KARACHI: JazzCash and the Pakistan Railways (PR) have signed an agreement to facilitate the payment of online ticket fees across the country. According to a statement, customers can now book their tickets online through the Pakistan Railways website or Pakistan Railways mobile app, after which they will be able to pay for their booked e-tickets via JazzCash mobile accounts, JazzCash agents or debit/credit card of any bank. “The solution will also revamp the online ticket fees financial reporting and reconciliation mechanism at the Pakistan Railways. This service has been integrated with JazzCash mobile application and web-based interface to allow user to pay from the comfort of their homes.” A statement quoted Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique as saying, “The PR has experienced an unprecedented turnaround in the last four years and we have realised that the organisation can grow only if it keeps itself abreast with the new technologies of the world.” “By uplifting the PR we have been able to attract 20 million more passengers. We have not only introduced e-ticketing but are also making it hassle-free for our passengers. It is due to the success of the present e-ticketing system that leading financial agents in the market have shown interest in becoming the business partner of the Pakistan Railways,” the statement added. He went on to say, “Joining hands with JazzCash in digitised payment mode is an important milestone of the journey to success and goal to facilitate our valued customers. We are committed to converting the Pakistan Railways into one of the best transportation networks in the region.” Jazz Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Aamir Ibrahim said, “JazzCash is committed towards digitising public to government payments. This solution has been designed to facilitate people travelling by railway, so they no longer have to stand in long queues to purchase tickets. Convenience has become a necessity in this digital era, and JazzCash is taking the lead in ensuring not only our customers, but the entire nation experiences the ease technology offers.” Speaking on the occasion, Aniqa Afzal Sandhu, chief digital and financial services officer, Jazz, said: “As a leading digital company, our customer’s financial services needs take top priority and we continue to strive hard in providing them with the best services. JazzCash remains committed to the digitisation of financial services.” Previously, JazzCash has digitised the Directorate General Immigration and Passport, Khyber Pakthunkwa Higher Education Department, Sindh Police for passport fees payment, college admission processing fee payment, driving licence fee collection. “The Pakistan Railway will be another addition to JazzCash’s portfolio,” he added. Published in Daily Times, September 19th 2017.