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Express Tribune
26-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
NA panel questions PTCL's property sale
A parliamentary committee directed Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) to provide specific clauses of its sale and purchase agreements that authorise the company to proceed with the sale of its properties and expressed dismay over the absence of the firm's CEO. "Where is the CEO of PTCL? How is PTCL selling properties worth billions of rupees?" The committee chairman termed the CEO's absence an insult to parliament. He stated, "We summon the PTCL CEO and his continuous absence is an affront to the committee. We will not take up PTCL's agenda unless the CEO is present. If he is in Islamabad, then he must be called." The National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication met on Monday under the chairmanship of Syed Aminul Haq. PTCL officials informed the committee that the CEO was attending a meeting at the UAE embassy, to which the chairman responded that committee members had arrived from remote areas to attend the session and those who were unable to come were participating online. "Scheduling a meeting at the UAE embassy on the same day when this session was going to be held is not appropriate," he remarked. The chairman asked, "How is PTCL selling off properties worth billions of rupees?" The committee also summoned officials from the Ministry of Law for the next meeting. Furthermore, the committee instructed that in the next meeting, it must be ensured that the CEO of PTCL appears before the panel to respond to its queries. The committee reconstituted its sub-committee, to be convened by Gohar Ali Khan, with the same composition and terms of reference. Meanwhile, amid increasing data leak concerns, a new messaging application, branded as a local alternative to WhatsApp, is set for launch for government employees, which will be expanded in phases. It was revealed by an official of the National Information Technology Board (NITB) while briefing the NA standing committee. According to officials, Beep will support encrypted messaging, audio and video calls, and conference calling with over 100 participants, with an additional layer of security and data hosting within Pakistan. The committee was informed by Zarar Khan, Secretary of the Ministry of IT, that an assessment was under way while keeping in view the cybersecurity. "We are trying to address vulnerabilities and trying to ensure the launch by June 30," he added. The app would be rolled out across the country but in phases, the committee was informed. Haque said that unlike WhatsApp, Beep's servers would be located in Pakistan. "Its data centre will be in Pakistan, ensuring 100% safety and security." Moreover, the committee was informed that the security agencies had responded to a letter from the Ministry of Interior, stating that due to the prevailing security and law and order situation, internet services in Panjgur district would remain suspended for the next six months. The committee voiced concern over the three-year internet suspension in Panjgur, highlighting its impact on businesses and students. It decided to hold an in-camera session with the interior secretary for a detailed briefing on the law and order situation. Committee member Pullain Baloch informed the meeting that people of his constituency had to travel 15 to 20 kilometres to access internet services. He added that PTCL's internet coverage in the area was nearly non-existent. In light of that, the committee directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) chairman to conduct a survey of internet coverage in the region and submit a detailed report. The NA committee reviewed the delayed Coding and DG Skills Programme, drawing sharp criticism from members. The chairman voiced frustration at the year-long delay, citing missed opportunities amid rapid AI advancements. Ignite, the implementing body, attributed the delay to updating the content for current tech trends. They reported training 4.6 million students across 19 batches in 15 top freelancing courses, with 28% female participation. A 2024 survey showed trainees generated $1.65 billion in revenue.
Business Recorder
22-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Arshad Nadeem gears up for new chapter with PTCL Group
KARACHI: PTCL Group (Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited & Ufone 4G), Pakistan's leading telecommunications and ICT services provider, has once again stepped forward to support national javelin icon and Olympian Arshad Nadeem not just as a partner, but as a steadfast believer in his purpose and potential. A signing ceremony, held in Lahore, marks a renewed commitment to stand by Arshad through every stage of his journey, driven not by outcomes, but by his discipline, passion, and unshakable belief. Arshad Nadeem, who has brought immense pride to Pakistan with his remarkable achievements like becoming the first Pakistani track and field athlete to qualify directly for the Olympics, securing gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, earning a silver medal at the 2023 World Athletics Championships and to top it all by winning gold at the Paris Olympics 2024, continues to inspire the nation with his dedication and perseverance. Saif Uddin Khan, Group Vice President, Brands & Communication, PTCL & Ufone 4G, said, 'We've always believed in Arshad not because he wins medals, but because he embodies something greater i.e. courage, consistency, and character. We are proud to stand beside him again, not just to support a campaign, but to be part of a greater purpose.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Arab News
24-02-2025
- Business
- Arab News
PTCL lands Africa-1 submarine cable in Karachi, enhancing connectivity with Saudi Arabia, other countries
KARACHI: Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) has brought the Africa-1 submarine cable ashore at its landing station in Karachi, it announced in a statement on Saturday, enhancing Pakistan's connectivity with Saudi Arabia and other global digital hubs. The 10,000-kilometer Africa-1 cable, a consortium-backed ultra-high-capacity system, aims to bolster international bandwidth and support Pakistan's growing digital infrastructure. The system will link the country with key locations in the Middle East and beyond, including countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Sudan, Algeria, France, Kenya and Djibouti. 'PTCL is proud to be a part of the Africa-1 cable system consortium. This partnership aligns seamlessly with Pakistan's Digital Vision 2030 and our commitment to empowering the communities by bridging the digital divide,' said Syed Muhammad Shoaib, Group Vice President of International Business at PTCL. 'By establishing strong, reliable connections to key international hubs, PTCL aims to provide faster, world-class Internet services enabling innovation across sectors and strengthening Pakistan's position in the global economy,' he added. The consortium includes major regional telecom operators such as Saudi Arabia's Mobily, UAE's e& and G42, Telecom Egypt, Zain Oman International (ZOI), Algérie Télécom and TeleYemen. The system employs state-of-the-art technologies to enhance data transmission speeds and reliability. The cable's landing in Karachi is expected to further strengthen Pakistan's role as a regional digital hub. It will be terminated at PTCL's Misrishah Exchange in DHA Phase-VI, Karachi. Once operational in early 2026, the Africa-1 system is expected to significantly enhance PTCL's Internet services and support the country's economic growth by providing improved global connectivity. The development comes amid increasing demand for reliable high-speed Internet services in Pakistan, driven by digital transformation efforts across sectors including finance, e-commerce and information technology.
Express Tribune
22-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Pakistan connected to Africa-1 submarine cable
The ultra-high capacity, Africa-1 submarine cable has successfully made its landfall at the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited's (PTCL) landing site at Sea View Beach, Karachi. The Africa-1 consortium comprising telecommunications companies including Mobily (Saudi Arabia), e& (UAE), G42 (UAE), Telecom Egypt, Zain Oman International (ZOI), Algérie Télécom, TeleYemen and other global service providers. The cable system spans 10,000 kilometres and will link Pakistan with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Algeria, France, Kenya, and Djibouti.
Express Tribune
22-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
PTCL achieves milestone as Africa-1 cable System now live in Pakistan
Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) has successfully connected Pakistan to the Africa-1 submarine cable system, marking a significant advancement in the nation's digital infrastructure. This high-capacity cable system, capable of transmitting large amounts of data, has been linked to PTCL's exchange in Karachi, ensuring faster and more reliable international connectivity. The Africa-1 cable system spans 10,000 kilometers and integrates the latest digital technologies. It will connect Pakistan to strategically important locations, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Sudan, Algeria, France, Kenya, and Djibouti. Syed Muhammad Shoaib, PTCL's Group Vice President for International Business, emphasized that this initiative aligns with Pakistan's 'Digital Vision 2030'. He stated, "We are committed to bridging the digital divide, fostering innovation across various sectors, and strengthening the country's economy. The Africa-1 cable system will play a pivotal role in enhancing internet speed, reliability, and global connectivity." The Africa-1 cable system is expected to become operational by early 2026, providing world-class internet services to businesses and consumers in Pakistan.
