Islamabad, May 4, 2020:PTCL Group, one of the country’s largest telecom groups and the backbone of connectivity in Pakistan, is undertaking a comprehensive Coronavirus relief and support effort worth PKR 1.9 Billion. The package aims to help people across the country tostay connected and it will also provide access to facilities, mainly food and healthcare, to the most vulnerable communities.

The Group’s foremost priority is to keep Pakistan connected in this time of crisis, whether it be individuals, organizations or government institutions being able to work seamlessly. PTCL Group including Ufone, U Microfinance Bank and PTCL have undertaken numerous measures to provide support to the people in these unprecedented times. A major portion of this package will go towards providing subsidized and free of cost services to customers so that they are able to stay connected, virtually.

PTCL and Ufone have provided support to the people on their products and services in the shape of free offers and heavy discounts to minimise the burden on their pocket. They can remain connected with their loved ones and with their businesses, while staying safe at home. Similarly, all transaction charges on fund transfers through UPaisa to UPaisa wallets and to other banks have also been waived off during the current situation, thus greatly facilitating users.

PTCL is the largest provider of connectivity in Pakistan especially for banking and aviation sectors. Foreseeing a surge in internet usage nationwide during the pandemic, PTCL immediately expanded its submarine internet capacity significantly to ensure seamless connectivity, for both retail and corporate customers. Moreover, the Group is proud of its 12,000+ frontline workers, who are ensuring the country’s connectivity and business continuity around the clock, even in the remote and far-flung areas of the country.

Similarly, on the relief side, through PTCL Razakaar Trust, the employees of PTCL and Ufone have voluntarily donated part of their salaries to help in the relief efforts. The contribution worth PKR 100 Million collected was given directly to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund. PTCL is providing support to Coronavirus affected families through its Razakaar Trust in the shape of a package comprising of food items, medicines and preventive gear in 25 cities across Pakistan. Along with that, the company will also provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for frontline workers and sponsor hospital beds for Coronavirus patients.

PTCL Group has introduced various offers and services to facilitate people during the pandemic. Both PTCL and Ufone are providing free calls on CoronavirusHelplines includingUfone’s collaboration with Pakistan Red Crescent’s toll-free Helpline 1030, where over 38,000 calls have been answered and over 12,000 volunteers have registered from the country. PTCL also raised public awareness on Coronavirusin collaboration with the Government of Pakistan and International Rescue Committee (IRC). Similarly, U Microfinance Bank is estimating to receive and honour requests for liquidity relief for nearly 100,000 loan customers through the deferment of their loans.

To support the government during the pandemic, PTCL is also providing connectivity to hospitals, Rescue 1122, Federal & Provincial governments, along with Law Enforcement Agencies including Police, Sindh Rangers, Pakistan Coast Guards, amongst others.PTCL has also set up Call Center infrastructure related to Coronavirusfor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and Balochistan governments.

PTCL Group stands steadfast with the nation during this crisis while the safety, security and well-being of customers and all stakeholders remains its top priority.

PTCL Group stands steadfast with the nation during this crisis while the safety, security, and well-being of customers and all stakeholders remains its top priority.