Telenor Continues To Stand With Fellow Citizens By Pledging PKR 1.6 Bn Towards COVID Relief Efforts

Telenor Continues To Stand With Fellow Citizens By Pledging PKR 1.6 Bn Towards COVID Relief Efforts

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Telenor has stood by Pakistan and is living up to its purpose of connecting people to what matters most, and now committing to more. As the current situation does not warrant business, as usual, Telenor Pakistan and Telenor Microfinance Bank have gone over and beyond and pledged PKR 1.6 billion, in cash and kind, towards COVID-19 relief efforts. The in-kind contribution has commenced through the provision of subsidised and free services and offers and add-ons for telecom and banking consumers.

As the entire country has been swept with fear, concern and uncertainty, Telenor’s cash contribution is intended to provide relief and support to those that are fighting against the Coronavirus on the front lines. In collaboration with Pakistan Red Crescent, Telenor is providing Personal Protective Equipment to the real heroes – the doctors, health workers and law enforcement professionals. Moreover, Telenor will channel part of this contribution towards COVID testing in the country.

Telenor is making significant efforts towards e-learning by collaborating with Ministry of Information Technology and the Virtual University of Pakistan under the DigiSkills Program to provide affordable access to youth, and providing free access to LinkedIn Learning platform on first come first serve basis to those looking to upskill themselves in order to find employment. Additionally, the organisation will be training 2,000 females entrepreneurs, students and children on digital skills and design thinking through webinars; and will be helping scale ed-tech start-ups with a focus on STEM education under Telenor Velocity.

Continuing with its tradition of over 5 years now, this Ramzan, Telenor Pakistan’s annual #ShareYourMeal campaign, which is always centred on bridging the gap between the haves and the have-nots, will be focusing on donating food and ration to the people affected during the lockdown. Irfan Wahab Khan, CEO Telenor Pakistan and Chairman Telenor Microfinance Bank said,

“Many of our countrymen are feeling vulnerable, worried, and confused as the real effects of the current situation begin to show face. That’s exactly where we have a responsibility to stand shoulder to shoulder with our fellow citizens and create hope. Today, more than ever before, I am extremely proud of the employees of Telenor who have donated their salaries towards this noble cause. It was heartening to know that all employees felt honoured to have the opportunity to give back to the country that has given them so much.”

He further added: “We will continue to represent all that makes us Telenor, connecting Pakistanis to what matters most to them; and we will do so with compassion, with empathy and with unwavering courage as we remain committed to helping those around us. I truly believe that the future will be brighter and our people will come out stronger.”

Telenor Microfinance Bank and Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal have expanded their partnership towards supporting widows and differently-abled persons through Easypaisa. The Bank has also collaborated with Zakat and Ushr Department of the Government of Punjab to digitally disburse Zakat funds of PKR 1.5 billion to 170,000 most vulnerable beneficiaries in a convenient and safe manner. Additionally, transaction charges have been waived for both customers using interbank fund transfers and QR Retailers dealing in a provision of essential commodities.