Mobilink will serve over 45 million mobile customers after merging Warid Telecom

VimpelCom Ltd. (“VimpelCom”) and Global Telecom Holding S.A.E. (“GTH”), together with Warid Telecom Pakistan LLC and Bank Alfalah Limited (“Dhabi Group shareholders”), have today reached an agreement to merge their Pakistan telecom businesses. The merger of Pakistan Mobile Communications Limited (“Mobilink”) and Warid Telecom (Private) Limited (“Warid”) will see the combined entity serving 45 million customers. The transaction is the first merger in the mobile telecommunications sector in Pakistan.

Together with continued investments, the new entity will allow Mobilink and Warid to accelerate the availability of high-speed mobile telecommunications and provide consumers and businesses with a              best-in-class mobile network, more competitively priced services and wider access to enablement facilities such as mobile financial services.  

Commenting on the agreement, Jean-Yves Charlier, Chief Executive Officer of VimpelCom, said: “We are delighted to announce the agreement with the Dhabi Group shareholders today to combine our businesses in Pakistan. With the addition of Warid to our already strong customer base at Mobilink, we will serve more than 45 million customers and offer a best-in-class mobile and high-speed data network – a key factor in the digital enablement of Pakistan’s economy. This transaction follows a number of strategic milestones for the company, including our recent joint venture announcement with WIND and 3 Italia in Italy and the agreement to sell our operations in Zimbabwe. This is yet another important step in our journey to continue delivering on our strategy to transform VimpelCom and improve our competitive position in our operating markets.”

The transaction is expected to create Capex and Opex synergies with a net present value of approximately   USD 500 million. The combined revenue of both companies for the 12 months to September 2015 was          USD 1.4 billion.

Chairman of Dhabi Group, His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, said “Creating the largest operator in Pakistan is a significant milestone for Mobilink and Warid but also for Pakistan as a whole.  Warid’s partnership with Mobilink will create value for all stakeholders and pave the way for exceptional and            cost-efficient telecommunication services for customers. Both parties bring their unique strengths to this merger. Warid, with its strong post-paid base and high quality 4G/LTE network will complement Mobilink’s position in the market. We are very pleased to continue to contribute to the strengthening of the competitive landscape for the broader telecom sector and the overall economy of Pakistan. The transaction reaffirms my own and my fellow investors’ long-standing and continuing commitment to Pakistan.”

VimpelCom and the Dhabi Group shareholders have agreed a clear corporate governance structure. The board will consist of seven directors, of whom six will be nominated by VimpelCom and GTH and one nominated by the Dhabi Group shareholders. Upon successful completion of the transaction, Mobilink’s CEO Jeffrey Hedberg will become the CEO of the combined business and Mobilink’s CFO Andrew Kemp will become the CFO of the combined function. 

See more on Official Video from VimpelCom here:  

A few words from the team in Pakistan on today’s mobilink waridofficial merger

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LTE the answer to exceptionally growing mobile data traffic

Aoun Muhammad

The data revenues of cellular mobile operators (CMOs) reached Rs47 billion during the year under review, showing a growth of 47.4% YoY. The data traffic has escalated by 19.3% overall in the telecom sector and 40% in voice traffic due to increased subscriptions and competitive bundle offers provided by the cellular services in Pakistan. These cellular companies have taken notice of the explosion of social apps usage in Pakistan and are offering lucrative offers that include daily, weekly and monthly plans for internet usage, which is also a major contributor to data traffic. Consumers are moving from voice call trend towards to mobile data trend because of apps such as Whatsapp, Facebook and Twitter.

There has also been a substantial increase in the imports of mobile handsets worth US $544 million, an indication of the consumers opting for Smartphones with features like email, instant messaging, video and voice calls. The consumers are opting for Smartphones with smart apps to ease their lives on the go and to keep themselves updated with global trends. A Smartphone also provides a window for the consumer to mix their social and business activities. These Smartphones at a time were costly to obtain, but now telecommunication companies, banks and manufacturers are providing discounts and installment offers with 0% markup that make obtaining a Smartphone easy.

The aggregate effect of increase in subscriptions, bundle offers, internet packages, social apps, email and smartphones have created an entire segment of mobile data traffic that is worth monitoring and it because of such factors networks are looking in to 3G and 4G networks. This will not only be a source of revenue for the cellular companies but will also generate employment in the economy, contributing positively towards Pakistan’s GDP.

In lieu of this GPRS/edge supported network, Pakistan has entered in an era of Next Generation Wireless Networks (NGWN) commonly known as 3G and 4G networks. These NGWNs are going to innovative all services across a national platform, including but not limited to financial, business, information, social, and education and entertainment services. In addition to these, there will be superior voice communication and faster bandwidth will make video calls possible. Having a 3G network is a big step for Pakistan, as it means faster internet than Edge/GPRS services, clearer voice calls and a superior experience in mobile finance, entertainment, education, social and business services.

However, Fourth Generation LTE networks will revolutionize the entire process of mobile payments and banking. It will also provide superior voice call quality; the download speed will be faster and video quality clearer. One of the leading telecom operators Warid Telecom has recently launched LTE services in Pakistan and became the first operator to transform from 2G to LTE technology. This transformation will help ease the data traffic being generated from social and business apps but will also update and revolutionize the entire system and lifestyle of Pakistan. The network will be ten times faster and more responsive than a 2G or 3G network as the LTE technology is designed to reduce latency. Video chats and conferences will facilitate social and business lives of a consumer. Introduction of LTE by Warid will also create an influx of investment as software companies will begin to develop apps that are facilitated by LTE networks, which will also generate employment.

In short, our lives will be hard to picture without Next Generation Mobile Networks in the coming future. The introduction of LTE is going to revolutionize and uplift the entire social, economic and financial state of affairs in Pakistan. Pakistan can infact boost its ideas and conceptualization of progress with the help of LTE and in few years make these concepts a reality. These Networks can act as a catalyst that will bridge the development gap between Pakistan and First World Countries, if utilized accurately.

The author of this article is a renowned publicist with a penchant for information technology and corporate sector.

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Warid Brings All Night Internet Offers

Warid Telecom, Pakistan's largest LTE network has introduced two new and exciting internet offers for all its Prepaid and Glow customers. While "All Night LTE Internet Bundle" gives 10 GB internet to LTE users for only Rs. 5, 2G customers can also enjoy surfing & downloading  with "All Night EDGE Bundle" for only Rs. 0.99 with 1GB internet volume. These offers will be applicable from 12 midnight till 9am daily, throughout the month of Ramadan.

Warid has continued its tradition of bringing convenient offers to its customers, and this time around Warid is offering the best mobile internet experience coupled with an even amazing rate. To activate the All Night Internet bundles, users simply need to SMS either "RB<space>4G" for the  LTE bundle or "RB<space>2G" for the 2G bundle to 7777. Alternatively, customers can dial *786# to activate these bundles. For the ease of customers, these bundles will be automatically renewed on a daily basis and can also be unsubscribed via SMS.

 Terms & Conditions:

·         Only Prepaid & Glow subscribers using Warid LTE services can subscribe to All Night LTE Internet Bundle.

·         Both existing and new Warid customers can subscribe to All Night LTE Internet Bundle & All Night EDGE Internet Bundle.

·         For Ramadan All Night LTE Internet Bundle, fair usage policy of 10 GB shall be applicable. The given Internet volume can be utilized in both LTE & 2G coverage areas.

·         For Ramadan All Night EDGE Internet Bundle, fair usage policy of 1 GB shall be applicable.

·         To check remaining volume in your All Night LTE Internet Bundle, dial *200*414#.

·         To check remaining volume in your All Night EDGE Internet Bundle, dial *200*413#.

·         All Night LTE & EDGE Internet Bundles are auto recursive unless unsubscribed.

·         All SMS sent to 7777 will be charged at Rs. 1+tax per SMS.

·         All Night EDGE Internet Bundle is only for 2G Customers & will be available for all packages.

·         These Internet bundles will be available in Ramadan only.

Your SIM is your identity, only use SIMs issued through Biometric Verification – PTA

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Warid Brings Pakistan ke Sub Sa Bari Offer

Free 15,000 Minutes + SMSs + MBs upon SIM reactivation

Warid Telecom announced its new SIM Wapis Lagao Offer which is valid for only 10 days (till the 20^th of June 2015). All Warid prepaid subscribers who have not used their SIM in the last 30 days or more can get up to 15,000 free Warid minutes, 15,000 SMSs and 15,000 MBs of mobile internet which will be valid for 15 days, upon re-activation of their Warid SIM. In addition to this, using Rs. 8 or more will entitle Warid subscribers to have 100 more Warid minutes, 100 local SMSs and 100 more MBs of mobile internet per day. To activate these offer customers can dial 3733 or send blank SMS to 3733. This is one of the best offer in such a competitive market and it demonstrates Warid's strong commitment to providing their customers the most convenient and affordable options. Warid has Pakistan's best 4G LTE network and it has the largest and fastest growing 4G LTE customer base in Pakistan.

To Activate: 

Dial 3733 or send blank SMS to 3733

Bonus on SIM Re-activation:

-          15000 Warid minutes

-          15000 SMS  to any network

-          15 GB  Mobile Internet 

-          Validity 15 days

Daily bonus on Usage

Daily bonus will be awarded on usage of Rs 8+tax

-          100 Warid minutes

-          100  SMS to any network

-          100MB Mobile Internet

-          Validity 1 day

Terms & Conditions

-          This is a limited time offer and applicable till 20^thJune 2015

-          All 30 days dormant and biometrically verified subs  are eligible for this offer

-          Free minutes are for Warid to Warid only

-          Upfront Bonus reward on SIM re-activation can be checked through *200*507#

-          Daily bonus on usage of Rs.8 can be checked through *200*508#

-          Changes in offer are at discretion of Warid

-          Standard taxes, call setup charges, terms & conditions apply

-          19.5% FED on usage and 14% WHT on recharge apply

For more information visit: http://www.waridtel.com/prepaid/offers/welcome-offer/winback

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Warid, SKMT Mark World No Tobacco Day 2015

Warid Telecom, a socially conscious organization which has persistently contributed to the welfare of the society, has collaborated with the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital yet again to commemorate the World No Tobacco Day, 2015.

This joint effort is to raise awareness within the society concerning the adverse effects of smoking and tobacco consumption. The awareness drive was brought forth through social media, trade campaigns as well as awareness sessions in different corporate organizations, schools and universities to highlight the hazards of tobacco use.

Warid Telecom has also raised funds for cancer patients unable to afford the required treatment. In addition to highlighting the importance of charity and education, Warid set forth to instill consciousness amongst its employees about the perilous effects of tobacco on health and life itself.

Major schools from all over Pakistan participated in a contest linked to increasing awareness of the cause in which approximately 6000 entries were received. Dr. Faisal Sultan, CEO SKMT, distributed shields and certificates amongst the winners of the competition. Commenting on this,

Dr. Faisal Sultan, CEO SKMT said:

"Tobacco consumption has become no less than an epidemic in this day and age; it's also the main cause for mouth, esophagus, throat, stomach, liver, prostate and kidney cancers. Mental illnesses and malaises can also develop as a result of tobacco abuse. It is noteworthy that if thorough examination of the hazards of tobacco and proper education is not provided to the masses it may lead to an inevitable catastrophe. I would specifically like to thank Warid Telecom, for showing immense support for this significant cause. Warid continues to support us in all our campaigns throughout the year"

Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital and Warid have collaborated in the past to attain the same goal - informing the masses about the importance of cutting down or abstaining from tobacco usage.  Nearly 40 percent of cancer in males is attributed to tobacco in Pakistan. According to World Health Organization, tobacco use kills nearly six million people every year and this is expected to rise to an estimated eight million by 2030, unless necessary measures are undertaken. 

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Warid Re-brands Corporate Values Aims for Cultural Transformation

Warid Management Team while cutting 3W cake.  From right Mr.Muneer Farooqui, CEO Warid Telecom, Mr. Tariq Gulzar, CFO, Mr.Nayab Baig, VP HR and Mr. Farid Ahmad CSO Warid Telecom. 

Warid Telecom, a capacity building organization, recently marked its 10^th years of service excellence in Pakistan. Being identified as the most reliable telecom service provider, the company is also one of the top industry employers.

Aimed at maintaining its leadership as preferred employer, the Company has undertaken several initiatives for cultural transformation. The company has introduced 3W (Warid Working Way) for its employees to meet the evolving needs of the organization and the industry dynamics.

3W is a comprehensive model which is customized and covers all the dimensions and elements of the organizational culture. These include; Warid Values, Warid Building Blocks (a unique take on traditional organizational competencies), Warid Leadership Way and Warid Code of Conduct. Together all these elements define the organization’s character and its people.

This model supplemented with Warid’s Purpose, reinforces Warid’s commitment to provide the most delightful customer experience every time.  

Mr.Nayab Baig, Vice President People & Culture, while commenting on cultural Re-branding said 

“Our company owes its success to both its internal and external customers, the employees and the customers. The 3W initiative will surely bring about a remarkable change in the organizational culture of Warid as well as the level of satisfaction experienced by the consumers. An increase in the level of performance backed up by the new behaviors of our employees will definitely benefit our consumers, who are our first priority.”

3W interactive sessions were held by the Warid’s Organizational Excellence team throughout the country. These sessions aimed to strengthen the desired behaviors. This will be followed by more events and activities throughout the year which will instil 3W into the DNA of the organization. 3W will have a long term positive impact on Warid’s culture and consequently its performance as an organization.

Mr. Muneer Farooqi, CEO Warid Telecom while addressing staff at 3W launch at Warid Head Office

Senior Management Team at the launch of 3W (Tariq Gulzar, Farid Ahmad, Nayab Baig)

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Warid expands its 4G LTE network to 12 cities of Pakistan

Warid Telecom, Pakistan's largest and fastest growing 4G LTE network, announced the launch of its 4G LTE services in four major cities of Pakistan including Peshawar, Quetta, Sheikhupura and Multan.  The company has established a state of art LTE network which has expanded to 12 cities of Pakistan. 

As an additional incentive, Warid is also offering free 4G LTE trials to all new and existing subscribers who will be able to enjoy free 1GB 4G LTE data for 5 days. Customers with a LTE handset can also get their SIMs upgraded to 4G LTE, free of cost.

Known for its distinctive consumer services, Warid Telecom has achieved acclaim throughout the country. Ever since the commercial roll out of 4G LTE services in Pakistan, the company has seen a commendable increase in mobile data users due to its matchless network quality, product & services and affordable data plans.

As part of its customer facilitation for those who wish to upgrade to the 4G LTE network, Warid has also initiated a partnership with Daraz.pk, an online shopping portal. The full range of Warid Telecom-certified 4G LTE devices can be viewed and ordered online at www.daraz.pk/warid. - PR

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Warid Offers Free Minutes/SMSs/MBs for every Recharge

Warid Telecom, in its tradition of bringing new and exciting offers for its customers, has introduced another promotion whereby all prepaid customers can seamlessly stay connected to their friends and family via free calls and SMS across all networks in Pakistan and can also enjoy free MBs as well.Subscribers who have verified their SIMs can avail these free resources by dialing *277# before every recharge of Rs. 50 or more. Upon recharge, subscribers will be entitled for 20 free minutes, 2000 local SMS or 200MBs of internet, valid for one day. In addition to this, local calls across all networks will be charged at only 2 paisas per second for 7 days.

Warid has always excelled with their customer centric approach and aimed to provide offers and packages for their customers’ convenience. With a growing customer base, a variety of offers have been introduced to suit the needs of each customer. For prepaid customers who make frequent phone calls, our new recharge offer is ideal.

Terms & conditions:

·         To avail this offer, subscriber has to dial *277# before every recharge of Rs.50 or more

·         Free resources can be checked by dialing *200*505#

·         Free minutes, SMS and MBs are valid for one day

·         Offer can be availed from anywhere in Pakistan

·         After free resources are consumed all calls, SMS and MBs will be charged as per package plan

·         Customers can avail other SMS bundles and internet buckets         

Balance share amount will NOT be considered against recharge of Rs. 50 

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Warid joins hands with LABARD for Fundraising

Lahore Businessmen Association for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled annual fundraising event attracts dignitaries and diplomats

Warid Telecomwas one of the co-sponsors for the Lahore Businessmen Association for Rehabilitation of Disabled (LABARD) fundraising dinner on the 27^th of April at the Faletti's Hotel in Lahore.

Being a socially responsible corporation, Waridhas promoted a multitude of causesin the past including blood donation drives, anti-smoking campaigns and continuous support for SKMH. The LABARD fundraising dinner is the most recent event that Warid has participated in, battling the challenges faced by the disabled in an attempt to create a better and more equal nation.It was held to raise finances for free counselling, medical care, education, training, and career opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Ms. Sadaf Zarrar, Director of Marketing at Warid, commented saying "Our work with LABARD has been very rewarding and we strongly feel that the integration of all individuals in our society is vital – no one should be excluded. This is an important issue that needs to be tackled and Pakistan must work towards bringing equal opportunities to all of its citizens."

The event was attended by Speaker National Assembly SardarAyyazSadiq, the British High Commissioner to Pakistan Philip Barton, US Consul General Zachary Harkenrider, and LABARD President MNA Pervez Malik, amongst many others. The speeches made on the evening were introspective and powerful, going into great depth regarding our responsibility as a community in the fight for equal opportunities for the disabled and the importance of creating a sustainable and healthy society.

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Warid supports the LUMS Gaming Association

The LUMS Gaming Association held its three day Intra-LUMS Gaming Tournament last weekend, supported by Warid Telecom. It was aimed at promoting E-sports and offering semi-professional gamers the chance to compete on a wider platform. The games ranged from strategy to action and gave the participants the freedom to explore their relevant set of skills in the gaming arena.

Warid, alongside its youth-oriented brand Glow, has supported a multitude of sports activities at LUMS over the past years. In this regard, Warid has remained committed to its persistent efforts to promote youth activities. 

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WARID OFFERS ANOTHER OPPURTUNITY TO GET UNVERIFIED SIMs REACTIVATED

By Gulshan Naz:  Following the SIM re-verification campaign led by PTA and the Government of Pakistan, Warid Telecom will be offering its subscribers the opportunity to re-activate their unverified SIMs that have been blocked.

For the ease and benefit of their customers, Warid users can retrieve their unverified number by visiting their nearest Warid Business Center, franchise or biometric retailer.

12^th April marked the deadline for the nationwide SIM re-verification, as announced by PTA. Warid Telecom has been vigilant in informing and educating its customers to take the appropriate action with the biometric verification of their SIMs.

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Warid Brings Exclusive SIM Re-Verification Offers for Valued Customers

Warid Telecom is now offering its customers 500 free minutes and 500MBs of free internet upon re-verification of their SIMs before the 12th of April 2015. Following the Government of Pakistan’s decision to make biometric SIM re-verification mandatory, Warid is giving free allowances to subscribers for SIM re-verification to show their appreciation. This offer will be valid immediately after the first recharge following re-verification, for 3 days.

Overseas Pakistanis can also temporarily verify their SIM’s, effective till the 31^st of March 2016, by sending the required information, including their CNIC number, on ‘789’.

Customers can also check their number’s verification status by dialing the Warid helpline ‘321’.

Biometric verification is a big step taken by the government in collaboration with the telecom industry to improve national security.

The verification process is quick and easy for customers and can be done at any Warid Business Centre, franchise or retail outlet. Warid customers can text ‘WO’ to ‘324’ to find their nearest biometric re-verification retailer at a charge of Rs. 0.50+t/ - per SMS.

Offer Details:

·         Free allowances are only available for all non-biometrically verified, 30-day active customers. 

·         Bonus will be applicable upon first recharge after biometric re-verification.

·         Bonus upon recharge will be posted next day.

·         Free minutes and MBs will be valid for 3 days only.

·         Customer can recharge any denomination to avail the benefit.

·         Peer to Peer share will not be considered as recharged amount

·         For temporary overseas re-verification, effective till the 31^st of March 2016, send your Mother’s name, CNIC number & Place of birth:  

           For example: ‘VER<space>MotherName,CNIC,PlaceOfBirth’ to 789 

          *Normal IR SMS charges applies

·         For any queries email Warid at overseas668@waridtel.com

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85 Million SIMs Re-verified, Another 18 Million still unVerified

Telecom Operators companies have processed 85 million SIMs for re-verification through biometric verification system, suggests latest data made available to Pak Tech Insider.

According to data made available to Pak Tech Insider, mobile phone companies have successfully verified 74 million SIMs during two and half month re-verification drive that is going to end on April 13th, 2015.

Another 11 million SIMs were blocked as they were disowned by their owners.

UNVERIFIED SIMS WILL GET BLOCKED AFTER APRIL 12TH, 2015, AND THIS DEADLINE WON’T EXTEND

With this number, another 18 million SIMs are still pending verification, for which mobile phone companies have another 15 or so days to complete the re-verification process.

At the end of re-verification drive i.e. after April 13th, 2015, all un-verified SIMs will get blocked, and customers owning those SIMs will have to get their SIMs replaced by paying extra fee for SIM replacement to reinstate their numbers.

Market sources tell that number of re-verifications per day have now dropped to below 200,000 instances per day, as compared to an average of 1.5 million per day that telcos had maintained before February 26th, 2015.

Officials of mobile phone companies say that they are putting all possible efforts to ensure that maximum number of customers are re-verified before the deadline. Officials told that mobile phone companies are now focusing on rural areas, especially in Southern Punjab and Internal Sindh. High paying customers who have not re-verified SIMs are being approached in person now.

Also Read: 10.3 Million User Subscribes 3G Data in Pakistan at the end of February

Mobile phone companies are fearing that they may have to face extreme conditions after the deadline as millions of SIMs will get blocked and all such customers will at once head to franchises/service centres for restoration of their services.

These millions of customers with blocked SIMs would naturally want to get their connections restored with-in no time and that is when the support system of mobile phone companies is likely to get choked.

Market experts suggest that at least 10-12 million SIMs will never get re-verified as these connections are either dormant, or used by voice exchanges, spammers and those who send Benazir income support messages.

Data shared with Pak Tech Insider reveal that Mobilink is leading the charts with Telenor at second position.

Total Number of Verified SIMs – March 23, 2015

• Mobilink  – 21,719,733
• Telenor –  19,409,530
• Zong – 13,259,127
• Ufone – 11,798,657
• Warid – 7,822,218

Below are details about unique number of CNICs that telecom operators have verified. In other words these are unique number of customers for each operator.

Unique Customers Per Operator – March 23, 2015

• Mobilink  – 17,729,047
• Telenor –  14,039,149
• Zong – 10,119,588
• Ufone – 9,917,210
• Warid – 5,877,560

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Warid SIM verification status by SMS & IVR

With the current efforts of biometric verification of SIMs nationwide, the telecom industry is facing many challenges to complete the process in time. The main focus of all the mobile operators is to verify the maximum number of their subscribers in the limited allocated time and have initiated innovative ways to facilitate their customers. 

“Keeping in mind the tradition of innovation, Warid Telecom has taken it a step further by offering a simple yet innovative way to identify the verification status of any number by calling its IVR numbers 100 or 321,” stated Mr Nauman Fakhar, Director of Customer Services at Warid.

Upon dialing 321 or 100 IVR, the callers will not only be informed on the verification status of their numbers but system will also check the status of any other number registered on their CNIC and will guide the callers on any further procedures required, if any, to complete the verification process. In addition, Warid Telecom has also introduced SMS based service for its customers to check the status by sending the CNIC number to 789 and receiving the status against the said CNIC immediately. 

These services, offered by Warid, are designed to provide convenience to the customer without having to leave the comfort of their home.

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