Telenor pledges Rs 1.6 billion towards Covid-19 relief efforts

Telenor has pledged Rs1.6 billion in cash and kind towards the COVID-19 relief efforts.

In addition to urging its 46 million customers to donate to the Prime Minister's Corona Relief Fund through SMS short code, Telenor is coming together to raise funds for the nation by directly and voluntarily contributing through employee individual salaries, which will be matched by the organisations; reallocating budgets from annual activities and earmarking substantial amount on top, to add to the donation pool.

Chief Executive Officer Irfan Wahab Khan on Thursday tweeted, while saying that a major chunk of our cash contribution, besides our contribution through services, includes personal protective equipment (PPE) for our frontline soldiers and opening avenues for online learning opportunities to equip Pakistan for a digital future.

As the current situation does not warrant business as usual, Telenor Pakistan and Telenor Microfinance Bank have gone over and beyond and pledged Rs1.6 billion, in cash and kind, towards COVID-19 relief efforts.

The in-kind contribution has commenced through provision of subsidised and free services and offers and add-ons for telecom and banking consumers. Khan 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 honored to have the opportunity to give back to the country that has given them so much."

This Ramzan, Telenor Pakistan's annual "ShareYourMeal" campaign, which is always centered 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.

Telenor Microfinance Bank and Pakistan Baitul 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 Rs1.5 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 provision of essential commodities.

Mudassar Aqil, President and CEO, Telenor Microfinance Bank/Easypaisa said, "Pakistan currently faces a dynamic situation which is evolving day by day. It is now more important than ever for the entire country to stand together in the face of this emergency."