In full Throttle: Consumer Banking in Pakistan
A Marketing Review Report By S. Imran Ahmed

Over the last 5 years, Pakistan witnessed a phenomenal growth of consumer banking. This unprecedented development has followed privatization of nationalized banks, banking reforms brought about by the State Bank of Pakistan and an increasingly marketing-oriented approach primarily aimed by banks at a large urban consumer base.

Life After Reforms

Since assuming the office of the Governor, Dr. Ishrat Hussain has implemented a major program of restructuring of the State Bank of Pakistan and steered the reforms of the banking sector. In an exclusive interview with Marketing Review, Dr. Hussain talks about economic reforms, micro-credit, human resource base of the banking system and much more.

Ahmed Kapadia Looks Ahead

"Synergy Advertising was established in May 1999 and in a very short span of time I’m pleased to say we have made a name for ourselves as a centre of excellence in brand communication. We are currently Pakistan’s fastest growing integrated media communications groups" claims Ahmed Kapadia, Managing Director, Synergy Advertising.

Ready to e-bank?
By Sabeen Mahmud, COO, b.i.t.s.

We’ve come a long way from the days when “all branches now online” merely meant that you could cash a cheque at any branch of a bank, irrespective of where your “physical” account was located. I remember being horrified at the misuse of the word, “online”, when I learnt that these so-called online branches had nothing to do with offering financial services over the Internet. Or maybe, I just didn’t “get it”.

Fearless Mobility
By Yasmeen Malik, Consultant, yEvolve.com

Fearless. That is the way market leader Mobilink describes its branding. Branding that has not been dampened by the competition, the telecom regulator or indeed the market itself. For readers of this article who are in one way or the other involved with selling or promoting their respective brand, the telecom industry in Pakistan over the last two years has been replete with examples to show us how to and how not to sell your wares.

The Other Side Of Branding
By Najam-ul-Hasan Ata

The world is now caught in the tangled web of globalization and brute forces of market economy from where there seems to be no escape. Have corporations become more powerful than mega-states? Najam-ul-Hasan Ata finds out.

The Brand Magic Of Harry Potter
By Syed Imran Ahmed

One has to remember that in this age of consumerism, anything that sells in millions, has ancillary merchandise worth millions and has blockbusters made of, is a brand and a huge one at that. Let’s take our own magical mystery tour of this phenomenon called Harry Potter.

How Indian Media Has Impacted Pakistani Advertising
By Masuma Habib Halai

Culture is defined as “that complex whole that includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, customs and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society.” It is important to recognize that culture, although immensely powerful, is not fixed forever. Changes in culture tend to be slow and are not fully assimilated until a generation or more has passed. There is a much more relaxed attitude to those who choose to ignore the convention.

Is the clash of the generations imminent?
By Syed Imran Ahmed

Something alarming is happening in the West. Battle lines are being drawn for a new form of class warfare. On one corner, it is the aging generation. On the other, the future generation. Unfortunately, for the future generation, it’s not going to be an easy ride. Let’s find out how.