PTCL Introduces Public Cash Payment Machines

In a bid to enhance customers’ bill payment experience, PTCL has introduced Public Cash/Card Payment machines (PCPM).

These machines are self payment collecting kiosks which accept cash from the customers against the services provided by PTCL and provide receipt/SMS confirmation to their selected mobile numbers against the cash input.

By using the machines, the customers will be able to pay their PTCL invoices by visiting PTCL business offices.

By using the machines, Customers can themselves pay their PTCL bills without involving any PTCL staff.

Key Highlights:

Customer can pay while shopping at Metro and Malls.
Payment of PSTN ,BB,EVO, IPTV
Recharge of WLL and other prepaid services
It updates the customer account immediately .
Advance and partial are accepted.
The machines will generate receipts for customer in confirmation for the payment.
SMS will be sent to the customer in confirmation for the payment .
Automatic restoration of suspended lines on payment.
Machines are customer oriented easy handling touch screen mode feature having the dialect both in Urdu and English.

Is Telecom Sector Involved in Parchi System?

First of all, let me be clear that I am writing this after getting inspiration from Telenor’s Khamoshi ka Boycott campaign.

After reviewing their earlier advertisements and criticizing them hard (based on our own viewpoint), I must admit that their this particular TVC about parchi system is indeed something to look at.

Though, call it pessimism or maybe I am more realistic, I don’t find this campaign bringing a significant revolution in terms of changing the current parchi system in our culture, however, it indeed has triggered us to think the state of HR policies in various organizations.

And today, we will talk about Telecom sector!

I have spoken to more than a dozen telecom officials in last two days, and asked them about their HR policies, recruitment procedures and chances of being influenced by Parchi, references and the pressure from external sources in employing someone.

Public Relation departments of Mobilink, Telenor, Ufone, Warid and Zong were of the view that there is no ‘parchi system’, at all, in their respective companies, hence we can conclude from their conversations that Parchi System is something unknown to telecom sector.

Though, couple of of them, including Telenor PR Head, agreed to a point that they are at times asked and influenced by regulator, government officials, regarding jobs – but they never entertain such requests.

On other hands, when I spoke to other departments especially the HR officials in various organizations, they hinted us of parchi system, to some extent at least.

One of the official said:

Telecom companies are part of Pakistan ’s socio system. So we can’t separate this industry from the rest of the country. How can you think of a Telecom company not being influenced by regulator, government or those who have got higher stakes in management?

While I agree with this official, here is one more viewpoint from another unnamed official:

Parchi system was largely in-practice just few years back, when telecom sector was booming. I can give you names, examples, however, now – the situation is different. Every company is looking for best resource at best price so there are very little chances of hiring someone based on some external pressure.

After saying this, he agreed to following:

If someone has got a reference, and he is capable at the same time, then obviously the candidate has better chances to get the job.

From all this, I can safely say that evidences of parchi system are there in telecom sector too, maybe not as significant as in other industries/organizations.

Our readers, mostly being from telecom sector, we would like to request your input on this, to tell us “Have you seen anyone getting job in Telecom sector through Parchi System?”

Please share your personal stories, if any, in below comments or send us email here aamir [at] propakistani.com.

Based on readers’ input (in comments and emails), we will do a follow up story in coming days, with more facts.

Ufone & JazzJazba Secured 3rd Position in Pakistan Web Awards

The first Ever Pakistan Web Awards were given away, recently. These awards were organized by “The Xeptionalz” with the support of IT Ministry, Government of Sindh, Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) & City District Government Karachi (CDGK).

There were more than 130 websites nominated in 35 categories. Each Category Winner was given “Silver Award”.

The Diamond Award for the best website in Pakistan was granted to SATMAP TRG for 1st Position. The site, www.satmaptrg.com, was nominated under category “IT/ITeS”.

The Platinum Award was given to www.tribune.com.pk for 2nd Position in the category “Press & Media”.

Ufone and JazzJazba websites were conferred Gold Awards having tied-up for third position in the ceremony of first Pakistan Web Awards 2010 held here in Karachi.

The two websites: www.ufone.com & www.jazzjazba.com nominated under category of “Cellular/Telecom Companies” were qualified jointly for 3rd Position or Gold Award.

Special Award was granted to Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) for extraordinary creation of www.pakistan.pk, the National Rabta Informational Portal of Pakistan.

The Jury Panel was consisted of Mr. Arshad Khalil, CEO KTF Education, Arena Multimedia, Mr. Talib Syed Karim, Rector and Executive Director of Management Excellence Center, Institute of Business Management, Mr. Sohail Aziz, Council Member at Marketing Association of Pakistan and Representative of Messe Berlin in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, Barrister Zahid Jamil, IT Law Expert, National Response Centre for Cyber Crimes, Pakistan and Mr. Atiq Ur Rahman, Head of Marketing, RAKCODS & Business Development Advisor at Riphah International University, UAE.

Sindh IT Minister Raza Haroon as chief guest of the event lauded the creative, informative and facilitation features of the websites.

He said the Web Awards may be made an annual happening in order to keep our websites ready to compete globally by this healthy competition.

The revamped look of Sindh Government Web Portal, http://www.sindh.gov.pk/, and Sindh IT Department’s websites,http://www.sindh.gov.pk/dpt/IT/index.htm, were also demonstrated at The Web Awards ceremony.

Following is the complete list of award winners:

Category	Winner
Advertising Agencies	www.magnuscommunications.net
Agriculture	www.imtiaz.biz
Automotive	www.pakwheels.com
Banks	www.kasb.com
Cargo Services	www.unitedamericanline.com
Cellular/Telecom Companies	www.jazzjazba.com
Cellular/Telecom Companies	www.ufone.com
Corporate	www.engro.com
E-Commerce & Online Shopping	www.beliscity.com
Education	www.ilmkidunya.com
Employment Web Portals	www.rozee.pk
Engineering	www.aeib.ae
Event Managers/Organizers	www.cherryontop.ae
Exhibitions & Conferences	www.itcnasia.com
Foreign Missions & Trade Offices	UKinPakistan.fco.gov.uk
Government Organizations	www.pta.gov.pk
Health	www.pakdonor.com
Hotels	www.avari.com/property/avari-towers
Industries & Production	www.shanplastic.com
Institutions	www.hup.edu.pk
Internet Service Providers	www.dsl.net.pk
Investment	www.vantage.ae
Management Consultants	www.trgms.com
NGO’s	www.lrbt.org.pk
Other IT/ITeS	www.satmaptrg.com
Personal	www.aafiamovement.com
Plastic, Packaging & Printing	www.cranberrymktg.com
Press & Media	www.tribune.com.pk
Real Estate & Developers	www.maymar.com.pk
Social Media	www.pakdesk.com
Software Development Companies	www.trgworld.com/trgtech
Web Designing & Hosting	www.a2zcreatorz.com

Telenor Pakistan Turns 6

Telenor Pakistan today celebrated its 6th anniversary by reiterating its commitment to bringing the benefits of telecommunications to people’s everyday lives, said a statement.

Since its launch, the company has shown consistent high growth by performing above industry average every year. According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s latest annual report, Telenor Pakistan showed the highest growth rate of 14% in 2009-10.

Speaking on the occasion, CEO Telenor Pakistan Christian Albech said:

On its sixth anniversary, Telenor Pakistan has already crossed the 25 million subscriber mark. It gives me great satisfaction to tell you that of the total number of subscribers in the country today, every fourth is a Telenor customer.

With the belief in building around people, we have established an open culture that continues to be one of our biggest strengths. By introducing easypaisa, we have brought the bank to the unbanked population of the country and are continuing to spearhead growth through our Karo Mumkin philosophy.

Easypaisa has been the recipient of ‘Best Mobile Money Transfer Entrant of the Year Award’ at the world’s first Mobile Money Awards and has also received a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Mobile Money for the Unbanked Fund.

Among the numerous awards it has won, Telenor Pakistan has also received the Best Place to Work, Most Preferred Employer for HR Practices, Highest FDI Investor Award, and Superbrand of the Telecom Industry Award.

Is Telecom Sector Involved in Parchi System?

First of all, let me be clear that I am writing this after getting inspiration from Telenor’s Khamoshi ka Boycott campaign.

After reviewing their earlier advertisements and criticizing them hard (based on our own viewpoint), I must admit that their this particular TVC about parchi system is indeed something to look at.

Though, call it pessimism or maybe I am more realistic, I don’t find this campaign bringing a significant revolution in terms of changing the current parchi system in our culture, however, it indeed has triggered us to think the state of HR policies in various organizations.

And today, we will talk about Telecom sector!

I have spoken to more than a dozen telecom officials in last two days, and asked them about their HR policies, recruitment procedures and chances of being influenced by Parchi, references and the pressure from external sources in employing someone.

Public Relation departments of Mobilink, Telenor, Ufone, Warid and Zong were of the view that there is no ‘parchi system’, at all, in their respective companies, hence we can conclude from their conversations that Parchi System is something unknown to telecom sector.

Though, couple of of them, including Telenor PR Head, agreed to a point that they are at times asked and influenced by regulator, government officials, regarding jobs – but they never entertain such requests.

On other hands, when I spoke to other departments especially the HR officials in various organizations, they hinted us of parchi system, to some extent at least.

One of the official said:

Telecom companies are part of Pakistan ’s socio system. So we can’t separate this industry from the rest of the country. How can you think of a Telecom company not being influenced by regulator, government or those who have got higher stakes in management?

While I agree with this official, here is one more viewpoint from another unnamed official:

Parchi system was largely in-practice just few years back, when telecom sector was booming. I can give you names, examples, however, now – the situation is different. Every company is looking for best resource at best price so there are very little chances of hiring someone based on some external pressure.

After saying this, he agreed to following:

If someone has got a reference, and he is capable at the same time, then obviously the candidate has better chances to get the job.

From all this, I can safely say that evidences of parchi system are there in telecom sector too, maybe not as significant as in other industries/organizations.

Our readers, mostly being from telecom sector, we would like to request your input on this, to tell us “Have you seen anyone getting job in Telecom sector through Parchi System?”

Please share your personal stories, if any, in below comments or send us email here

Based on readers’ input (in comments and emails), we will do a follow up story in coming days, with more facts.

Mobilink Goes Offline in North

Reportedly, Mobilink network is offline in North region at least, due to an infrastructure outage in company’s main network hub in Islamabad.

All Mobilink numbers in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar and other cities in North region are showing no activity (SMS/Calls/GPRS), at any level.

Twitter feeds are claiming that Mobilink’s MSC 5 in Islamabad caught fire today evening, however, we couldn’t confirm this from Mobilink – as their numbers are not responding.

http://twitter.com/seodata1

It merits mentioning here that Mobilink lost its NOC in Islamabad, just recently when fire erupted in the building on one Sunday. This would be second time that Mobilink’s office has caught fire, that too on Sunday.

Just to let you know, all MSCs, Offices, BTSes, and other telco buildings are always insured.

We will update this post as we get more information on this.

Update:

We are told that DSL services from Link Dot Net are down in North region as well.

Update:

We can confirm the fire incident at one of Mobilink’s office in Islamabad, which is said to be the main hub or technically called main switching center of Mobilink.

No human loss reported so far, apparently due to Sunday’s holiday. Staff available on site told WE ARE that complete restoration of network can take from 12 to 48 hours at least.

This major damage in Islamabad’s MSC, has impacted Mobilink’s network through out the country.

Update:

Mobilink’s Network is (partially) back, and so is Link Dot Net.

April-Fools-SMS

Everybody aware of upcoming 1st April, many of you would be handy with April fools pranks on April fools jokes / trick and several other practical jokes ideas for April fools day.
Here in this section we have a great collection of sms tricks / pranks / jokes suitable for April fools day. peoples search for English April fools sms jokes & text messages in variety of ways by using some keywords like below:-

English April fools SMS Jokes, English April fools jokes, English April fools messages, April fools day jokes, best April fools jokes in english, April fools day messages in english, April fools tricks, April fools day text messages, April fools joke, funny April fool joke, great April fools jokes, top April fools day pranks, practical joke ideas for April fools.

So enjoy sharing these April fools sms / text messages jokes in english with your friends, family and loved ones.

April Fool SMS

Am Going To U.S.A.
.
.
.
Dont Worry The Flight Is After 2 Days
.
.
.
Surprised?
?
?
?
After 2 Days it’s 1st April,
U r 1st Fool Of 2011





April Fool SMS

Fact1: You can not touch
your lower lip with your tounge…

Fact2: After reading this,
99/100 idiots would try it.



April Fool SMS

You are one of the most CUTE persons in the world!!
Just a second, don’t misunderstand.
CUTE means:
Creating
Useless
Troubles
Everywhere..



April Fool SMS

I am your girlfriend:
Smart.
Intelligent.
Sweet.
Talented.
Excllent.
Romantic.

theek kaha na ?

In short I am your S.I.S.T.E.R. :p

Happy april fools day



April Fool SMS

SomeOne..
MiSSES U..
NeeDS U..
Worries About U
Lonely Without U
Guess Who?
THE MONKEY IN
… THE ZOO ..



April Fool SMS

Cheese is Cheese
Butter is butter
if u 4get me
i will throw u in
*-*-*-*-*-*-*
* G U T T E R *
*-*-*-*-*-*-*




April Fool SMS

This is not SMS, it’s just an April Fool Trick
Place a bottle of liquid dish soap into the toilet tank.
The next person to flush the toilet will be greeted
with an overwhelming amount of bubbles.




April Fool SMS

Sardar got into a bus on 1st April
when conductor asked for ticket.
He gave Rs.10/-
and took the ticket and said april fool.
I have pass.



April Fool SMS

SHORT SUMMARY OF 1ST APRIL
spain per qabza hua to
muslims ko christians nay wada ker k
ship main sawar kiya
or kaha k app hifazat sat AFRICA chalay jao gy.
lakin jab ship sea main gaya to christian
na muslims ko zinda jala dia.
THEY CELEBRATE THIS DAY IN THE MEMORY
OF MAKING MUSLIMS FOOL.
so don’t celebrate



April Fool SMS

If today any 1 talks & praises u 4 ur
1) gud looks
2 ) nature
3 ) style
4 ) attitude,
kick them off.
How dare they fool u before april 1st.


April Fool SMS

Plz call me,
its urgent.
Ek accident ho gaya hai.
.
.
.
.
.
Aap ka hi blood group chahiye,
Plz mana mat karna
.
.
Warna
.
.
GADHA mar jayega



April Fool SMS

Just a friendly reminder –

Relationships are precious,
do not hurt them by fooling
and lying on first April / April Fool.


April Fool SMS


Hey U Know
Which is the best day to propose a girl.. April 1
U Know Why??
If she accept its your luck
otherwise just tell April Foooooll.




April Fool SMS

31st March Or 1st april
Fool is Fool dosnt matter.
Wishing very happy, prosperous and joyful
Fool Day to the King of Fools.. :)



April Fool SMS

Plz go to creat message
Then open T9 ON DICTANARY OPTION
Then type this number & see the magic
277451366514612382623




April Fool SMS

Plz open this
after 2 days at thursday.
.
.
.
.
.

I know u can’t wait.
So Congratz.
U r a 1st FOOL of 2010.
April Fool in Advance




April Fool SMS


May this festival of zeal and verve
fill your life with lots of energy and enthusiasm
and may it help you bring happiness and prosperity
to you and your loved ones.
Happy Lohri to one and all!