and intellectually stimulating. 4. Mobile-First Design Pak Game is optimized for smartphones, which are the primary internet access devices for most Pakistanis. The touch controls, responsive interface, and quick loading times make it ideal for users on the go. 5. Community and Competition Pak Game often includes features like leaderboards, daily challenges, and community events. This sense of competition encourages repeated play and allows users to track their progress. Responsible Play and Entertainment While Pak Game is exciting and engaging, it's important for players to approach it with a mindset of entertainment and strategy. Time management, goal setting, and responsible usage are crucial for maintaining a healthy balance. Many platforms now include features like session reminders, daily time limits, and educational popups encouraging breaks after extended play. Educational and Cognitive Benefits Though simple in design, Pak Game can improve various cognitive skills: Decision Making: Players must act quickly within a limited time frame. Pattern Recognition: Observing previous round outcomes helps users form hypotheses about future results. Focus and Attention: Timed rounds demand high concentration. Stress Management: Players learn to cope with outcomes calmly and keep their focus on long-term patterns. Future of Pak Game As technology evolves, Pak Game is expected to introduce new features such as: AI-Driven Analytics: Suggestions based on player behavior. Multiplayer Modes: Compete with friends in real-time. Augmented Reality (AR): A more immersive visual experience. Localization: Regional language support like Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi, and Pashto for wider reach. Additionally, upcoming versions may integrate skill-based elements, trivia questions, or mini-games to diversify the user experience. Final Thoughts Pak Game represents a modern fusion of tradition, technology, and strategic entertainment. It stands out in Pakistan's growing app ecosystem by offering a fresh and fast-paced experience that appeals to users of all ages. With responsible usage and strategic thinking, Pak Game is not just a way to pass time—it's a dynamic, fun, and community-driven platform that's here to stay.
Business Recorder
10-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Cashless economy: Minister assures support to PM's vision
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja reaffirmed full support for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's vision of transforming Pakistan into a cashless economy, terming digital payments a vital need for a modern financial system. She expressed these views during a key meeting with Easypaisa Digital Bank CEO Jahanzeb Khan, where both sides discussed ways to accelerate digital and financial inclusion in the country. 'Digital payments are essential for modern economic growth,' said the minister, highlighting the ministry's commitment to creating an inclusive society by expanding access to digital opportunities. Praising Easypaisa's leadership in the digital finance sector, she said the bank is playing a leading role in the country's digital transformation. The meeting also reviewed potential areas of cooperation, including a positive exchange on collaboration under the 'Smart Islamabad' initiative. Jahanzeb Khan lauded the IT Ministry's digital vision, noting that 'Easypaisa Digital Bank, Pakistan's first digital retail bank and the largest financial services app, continues to play a crucial role in advancing digital and financial inclusion.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
25-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Bykea enables digital payments amid user demand
Ride-hailing and delivery service provider Bykea on Wednesday announced that it was enabling digital payments for all rides in an effort to offer customers 'a seamless, secure, and cashless commuting experience'. In a post on LinkedIn, Bykea's chief operating officer and co-founder Rafiq Malik described the move as a 'significant milestone in Bykea's journey toward modernizing urban mobility in Pakistan'. With this update, passengers can now pay our Bykea's 'driver partners' via Easypaisa, JazzCash and online bank transfer. 'This shift is more than just a convenience—it's a transformative step toward financial inclusion and safer, more efficient travel,' said Malik. 'For customers who prefer not to carry cash or rely on digital wallets and bank transfers, this feature ensures a hassle-free payment experience while reducing the risks associated with cash handling,' he added. Malik said the move would not only improve user convenience but also contribute to a broader economic shift toward a cashless ecosystem — 'one that promotes transparency, security, and financial accessibility for all'. Speaking to Business Recorder, Malik said Bykea initially launched as a cash-first platform, mirroring Pakistan's reliance on cash transactions. However, demand from users pushed the company to embrace digital payments, coupled with ecosystem readiness: 'With Raast's launch and wallet penetration doubling, the timing aligned perfectly.' Raast is an instant payment system, developed by the State Bank of Pakistan. Malik added that while there was still no option for card payments yet, the company 'may consider integrating cards in the future.' Speaking about the process, he said 'this shift required one month of tech infrastructure upgrades and now we have the more important uphill task of driver/consumer education'. 'Bykea's move isn't just about payments—it's a gateway for Pakistan's informal economy (e.g., drivers, small merchants) to enter the digital mainstream,' he added. The announcement comes just days after Pakistani founded ride-hailing giant Careem said it was ending services in Pakistan. In a comment on his LinkedIn post, Malik said, 'Careem and our colleagues there played a pivotal role in pioneering ride-hailing in Pakistan, and we respect their contributions to the ecosystem'. 'Their presence pushed all of us to innovate and deliver better services for Pakistani consumers.'
Express Tribune
11-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Eid cattle markets in limbo amid uncertainty
With just two weeks left until the Islamic month of Zilhajj, preparations for sacrificial cattle markets in Rawalpindi district remain stalled. None of the 12 officially designated markets has begun operations. Amid ongoing India-Pakistan military tensions, informal cattle sellers who typically roam neighbourhoods have also disappeared from the scene. Contract holders for the livestock markets warn that if the current situation continues for another week, the markets may remain deserted, driving up prices of sacrificial animals significantly. In areas such as Bhatha Chowk, Adiala Road, Chakri, Rawat, the High Court rear area, Ghazni Road, and Channi Pul across all six tehsils, no enclosures or infrastructure for animals have yet been set up. Contractors who secured expensive tenders for these markets now fear massive financial losses, potentially running into millions. According to contractors, no traders have come forward to book stalls or animal enclosures. Traders usually arrive from cities including Sargodha, Bhakkar, Sialkot, Jhang, Multan, Faisalabad, Azad Kashmir, Gujranwala, Bahawalpur, Peshawar, and Mardan - but none have appeared this year. Ahmed Noor Khan, a trader who annually brings livestock from Attock and Fateh Jang to Bhatha Chowk market, said he currently has 100 small and 66 large animals ready but is holding back due to the unstable security situation. "Transporting animals in such conditions is risky. If things don't improve within a week, it will be very difficult and prices will rise," he said. Trader Saeen Majeed echoed the uncertainty, saying they are monitoring the situation before proceeding. Meanwhile, trader Faisal Abbasi said they have shifted to online sales due to the current circumstances. "We have uploaded videos of the animals on social media. Customers can choose an animal, request a detailed video, and even inspect it in person before booking through Easypaisa or JazzCash," he explained. With Pakistan and India agreeing to a full and immediate ceasefire, traders may begin their trade activities.
Business Recorder
06-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Nano loans in Pakistan: Financial inclusion or profit driver?
The emergence of nano loans in Pakistan's formal financial sector marked a transformative phase in digital microfinance, distinctly separating regulated offerings from the predatory practices of illegal nano lending apps. These unregulated entities often misled customers with hidden pricing structures, unauthorized data extraction, and compounding mark-up mechanisms, raising significant consumer protection concerns. In contrast, nano loans offered by Financial Institutions (FIs) governed by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) are subject to stringent regulatory oversight. These products are designed to promote responsible lending while expanding access to credit. The Dawn of Digital Nano Loans in Pakistan In 2016, Telenor's acquisition of Tameer Microfinance Bank marked the beginning of digital lending in Pakistan. The goal was simple: leverage Easypaisa's vast customer base to introduce the country's first nano loan product – small, short-term loans disbursed digitally. The initial pilot in late 2016 offered loans between Rs1,000–5,000 via USSD and call centers, disbursing Rs15 million to 5,000 customers. The Bank approached SBP to offer nano loans since under Microfinance Ordinance 2001, MFBs were allowed to to offer loans for income- generating purposes only. By 2017, the Bank secured approval, and in collaboration with third- party offered nano loans based on credit scoring using telco and mobile wallet transaction data – an innovative approach at a time. The Bank launched a 6-month pilot program, disbursing Rs60 million to 23,000 customers with commercial launch on successful conclusion of pilot. Exponential Growth & Market Impact Today, three Microfinance Banks (MFBs) dominate the space, with JazzCash (JC) and Easypaisa (EP) leading the charge. Since 2017, nano loans have shown exponential growth with Rs237 billion in 2024, accounting for ~10% of total microfinance disbursements. Remarkably, 35-40% of active microfinance clients now constitute of nano loans. Pricing & Profitability: A Double-Edged Sword? Nano loans carry a weekly fee of 4–5% (208–260% APR), with one time late fees, but no compounding post-maturity, sparking debate over whether 'responsible lending' can coexist with such rates. While critics highlight high APRs, proponents argue that the product is risk- based pricing which accounts for defaults (high in early cycles) and repeat customers get lower rates in subsequent loan cycles thereby, improving affordability. From Pilot to Profit Powerhouse Initially, nano loans are a loss-making proposition due to higher default rates in early loan cycles. However, as customers progress into subsequent cycles, repayment behavior improves, allowing lenders to achieve profitability through higher-ticket repeat loans. In 2024, JazzCash and Easypaisa disbursed 72 million loans with an average loan size of Rs3,278—equating to nearly 198,000 loans per day. With an average of 3.5 to 4 loans per customer, the total unique borrower base is estimated at 19 million. Among these, 23% were new-to-product (NTP) customers—around 4 million individuals—constituting under 10% of the platforms' 35 million Monthly Active Users (MAUs). The average revenue per loan stood at Rs471, while per-customer revenue (adjusted for repeat usage) reached Rs1,800. This corresponds to yields of 14% and 55%, respectively, translating into APRs of approximately 86% and 300% for an average 8-week tenor. Nano loans contributed Rs34 billion in markup income of JC & EP — constituting 44% of main head 'total markup revenue' and 60% under the 'Loans and Advances' head. This increasing dependence on a single product underscores both its revenue potential and the emerging concentration risk for FIs. In 2024, the cost of funds for FIs ranged between 2% and 8%, largely due to a high proportion (60%–80%) of low-cost current account deposits. This favorable deposit structure enabled enhanced Net Interest Margins (NIMs), allowing institutions to absorb higher default rates while sustaining profitability. Key Highlights For lenders, nano loans are now a core revenue stream: Daily disbursements: 198,000 loans (72 million in 2024). Unique customers: 19 million (4 million new borrowers in 2024). Revenue: Rs471 per loan, Rs1,800 per customer (APR: 86–300%). 44% of total markup income (Rs34 billion in 2024). 60% of loan-based revenue for leading MFBs. Low-cost deposits (2–8% funding cost) boost Net Interest Margins (NIMs). The Borrower's Dilemma: Lifeline or Trap? Quantifying the social or economic impact of nano loans remains challenging due to the high transaction volume and limited customer-level data. While usage can be inferred from transaction patterns, qualitative assessment –particularly on improvements in living standards – requires deeper field-level research. That said, anecdotal evidence suggests nano loans serve a critical function for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), especially for short-term working capital needs. Moreover, nano loans serve as a quick access to funds help customers avoid informal borrowing (e.g., family, loan sharks) and maintain self-respect. Anecdote: During COVID-19, a female bangle seller requested a late-fee waiver after lockdowns halted her sales. The customer was in her 6 loan cycle and graduated to Rs6,000 of loan. Such cases highlight the product's success stories but systemic studies are scarce. The Nano Loan Blind Spot: How Small Loans Hide Big Risks A glaring loophole undermines Pakistan's credit ecosystem as loans under Rs 10,000 are not reflected in bureau reports. Further, in order to avoid risk of financial exclusion negative reporting of only loans above Rs1,000 that have defaulted. This was implemented by was to cater for high-volume, low-ticket transactions on nano. This creates a dangerous asymmetry: For lenders: A customer could default on Rs1,000 nano loan yet appear 'clean' in bureau records—masking their true risk profile. For borrowers: Responsible repayment of small loans goes unrewarded, denying them a path to build credit history for larger products. Graduation Pathways: From Nano Loans to Sustainable Credit Nano loans have undeniably democratized credit in Pakistan, serving as a lifeline for the 60% of borrowers who are new to formal financial systems. But their true purpose – acting as a gateway to broader inclusion – is being undermined by stagnation. With tenors capped at 2–3 months and amounts at Rs 30,000, these loans often trap borrowers in a high-cost cycle (Rs 37,000– 42,000 repayments). Scaling amounts or tenors under the current pricing model would only exacerbate the burden. FIs are relying on repeat nano-loan customers (a reliable revenue stream) over innovation to graduate them to higher-value products like personal loans, credit cards, or working capital solutions for businesses. Nano loans aren't inherently bad—they're a critical first touchpoint in a system where only 2.4% of Pakistan's population has access to formal credit. Yet financial inclusion stalls when institutions treat them as an endpoint. For nano loans to fulfill their promise, FIs must actively design graduation pathways tailored to customer segments. For consumer segment, transition frequent nano loan users to structured products such as personal loans (longer tenors, lower APRs), offer pre-approved credit cards (starting with secured cards) to build credit discipline and introduce consumer durable financing (e.g., appliances, smartphones) to align credit with asset-building. It's worth mentioning that India has successfully been able to graduate nano loan (less than INR50,000) borrowers to higher ticket product within 12-24 months. To better serve MSMEs reliant on nano loans for working capital, banks should replace repetitive small-ticket borrowing with revolving credit lines (enabling flexible drawdowns for inventory and cash flow gaps). Additionally, pilot programs for embedded financing—such as supplier credit or B2B Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)—could streamline access. Leveraging alternative data (e.g., mobile money transactions, marketplace activity, or supply chain platform records) can also help underwrite term loans for business expansion. These solutions would address the critical gap in formal financing: today, just 3% of SMEs (155,000) access bank credit. Without scalable alternatives, small businesses risk remaining trapped in cycles of high-cost debt, stifling growth. Without systemic change, Pakistan's digital lending revolution will remain half-finished. Banking sector must embrace digital risk and expand credit offerings beyond Existing-to-Bank (ETB) customers and address conservative policies that stifle experimentation with New-to-Bank (NTB) customers. Without these steps, nano loans risk becoming a debt trap—not a bridge to inclusion. The technology and data exist; what's needed is institutional will to evolve beyond 'easy money' and invest in scalable credit ecosystems. The article does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Business Recorder or its owners
