The post IT and Telecom Industry Welcomes Dr. Umar Saif as Caretaker Minister appeared first on Techlist.

Online Pilgrims Registration has been launched in Pakistan. The step was taken on the recommendation of  National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). The initiative was taken by Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB).

The system is designed such that it will automate all the Hajj operation in Nigeria.  This kind of deployed and online system is first time introduced in any West African country.

National Hajj Commission of Nigeria and the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony of Pakistan had a meeting and as a result the Online Pilgrims Registration was setup. NAHCON wished to use technology to deal with Hajj operations. These kind of online Hajj operations are already running across Pakistan smoothly.

When Pakistan first launched online system for Hajj operations, it was widely appreciated.  It eased the activities of Hajj for the people.

This year 95,000 people from Nigeria will be blessed to perform Hajj. Government will arrange the visit for 75,000 people. The rest 20,000 people have decided to choose private arrangement to perform Hajj.

Nigerian delegation visited Pakistan’s Hajj Mission located in Makkah. The delegation witnessed a friendly attitude and thus were impressed by the serving of PITB platform.

After their visit, in March, a delegation was sent to Nigeria by PITB, this year. The delegation worked and researched the factors to start a similar program in Nigeria.

The information was based on four points:

• 1) A system of registering the pilgrims,
• 2) A means of selecting the pilgrims,
• 3) Hajj flights,
• 4) Camps and other details.

In May 2017, PITB introduced the Nigerian online system for Hajj arrangements and activities. A delegation from Pakistan trained the five master trainers in Nigeria to use the program. Those five trainers will further train the officials located in 36 states and 776 towns of Nigeria.

PITB is working on a system to register complaints by users during the Hajj Operations.

This platform is really appreciated in Pakistan and has been working for the ease of pilgrims.

The post PITB to help digitize Nigerian Hajj operations appeared first on Techlist.

Plan9, having came up with its idea of Launchpad 10 is now ready to proceed. The event would take place this summer and would enclose screening, workshops, talks and presentations in one hall. In short, with global players on the board, the Launchpad presents ‘a once in a lifetime chance’ for entrepreneurs to not only showcase their ideas but garner support for them.

The Launchpad 10 would be held across major cities of Pakistan. Lahore would embrace the event from 17th July to 23 July, while Karachi and Islamabad would be graced on 27th and 28th/29th respectively. You can attend the event through registration on Plane9’s website until 20th June. Be smart, avail the opportunity.

Amongst the 3000 applications submitted, a meager hundred startups would be selected from all over Pakistan. The first day would mark the presentation of ideas by startups to the external judges. A grading system means only some of them would qualify for Day 2 of the Launchpad.

These startups would then again pitch their ideas in a seven minute speech, followed by questions and answer. The winners would attain a spot for, at least, 6-month incubation at Plan9. Incubation would not only gain you mentoring but also free infrastructure and working space. Pretty beneficial deal? Huh!

For you to apply you should be a 18+ plus Pakistani ready to locate to Lahore if you emerge the winner. The idea should be a product oriented one, with the owner fully and only committed to one startup. You must have a team of 2-5 members and be able to present a prototype of the product.

The business models should be linked to technology, since Plan9 is a technology incubator. They could be one’s like Consumer Tech (e-commerce), EdTech (Education Tech), FinTech (Finance Tech), Health Tech and many others linked to technology. If you have this all, as well as the credibility to take up responsibility, there is no better event, at the moment, in Pakistan.

The post Plan9 Opens Registrations for Launchpad 10 appeared first on Techlist.

Don’t miss out Pakistan’s first National Freelancing Convention to be held in Lahore

The use of internet has become compulsory now. Nowadays, from doing homework to making big business deals, internet is playing an important role. We, Pakistanis have succeeded in every field and freelancing is one of those many fields. With a constant rapid growth in freelancing Pakistan has one of the top freelancing markets.

To keep climbing the ladder Punjab Information Technology Board has now introduced National Freelancing Convention (NFC). NFC is a project that aims to provide all kinds of freelancers, bloggers etc. a single platform that will serve as the accelerator to county’s ultimate success.

The event aims to bring together all the freelancers to explore the freelancing industry and the opportunities that lie within it. The event will be attended by many stakeholders in the freelancing industry and there they will contribute to establish a well maintained and unique network of communication.

Sessions:

NFC will be presenting following sessions at the convention:

• The Art of Blogging 11:00 am-12 pm
• Building efficient Gateways for Freelancers 12 pm – 1 pm
• Women in Tech 2 pm- 3 pm
• Freelancing to Entrepreneurship; Opportunities and Challenges 3 pm- 4 pm

Meetup:

Meetups are planned to bring the people from each group to convey their message and share their ideas. The meet ups include:

• Crossover community meetup
• Official Behance community meetup
• Official Payoneer community meetup
• Facebook Developers Group meetup
• Open source Pakistan meetup
• Official Word Press community meetup
• Official Fiverr Community meetup

The event will be graced by worthy CM of Punjab, Mr. Shehbaz Sharif. He will address the attendees and according to the reports he is planning to launch e-rozgaar program officially on this day. The other notable personalities to attend the event are Dr. Umar Saif, Mr. Sajid M. Latif, and Mr. Nayyer Iqbal.

The event will be held at the Arfa Software technology Park on 28, March 2017. The timings will be from 9am to 6pm sharp and for all the willing participants we are announcing that you can register yourself on their official website. You can book your stalls and display your products. For more information click here.

The post Don’t miss out Pakistan’s first National Freelancing Convention to be held in Lahore appeared first on Techlist.

In 712 police stations across Punjab, digital system has been introduced. The digital system is introduced by the partnership of Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) and The Punjab Police.

The inauguration ceremony was held at the central Police Office, Lahore. The event was graced by the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, IG Punjab and other noble officials.

Over the years people of Punjab have been facing problems to register FIRs for some reason or another. Not only one but manual registration can invite many problems. Like the biggest of all was threat to security and misplacement. These complaints were placed in cabinets from where it was difficult to find specific file from bundles. It can also feature some random human errors that could have caused a real problem during investigation. Moreover, it was time taking.

To solve the complaint issues, along with Criminal Record head offices been setup in 36 districts, the following reforms have been made:

• Establishment of “Front Desks/Reception Rooms” run by educated IT civilians
• Computerization of complaints through “Complaint Management System (CMS)”
• Data automation and improving readability through “Police Station Record Management System (PSRMS)”
• “Criminal Record Management System (CRMS)”. This system is meant for criminal record management and identification of criminals by using biometrics, physical appearance and previous crime history. The system is integrated with Tenant Registration System and Hotel Eye, as a result of which tenants and guests of hotels having a criminal record can be identified all over Punjab.
• Directing police to take action by monitoring of law & order through “Operational Media Center”
• IGP Complaint Center 8787
• CCTV monitoring of 5 cities of Punjab through “Punjab Safe City Authority” project
• “IGP Monitoring Cell” to oversee the IT-related activities of Punjab Police

PM said,

“That the police should change their outlook and the negative “Thana” culture and make the environment friendlier for the visitors.”

He advised other provinces to opt such policy.

The post Punjab’s 712 Police Stations goes digital with criminals database appeared first on Techlist.

Dr. Umar Saif, the Chairman and Founder Vice Chancellor of Punjab Information and Technology Board (PITB) and the Mayor of Austin, Mr. Steve Adler signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The Memorandum featured the establishment of Lahore and Austin as the science cities.

During an official visit to USA Dr. Saif met with the US officials and the representatives from different institutions and specially the Mayor of Austin. During their meeting Dr. Saif introduces them to the successful programs PITB has been able to establish over the years like E-rozgaar, Wi-Fi Hotspots, E-Learn, Digital Inclusion and Smart transport solution.

For MoU Dr. Saif had to say,

“Under the MoU it is agreed to co-operate in the initiatives like organizing bi-lateral trade, economic development, and exchange missions to each city. Promotion of capital exchange and investment, development of joint educational programs and exchange opportunities between Austin universities and ITU will enable both sides to prepare students for the future.”

According to Dr. Saif some salient features of the MoU were:

1) Development of business-focused cultural exchange projects between the creative industry sub-sectors of both cities.

2) Broker international relationships between individuals and organizations.

3) Special attention on fields like innovative high-technology, advanced manufacturing, creative industries, professional services.

4)  Any other sector that can bring economic development.

5) Linkage of the financial and investment sectors in an effort to promote foreign direct investment in both communities,

6) Expansion of workforce development and education opportunities for the next generation of employees in the high-technology.

7) Promotion of creative industry.

8) Launch programs specially designed for students of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM).

The MoU will bring benefits to all and with this hope that Lahore and Austin Science Cities would help in greater development of country, the MoU was signed.

Dr. Saif also invited the mayor of Austin to visit Pakistan.

The post PITB Chairman and Mayor of Austin to Establish Lahore and Austin as Science Cities appeared first on Techlist.

“Herself”, is a women empowering program launched by PITB. The aim is to encourage women towards the technical field and to create an opportunity for them to work effectively even when at home.

Recently Herself, has hosted a Graduation Ceremony. It’s not been more than six months since the launch of Herself and it already had trained more than 100 women. The ceremony was for the second cohort that had a total of 60 women.

The ceremony began with the notes of the Co-Manager of Herself and Marketing and PR Executive of Herself, Zainab Tariq and Ayesha Mubashir respectively. The two ladies welcomed the audience and talked about Herself. During their stay on stage they revealed some future plans and aims of Herself and also said that they expect more women to join them.

The Chairman of PITB, Dr. Umar Saif was present on the occasion and he took the stage to appreciate all efforts by women who made Herself a huge success. He congratulated Herself’s team and graduates. During his opening speech he highlighted the importance if entrepreneurial culture in Pakistan and the role women can play in the progress of technology in Pakistan. He encouraged women to take technical fields for economical progress.

He said,

“No economy can ever progress if its women don’t progress and with little job opportunities, venturing into entrepreneurship would benefit the society as a whole”.

The event was graced by successful women who are source if inspirational great mentors for the young learning talent. These included Angela Braid the Co-Founder Polly and Other Stories, Anoosha Shaigan who is Vice President Courting the Law and Ms. Sadaffe Abid the Co-Founder CIRCLE.

These ladies participated in a panel discussion during which many problems and their solutions were discussed. Moreover their point of view was taken on entrepreneurial opportunities, the role of women and available resources.

On the occasion Ms. Sadaffe Abid said,

“Herself is a significant platform for our women where they get to turn their dreams into realities”

A business idea competition was also held where three trainees presented a new business idea.  This was judged by the panelists who declared TeamUp, the idea of Sayyada Huda, the best. TeamUp is a platform where every sportsperson can make a team online and play whenever he/she wants.

Nabeel A. Qadeer, Director Entrepreneurship Punjab Information Technology Board joined for a closing note. After sharing the story and reasons behind this successful project, He congratulated all graduates and winner of the Business Idea Competition.

Nabeel said,

“Our nation cannot progress without the women participating for the greater good of Pakistan. Believing in them and providing them the right guidance will not only set them on the path to success but also bring benefit to Pakistan’s economy. Herself is set to achieve the same.”

After all the discussions, speeches and motivational recognition the ceremony came to an end.

The post PITB initiative Herself empowered more than 100 women entrepreneurs in Pakistan appeared first on Techlist.

The new year was marked by inducting 9 startups from Lahore in PITB’s Tech Incubator Plan9’s 9th cycle of incubation.

They called it Launchpad 9, it aimed technological revolution in Pakistan.

It helps to bring people closer to entrepreneurship. PITB’s Plan9 Launchpad 9 included motivational talks, scavenger hunt, pitch and presentation workshops, business plan and market validation workshop, fireside chat, tips on launching the startup, team building, speed networking and much more.

1. AdSpace.pk is a place where you can buy or sell ads. It is like an auction platform. The things auctioned are  hoardings, streamers, billboards and transportation floats.
2. Homestove acts as a bridge connect home-based chefs to foodies in the area. Foods are made at home and is delivered to respective places on one day prior order.
3. humBIKE helps to decrease the cost that motorists use  fuel consumption.
4. Journal Post promotes the interactive journalism. The introduction of such news portals people can excess things quickly.
5. Neurostic aims to  help doctors. It gives  support algorithm through which the disease can be diagnosed properly.
6. Pakistani Soghat is a great success that has introduced the traditional way of cooking food with all those spices.
7. PaltooPK helps you find suitable pet. Not just that , it also helps to find vet and order products.
8. Project 50 Kids promotes use of technology on the daily life of children. They are making sure that children using technology positively achieve their target.
9. Qayaam works on basis of shared economy. It helps guests and hosts to find a better accommodation on affordable rates.

The post Plan9 Announces the Winners of Its 9th Incubation Cycle appeared first on Techlist.

PITB’s tech incubator Plan9 has started new year with its first ever Makeathon in parallel to the Launchpad Season 9. The initiative of Makeathon aimed to give the kids a taste of practicality the makers-space community.

The children from age group 10-18 attended the two-day event. The event provided a wide range of workshops. The  Makeistan, DIY Geeks, Bookme.pk, Cheetay and PakWheels were the ones to conduct several activities in the event.

The students from different institutions like Beaconhouse TNS, Lahore Alma, Roots International and Alma Mater attended the event. Also the children from the PITB family, attended Makeathon.

Pakistan Information Technology Board has launched a program under title of WhizKids. The aim of the program is to promote talent, ability and potential of Pakistani youth.

WhizKids promotes children from all backgrounds to join technological entrepreneurship.

The event had a total of 9 activities in two days.

The three stages of the events were:

Stage 1 – Ideation

Stage 2 – Visualization

Stage 3 – Implementation

On Day 1 after the warm welcome to the children fun-filled activities began. followed by Idea mining activity and Stick At Activity that was planned by DIY Geeks.  The activity was such that the children had glue and stick and they had to make imaginary structures.

Arfa Software Technology Park was filled with colorful paper planes flying here and there when the Paper Plane activity was introduced. The amazing day ended with Drone Race.

On Day 2 the event began with the introduction to  Arduino IDE by Makeistan after that Do It Yourself activity was conducted by DIY Geeks. PakWheels.com’s Robotic Car Race was loved by the most of the kids present.

Chairman PITB Dr. Umar Saif appreciated the efforts of WhizKids saying,

“Opening up the minds of young kids to endless possibilities in technology is one step closer to their successful future. WhizKids is an attempt to make kids independent and to help them test out their creative side.”

Children the future of the country and promoting a sense of technology can bring technological revolution in upcoming decades.

The post WhizKids Makeathon 2017, PITB Initiative to Promote Young Talent of Pakistan appeared first on Techlist.

A two day conference laden with the finest Investors, entrepreneurs, mentors, speakers, tech companies, accelerators alongside the involvement of Media would be held on 26th and 27th of January at Arfa Software Technology Park, Lahore under the name “Startup Lahore”! There would be over 3000 attendees, 150+ startups, and 30+ investors.

The event is being held in collaboration with MIT Enterprise Forum Pakistan (MITEFP) -a global organization of dedicated professionals associated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) through MIT Technology Review is one of the 24 worldwide chapters looking to engage stakeholders of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and make a difference through innovation and technology.

The Conference would provide the Startups an access to Foreign as well as Domestic Investors and some training of how to convert “yet another Business” into one of the Best of the states. A piece of advice is what the Upcoming Entrepreneurs will surely attain. For the country it is an initiative to train the next generation and stimulate Entrepreneurship amongst the Youth!

Startup Rumble

One of the key features of Startup Lahore would be the Startup Rumble. It’s a platform that will make it viable for the Entrepreneurs to submit a business idea of no more than 350 words! All the ideas would be a subject to vote.

The Finalist would be chosen on the basis of votes and would invited to Lahore to present their ideas as well as a detailed business plan in front of a jury and a large audience. The top teams will then be selected for the prize money.

The winners of Startup Rumble will also be given the opportunity to be accelerated at the PlanX accelerator.
The Plan would also enable People to interact with one another and comment on various ideas! This would enable entrepreneurs to mold their idea to suit as much a people as possible.

Dr. Umar Saif, Chairman of PITB and Vice Chancellor of ITU, said while talking about the event:

“In the last decade, Lahore has transformed itself into a technology hub. With our startup and investor eco-system building up steam, Startup Lahore has come about at an opportune time. This will be a fantastic opportunity for all entities to network and showcase our talented community.”

Apply Now

Attendee, Startup or Investor passes are available on Startup Lahore website. These pass holders will have access to workshops and seminars during the whole event.

Applications are open for Startup Rumble. Everyone who is interested to participate can apply here.

The post Startup Lahore to Be Held on the 26th & 27th January 2017 appeared first on Techlist.