ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP): JazzCash, Pakistan’s leading fintech platform has launched its latest feature, ‘Tap-Pay for Businesses’, enabling over 350,000 businesses across the country to accept payments through their Android smartphones.
This cutting-edge feature allows businesses to seamlessly receive payments from any contactless debit or credit card or another smartphone with a simple tap on the businesses’ NFC-enabled device, said a news release.
The launch closely follows JazzCash’s recent introduction of the ‘Tap-Pay’ feature for customers, which allows customers to make payments directly from their phones.
Together, these features will help establish an end-to-end contactless payment ecosystem in Pakistan.
Murtaza Ali, President of JazzCash, said, “Our goal is to empower both customers and businesses. With Tap-Pay, we aim to enhance Pakistan’s payment ecosystem with innovative solutions that are not only relevant but also accessible to all. This is a significant milestone as we continue to lead the way in digital financial inclusion and redefine how small businesses manage transactions.”
As of Q3 of FY 2023-24, over 47 million debit and credit cards are in circulation in Pakistan, and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported card purchases on POS machines totaling Rs. 394 billion during the same period.
By enabling businesses using JazzCash to tap into this market, the fintech platform is opening new revenue streams for businesses and fostering greater financial inclusion.
The introduction of the ‘‘Tap-Pay for Businesses’ feature has been made possible through a strategic collaboration with Mastercard, technology partner Wizzit Holdings, and acquiring partner Bank of Punjab.
These partnerships have been crucial in developing the infrastructure required to bring this innovative feature to market.
ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP): In a significant breakthrough, the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police’s Industrial Area team arrested two members of a notorious car theft gang. The suspects, identified as Roman and Ikramullah, were apprehended following a targeted operation that resulted in the recovery of valuable laptops and cash.
A Public Relations Officer from the ICT Police talking to this scribe on Monday said, under the specific instructions of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Syed Ali Raza, a crackdown on criminal elements has been launched to protect citizens’ lives and property. Acting on these directives, the Industrial Area Police utilized both technical and human resources to successfully capture the accused.
The arrested individuals have confessed to a series of thefts involving laptops, cash, and mobile phones, committed by breaking vehicle windows. Their criminal activities spanned various locations, including Shifa Parking, Blue Area, Sector G-9, and Faisal Masjid.
Malik Zahoor, the owner of Rajgan Motors and a vehicle dealer, praised the police for their recent success in apprehending the duo of car lifters who have been causing significant distress in the community. “This successful operation marks a notable step forward in combating vehicle theft and restoring a sense of security among residents” he remarked.
However, a citizen Akram Ali also highlighted the ongoing issue of high-value thefts from parked vehicles, citing his own experience where thieves stole equipment worth around 1.1 million from his Toyota Corolla parked in the G-11 sector. The recovery of which, he said, was still awaited.
He noted that thefts, including those of LCD batteries, have become increasingly a routine. Ali urged the police to build on their recent success by enhancing security measures and taking stricter actions to prevent such crimes in the future.
ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP): Pakistan Shaheens cricket team will take on Bangladesh ‘A’ in the second four-day match on Tuesday at the Islamabad Club after the first four-dayer ended up as a draw.
Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh ‘A’ have made wholesale changes to their squads after the conclusion of the first four-dayer as Shaheens have welcomed eight new players while six players joined Bangladesh ‘A’ after the Test squad players left for national duty.
Uncapped top-order batter Kamran Ghulam who was released from the Pakistan Test squad, along with Abrar Ahmed, will lead the Shaheens in the second four-dayer.
In the Shaheens squad Abrar Ahmed, Ali Zaryab, Imam Ul Haq, Mohammad Awais Anwar, Niaz Khan, Qasim Akram, Rohail Nazir and Sharoon Siraj replaced Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rameez Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Saud Shakeel.
Mohammad Naim, Mohammad Saifuddin, Saif Hassan, Soumya Sarkar, Towhid Hridoy, and Zakir Ali have replaced Hasan Mahmud, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Nayeem Hasan, and Zakir Hasan in the Bangladesh ‘A’ squad.
Pakistan Shaheens captain Kamran Ghulam said: “It is a great opportunity for me to lead the Pakistan Shaheens side in the second four-dayer. I’m excited to see myself in this role and help the team with my leadership and batting.
“We will look to win the second four-day match and clinch the series which will be a huge confidence booster for the players going into a busy red-ball season.
“We are well aware of the conditions at the Islamabad Club and will look to make the most of the learnings acquired during the first four-day match. The new players who have joined the squad are exciting and will hopefully contribute towards Shaheens’ success in the second game.”
Bangladesh ‘A’ captain Anamul Haque said:“After a few changes to our squad we are now focused on giving our best in the second four-day match. We were tested in the first four-dayer and that experience will surely help us going into this game.
“Like the Shaheens squad, our team has also seen some changes with more experienced players leaving for the Test squad but I have a lot of confidence in the young players as they are talented and dynamic.
“I’m aware that the second four-day match will be hard fought because of the series win stakes attached to it and we are looking forward to challenge the opposition while expressing our skills in the best possible manner.”
Pakistan Shaheens squad (for second four-day) – Kamran Ghulam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Ali Zaryab, Ghulam Mudassar, Imam-ul-Haq, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Awais Anwar, Niaz Khan, Qasim Akram, Rohail Nazir (wicket-keeper), Saad Baig (wicket-keeper), Saad Khan, Sharoon Siraj and Umar Amin Bangladesh ‘A’ squad (for second four-day match) – Anamul Haque (captain), Hasan Murad, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Mohammad Naim, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mosaddek Hossain, Rejaur Rehman Raja, Ruyel Miah, Saif Hassan, Shahadat Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Tanvir Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Towhid Hridoy, and Zakir Ali Anik
Match officials – Faisal Aafreedi and Nasir Hussain (on-field umpires), Zulfiqar Jan (third umpire), Nadeem Arshad (match referee).
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