KARACHI: The telecom sector geared up its efforts to provide relief to consumers amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. All mobile operators have announced subsidised voice and data bundles and mobile payments.

In view of current scenario the government has declared mobile communications and internet services as essential services.

Easypaisa partnered with Punjab’s Zakat and Ushr Department to disburse Rs1.5 billion to more than 170,000 beneficiaries in the province. According to a press release issued by the company, Minister for Zakat and Ushr Punjab, Shoukat Ali Laleka said early distribution of Zakat funds is meant to facilitate people. “Digital banking technology will allow us to disburse these funds in a hassle-free and safe manner,” he added.

Meanwhile, Jazz has pledged Rs1.2bn support towards Covid-19 relief, which includes short to mid-term initiatives aimed to limit the negative impact of the pandemic, primarily for the most vulnerable communities. Jazz employees will also be voluntarily contributing up to 3-day salary for Covid-19 relief efforts, the company said in a press statement.

Published in Dawn, April 9th, 2020