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KARACHI: Pakistan telecom operator Zong has partnered with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) to provide a full range of digital services, including cloud and data center solutions, the telecom company said on Monday.

The partnership aims to strengthen Pakistan’s digital infrastructure and foster technological collaboration under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

It marks a strategic alliance to strengthen digital cooperation between the two entities, boosting connectivity, innovation and security in the country’s financial ecosystem.

Under the collaboration, Zong will provide a cloud platform, information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and end-to-end secure connectivity to meet ICBC’s operational and security requirements.

“We are proud to partner with ICBC in advancing their digital transformation journey,” Zong quoted its deputy director of business solutions, Fan Jiehuan, as saying.

“This collaboration reflects our shared vision to drive innovation, security, and reliability through world-class ICT infrastructure and cloud services in Pakistan’s financial ecosystem.”

Pakistan is increasingly embracing cloud computing, advanced ICT infrastructure and digital solutions across both public and private sectors. The adoption of these technologies is driving efficiency, enhancing cybersecurity and supporting the country’s broader push toward a digitally connected economy.

Zong said these services will be hosted at its state-of-the-art high performance computing center in Islamabad, which is regarded as one of Pakistan’s most advanced digital facilities.

“The scope of services will further extend to managed Wi-Fi and enterprise communication solutions, empowering ICBC’s nationwide operations with seamless, reliable, and secure network performance,” the telecom operator added.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Yousaf on Monday hinted at reducing costs for next year’s Hajj after a Saudi service provider offered a lower bid to accommodate pilgrims.

Under Pakistan’s Hajj scheme, the estimated cost of the government package ranges from Rs1,150,000 to Rs1,250,000 [$4,049.93 to $4,236], subject to final agreements with service providers.

Yousaf said this cost is estimated, with some margin, to make up for any contingency and to ensure the Hajj process is smooth but hinted at refunding any saved amount to Pakistani pilgrims at a later stage.

“[��������’s] Al-Rajhi company, has reduced its cost by 200 riyals [$53.33],” the minister told Arab News, after a meeting of the Pakistani Senate committee on religious affairs.

“Whatever amount is saved will go back to pilgrims.”

Out of a total 19 firms, five Saudi companies were shortlisted to present their bids for 2026 Hajj, according to Pakistani officials.

Al-Rajhi, a licensed Tawafa company responsible for assisting foreign pilgrims in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah, offered the lowest bid of 2,635 Saudi riyals ($702) per pilgrim for next year’s Hajj, compared to 2,875 riyals ($766) this year. The company provided amenities such as air-conditioned tents and sofa beds at Hajj sites for Pakistani pilgrims this year.

“The company has provided the services to the satisfaction of Pakistani pilgrims and even the prime minister of Pakistan has appreciated that,” Pakistani Religious Affairs Secretary Dr. Syed Ata-ur-Rahman told senators who attended Monday’s meeting.

This year, around 66,000 Pakistani pilgrims were given Rs3.45 billion ($12.2 million) refunds as the actual cost of the pilgrimage was less than the projected cost, according to the religious affairs minister.

“If there is any savings in that [Hajj costs], then it becomes their (pilgrims) right,” Yousaf said.

He hoped that next year’s Hajj will be better than this year’s in terms of services and pilgrims’ ease.

“Hajj is a big responsibility,” Yousaf said. “We want to make it better and transparent so that pilgrims have the best experience.”