萝莉视频

Pakistani startup Bookme eyes $20 million annual revenue from Saudi expansion

Special Pakistani startup Bookme eyes $20 million annual revenue from Saudi expansion
Bookeme CEO and Founder, Faizan Aslam, is speaking at the Google SouthXChange Program at Google's headquarters in Singapore in 2024. (Faizan Aslam)
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Updated 10 July 2025

Pakistani startup Bookme eyes $20 million annual revenue from Saudi expansion

Pakistani startup Bookme eyes $20 million annual revenue from Saudi expansion
  • Bookme is a Pakistani e-ticketing platform that offers online tickets for movies, events, flights and hotels
  • Bookme founder eyes expansion further into Middle East, African countries after gaining foothold in Kingdom聽

ISLAMABAD: The founder of Pakistani e-ticketing platform Bookme said this week the company expects to generate $20 million annually from its expansion into 萝莉视频, following a recent deal with the Kingdom鈥檚 leading delivery app, Mrsool.

Founded in 2013, Bookme is Pakistan鈥檚 leading cashless e-ticketing platform, offering users online bookings for train and bus travel, flights, hotels, cinemas and other events. The startup has quickly gained a foothold across Pakistan, forging partnerships with major transport and fintech companies. Today, Bookme says it has over 14 million users.聽

Bookme entered the Saudi market in 2024 via a strategic partnership with Mrsool, a leading food and package delivery app in the Kingdom, and the Saudi Tourism Ministry (STA). In early 2025, it also signed a deal with flyadeal, a low-cost Saudi airline, to facilitate direct flight bookings between Pakistan and the Kingdom鈥檚 cities.

鈥淏ookme expects to generate around $20 million in additional annual revenue from its expansion in 萝莉视频,鈥 the company鈥檚 founder and Chief Executive Officer Faizan Aslam told Arab News via telephone.

鈥淭he Mrsool contract alone is worth around $5 million annually and the flyadeal partnership is valued at approximately $4 million,鈥 he added.聽

He said Bookme鈥檚 integration with Mrsool was completed, adding that it was expected to go live by the end of July.

鈥淢rsool is one of the most popular mobile applications in 萝莉视频 and very soon, its users will also be able to book airline tickets and make hotel reservations across the globe directly within the Saudi Mrsool app,鈥 Aslam said.

Aslam said Mrsool was the first 鈥渄rop of the rain,鈥 adding that Bookme had several other partnerships in the pipeline, including ones with the Kingdom鈥檚 leading banks and fintech companies.

Without disclosing any names, Aslam said Bookme had already signed three contracts, including ones with two banks that were pending approval from 萝莉视频鈥檚 central bank.

Aslam said the users of these banks would soon be able to access similar services from their respective applications.

On its flyadeal collaboration, the Bookme founder said the platform had aimed to support the airline鈥檚 growth by tapping into its large user base built through strong traction within the Pakistani market.

He noted that flyadeal recently began flight operations from Karachi, adding that it is also set to launch services from Lahore and Islamabad soon.

鈥淭hrough this partnership, Bookme can help drive a significant number of new passengers to flyadeal,鈥 Aslam said.聽

Aslam shared that Bookme鈥檚 ticket fares were around 6鈥7 percent lower than the market average, with discounts rising to as much as 15 percent during seasonal promotions.

Aslam highlighted the e-ticketing platform鈥檚 partnership with the STA to promote the Kingdom as a top destination for Pakistani travelers.

鈥淲e are not a Hajj or Umrah operator or a traditional group travel agency,鈥 he said. 鈥淲e focus on business travelers, families and leisure passengers moving between Pakistan and 萝莉视频,鈥 Aslam added.聽

He explained that Bookme runs campaigns, events and influencer marketing initiatives with the STA to position the Kingdom as a preferred destination for Pakistani travelers.

The startup is currently growing at approximately 130 percent year-on-year basis, Aslam said. He said the platform was expected to reach greater heights through its expansion into 萝莉视频.

鈥淲ith the full-scale launch of operations in 萝莉视频, our growth is expected to accelerate significantly, potentially reaching three to four times the current levels annually,鈥 the Bookme founder said.聽

Bookme has raised around $10 million in funding to date and plans to raise another funding round to support its broader regional expansion. Aslam, however did not disclose further details.

While 萝莉视频 remains its primary focus, Bookme is also targeting expansion across the Middle East and Africa, using 萝莉视频 as its regional base.

鈥淲e are trying to sign deals in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar through our Saudi office, with plans to expand into Africa鈥 starting with South Africa and Tanzania鈥 while our primary focus remains on the GCC and broader Middle East region,鈥 he said.


PM invites Qatari climber, Pakistan鈥檚 new tourism ambassador, to return for future expeditions

Updated 8 sec ago

PM invites Qatari climber, Pakistan鈥檚 new tourism ambassador, to return for future expeditions

PM invites Qatari climber, Pakistan鈥檚 new tourism ambassador, to return for future expeditions
  • Sheikha Asma Al Thani recently became first Qatari woman to summit Nanga Parbat
  • Sharif hails her role in highlighting Pakistan鈥檚 mountain beauty, empowering young women

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday invited Qatari mountaineer Sheikha Asma Al Thani, recently appointed as Pakistan鈥檚 brand ambassador for mountain and adventure tourism, to return to the country for future expeditions.

Al Thani, who became the first woman from Qatar and the Gulf to summit Nanga Parbat earlier this month, met the prime minister in Islamabad where he praised her courage and her contributions to global awareness of Pakistan鈥檚 natural beauty.

鈥淭he prime minister congratulated her for being the first woman from Qatar and the Gulf to successfully summit Nanga Parbat,鈥 the PM Office said in a statement.

鈥淗e appreciated Sheikha Asma鈥檚 extraordinary courage and commitment in achieving this milestone and praised her efforts to promote awareness around empowering women, especially young women, through adventure sports.鈥

The prime minister noted that five of the world鈥檚 fourteen highest peaks are in Pakistan, calling it a 鈥渕atter of pride鈥 that positions the country as a key destination for climbers worldwide. He also thanked Al Thani for selecting Pakistan鈥檚 mountains and 鈥渄rawing international attention to their challenges and natural beauty.鈥

鈥淗e extended best wishes to Sheikha Asma in her mission to summit all fourteen 8,000-meter peaks and invited her to return to Pakistan to further explore the country鈥檚 diverse and breathtaking landscapes.鈥

The prime minister acknowledged the vital contribution of Pakistani porters and guides in enabling international climbers to pursue their goals, and reaffirmed the government鈥檚 commitment to ensuring their safety, support and hospitality.

He also expressed interest in strengthening Pakistan-Qatar cooperation in areas such as sports, youth engagement and adventure tourism.

鈥淭he prime minister appreciated Sheikha Asma鈥檚 active role as Vice President of the Gender Equality Commission in creating equal opportunities,鈥 the statement said.

During the meeting, Al Thani expressed gratitude for the hospitality she received during her climbs, and praised the local porters and guides who assisted her on Nanga Parbat and other summits.

She also highlighted the experience of climbing K2, which she had summited previously.

鈥淚t is the best of all the peaks I鈥檝e climbed,鈥 she was quoted as saying in the statement. 鈥淚ts beauty is unmatched.鈥


Pakistan launches location-based SMS alerts to warn millions amid deadly monsoon floods

Pakistan launches location-based SMS alerts to warn millions amid deadly monsoon floods
Updated 17 min 22 sec ago

Pakistan launches location-based SMS alerts to warn millions amid deadly monsoon floods

Pakistan launches location-based SMS alerts to warn millions amid deadly monsoon floods
  • Over 23 million people in high-risk areas receive alerts via Pakistan鈥檚 largest telecom network Jazz
  • NDMA using geo-fencing and mobile apps to expand real-time disaster communication nationwide

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has launched a location-based SMS alert system to warn citizens in flood-prone areas of imminent weather threats, state media reported on Thursday, as the country grapples with deadly monsoon rains.

The system, developed under the Disaster Early Warning System (DEW-3 鈥 Monsoon), is a collaboration between the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Jazz, Pakistan鈥檚 largest digital telecom operator. It uses geo-fencing technology to deliver real-time alerts to millions of mobile users living in high-risk zones, enabling timely evacuations or precautionary action.

The move comes as torrential rains continue to batter parts of Pakistan, with over 80 killed since the start of the monsoon season in June.

Over 23 million Jazz subscribers live in areas identified by the NDMA as vulnerable to flooding and other climate-related disasters.

鈥淭his is a powerful demonstration of how public-private collaboration can leverage technology to protect lives and strengthen communities,鈥 Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of Jazz, was quoted as saying in the APP statement.

鈥淥ur [Jazz] nationwide reach and location-based capabilities make us uniquely positioned to support NDMA in its mission to minimize disaster-related risks. As the monsoon season continues, this remains an ongoing effort aimed at reaching and protecting even more people in harm鈥檚 way.鈥

According to APP, the system sends out targeted SMS alerts using advanced geo-fencing techniques to people located directly within affected areas. These messages include clear, actionable instructions to help the public respond effectively to natural disasters.

NDMA acknowledged the partnership with Jazz, 鈥渨hich has enabled them to reach vulnerable populations quickly and effectively, using geo-fenced alerts to ensure no one is left uninformed in times of crisis,鈥 APP reported.

The partnership was formalized in March 2025 to enhance Pakistan鈥檚 disaster preparedness using digital infrastructure. The system is designed to be scalable and responsive as weather patterns shift or new emergency zones emerge.

NDMA officials say the alerts are part of a wider effort to modernize disaster response by integrating digital tools and expanding risk communication channels. The authority also disseminates information through the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile app, social media, and mainstream news outlets.

Pakistan has faced increasingly severe climate-related disasters in recent years, from catastrophic floods in 2022 to recurring heatwaves and droughts. The country ranks among the top ten nations most vulnerable to climate change, according to the Global Climate Risk Index, underscoring the urgent need for improved early warning and resilience systems.


Pakistan police arrest 149, including 48 Chinese, in scam center raid

Pakistan police arrest 149, including 48 Chinese, in scam center raid
Updated 28 min 49 sec ago

Pakistan police arrest 149, including 48 Chinese, in scam center raid

Pakistan police arrest 149, including 48 Chinese, in scam center raid
  • Pakistan鈥檚 cybercrime agency says the call center was involved in Ponzi schemes and investment fraud
  • Foreign nationals, including citizens of Nigeria, the Philippines and Bangladesh, have also been arrested

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan police arrested 149 people 鈥 including 71 foreigners, mostly Chinese 鈥 in a raid on a scam call center, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency said Thursday.

鈥淒uring the raid, a large call center was uncovered, which was involved in Ponzi schemes and investment fraud,鈥 the agency said in a statement.

鈥淭hrough this fraudulent network, the public was being deceived and vast sums of money were being illegally collected.鈥

The agency said they were acting on a tip-off about the network, operating in the city of Faisalabad, a manufacturing center in the east of the country.

It said the raid was at the residence of Tasheen Awan, the son of the former chairman of the Water and Power Development Authority, a government agency.

All those arrested were in custody, including 78 Pakistanis and 48 Chinese, as well as citizens from Nigeria, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe and Myanmar.

Some 18 of the 149 were women, it added.


Pakistan joins ASEAN security talks in Kuala Lumpur amid Asia-Pacific tensions

Pakistan joins ASEAN security talks in Kuala Lumpur amid Asia-Pacific tensions
Updated 40 min 2 sec ago

Pakistan joins ASEAN security talks in Kuala Lumpur amid Asia-Pacific tensions

Pakistan joins ASEAN security talks in Kuala Lumpur amid Asia-Pacific tensions
  • ASEAN Regional Forum brings together 27 member states and dialogue partners to discuss security challenges
  • Ishaq Dar will meet with his Malaysian counterpart and engage with the Pakistani community during his visit

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan鈥檚 Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday to attend the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting focusing on political and security issues in the Asia-Pacific region, the foreign office said.

Established in 1994, the ARF is a leading platform for multilateral dialogue on regional peace and security. It brings together 27 member countries, including ASEAN states, dialogue partners and other regional stakeholders.

Pakistan joined the forum in 2004 and has since been an active participant in its initiatives.

鈥淒eputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, has arrived in Kuala Lumpur to participate in the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meeting,鈥 the foreign office said in a post on social media platform X.

Dar will lead his country鈥檚 delegation at the annual ministerial gathering, which is being attended by foreign ministers and senior representatives of ARF member states, alongside the ASEAN Secretary-General, according to a foreign office statement issued a day earlier.

鈥淒uring his visit to Kuala Lumpur, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister will also meet with his Malaysian counterpart as well as other visiting foreign ministers and representatives,鈥 the statement continued.

鈥淗e will also engage with the Pakistani community in Kuala Lumpur,鈥 it added.

The meeting is expected to discuss major security challenges facing the Asia-Pacific region, with a focus on promoting peace, stability and cooperation through dialogue.


Pakistan calls for renewed global push to restore peace in Yemen at UN Security Council

Pakistan calls for renewed global push to restore peace in Yemen at UN Security Council
Updated 10 July 2025

Pakistan calls for renewed global push to restore peace in Yemen at UN Security Council

Pakistan calls for renewed global push to restore peace in Yemen at UN Security Council
  • It urges all parties in Yemen to build on the UN-backed December 2023 Roadmap for a phased political solution
  • Pakistan condemns Houthi detention of UN and aid workers, calls for immediate release, full humanitarian access

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to take urgent and coordinated action to restore peace in Yemen, stressing the need for inclusive political dialogue and immediate humanitarian support to address the Middle Eastern country鈥檚 worsening situation.

The crisis in Yemen, which began as internal political turmoil, has since escalated into a wider regional conflict. A civil war erupted in 2014 after Houthi rebels took over the capital, Sana鈥檃. The years-long war has led to the near-collapse of the economy, widespread displacement and a severe humanitarian emergency, with more than 18 million people in need of assistance.

Addressing a UNSC briefing on Yemen, Pakistan鈥檚 Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, urged member states to reinvigorate inclusive political negotiations and implement coordinated responses to Yemen鈥檚 interlinked political, humanitarian and socioeconomic challenges.

鈥淭he Council must send a united and unequivocal message: the people of Yemen deserve peace, dignity and a future free from fear, hunger and despair,鈥 the Pakistani diplomat said.

Ahmad stressed 鈥渁 comprehensive approach, anchored in inclusive political dialogue and urgent humanitarian action, can pave the way for lasting peace and stability in Yemen.鈥

He urged all parties to the conflict to build on the December 2023 Roadmap, a UN-facilitated framework outlining a phased political process, including a nationwide ceasefire, restoration of public services and the reopening of key transport routes.

Pakistan also condemned the continued arbitrary detention of UN, humanitarian and diplomatic personnel by the Houthis, calling for their immediate release and unrestricted humanitarian access.

The detentions, which began in mid-2024, have affected dozens of UN and aid workers in Houthi-controlled areas, with many held incommunicado without due process, prompting international condemnation and urgent calls for accountability.

The Pakistani envoy stressed that peace in Yemen cannot be separated from the broader regional context.

He called for de-escalation and diplomacy, linking stability in Yemen with a resolution of ongoing Middle East conflicts, including an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and recognition of Palestinian statehood.

鈥淵ears of conflict have inflicted immense suffering on the Yemeni people,鈥 he said. 鈥淲hat began as an internal crisis has since assumed broader regional dimensions, with serious implications for international peace and security.鈥