Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), a subsidiary of e&, (formerly known as Etisalat Group) has launched its new Over-The-Top (OTT) platform, SHOQ, to provide a superior and immersive viewing experience to all data users in Pakistan. SHOQ hosts a rich repository of curated content that is accessible to all, in line with PTCL’s vision of empowering digital transformation for all.
The new platform was launched at a special event in Karachi attended by Chairman & Group CEO, PTCL & Ufone, Hatem Bamatraf, CEO, e& life, Khalifa Al Shamsi, CEO evision, Olivier Bramly; CEO & Co-founder, STARZPLAY, Maaz Sheikh, senior executives of PTCL & Ufone, industry leaders, showbiz celebrities, media representatives and eminent personalities from different backgrounds.
SHOQ bridges the gap of access to high-quality content in Pakistan at affordable prices through its partnership with evision, the media and entertainment arm of e& life (part of e&). The partnership will provide PTCL and other data customers with access to media and entertainment content, movies and seasons from major Hollywood studios like Warner Bros, Paramount, 20th Century FOX, among others. SHOQ will also host a hundred top rated local and international live TV channels, Pakistani movies and original movies to cater to the entertainment needs of the entire family.
Hatem Bamatraf, President & Group CEO, PTCL & Ufone, said, “We are pleased to introduce Pakistan’s largest OTT platform to deliver high-quality entertainment and news content to all data users. With increasing internet penetration, Pakistan needed a high-quality local OTT service, offering affordable entertainment tailored to local tastes and preferences. SHOQ has what it takes to be the country’s ultimate entertainment solution.”
“We are delighted to support the development of Pakistan’s largest OTT platform, powered by PTCL.” Speaking at the panel, e& life CEO Khalifa Al Shamsi said. “We are confident that this new service will add great value to the people of Pakistan. e& will continue to support the PTCL Group, especially in its new chapter to create a digital future that empowers every person in society to create innovative digital services and tap into new customer segments, building success upon success.”
Olivier Bramly, CEO of evision, said: “We are delighted to be part of the new chapter in Pakistan’s entertainment revolution. evision is the largest media and content aggregator in the MENA region, where we have always been an integral part of our customers’ lives. We look forward to partnering with PTCL, especially in a market as large as Pakistan, where mass content creation and streaming services are exploding, bringing unlimited opportunities to all.”
“We are grateful to PTCL for giving us the opportunity to strengthen our presence and impact in Pakistan. CEO and co-founder of STARZPLAY, Maaz Sheikh said during the launch event. STARZPLAY is a leading subscription video-on-demand service that streams thousands of hit movies, TV shows and other Pakistani and international content. Through PTCL SHOQ, our service will be accessible to all Pakistanis who want to indulge in quality streaming media or entertainment.”
