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UrduPoint
UrduPoint
UrduPoint
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UrduPoint is an Urdu-language web portal in Pakistan, launched on 14 August 2000. As of April 2016, it ranked as the 6th most visited website in Pakistan and held a global rank of 1045 (April 2016).[1]

Key Information

UrduPoint has partnered with digital media company Ziff Davis, a division of J2 Global, to introduce Mashable Pakistan, offering content in both Urdu and English.[2]

Additionally, UrduPoint is available for free through Internet.org (now freebasics.com), a service initiated by Facebook in Pakistan.[3][4][5][6]

In 2019, UrduPoint became the official digital media partner of the Multan Sultans for the fourth season of the Pakistan Super League.[7] In 2020, UrduPoint's YouTube channel boasted over 8 million active subscribers.[8]

References

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UrduPoint

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UrduPoint is a leading Pakistani platform and -language web portal, founded on August 14, 2000, by Ali Chaudhry in , specializing in , content, and cultural resources primarily for Urdu-speaking audiences worldwide. The platform is a major Urdu website, attracting millions of monthly visitors through its comprehensive coverage of , , , , showbiz, , , , horoscopes, and Islamic content such as daily Ayat and . It operates without commercial funding reliance, emphasizing national service and the promotion of language and culture to unite beyond geographical boundaries. Key features include bilingual (Urdu and English) articles, poetry sections, personality profiles, and interactive tools like quote-of-the-day, alongside mobile apps for and Android that deliver real-time updates on and international affairs. As of 2025, UrduPoint ranks 62nd among websites in by traffic, with approximately 3.9 million monthly visits as of September 2025, establishing it as a pivotal source for authentic, updated news. Beyond web content, the network maintains an active YouTube channel with video news and a social media presence on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, reaching over 800,000 followers and amplifying its role in Pakistan's digital media landscape. Its commitment to breaking language barriers has earned recognition.

History

Founding

UrduPoint was founded in 2000 by media entrepreneur Ali Chaudhry in , , as an unfunded venture driven by a vision to promote the language online and deliver accessible news to Urdu-speaking audiences. It originated from an earlier project called "Urdu Cards" launched in 1998, offering Urdu e-cards, before officially becoming UrduPoint. The platform emerged as the first major -language web portal in the country, emphasizing self-reliance without external corporate or government support. Initially, UrduPoint concentrated on basic news aggregation in , aiming to make the internet more meaningful for by bridging geographical divides and fostering national unity through . This bootstrapped effort relied on internal resources and the dedication of a group of young professionals to establish a presence in the nascent online space. The venture faced significant early hurdles, including Pakistan's extremely low internet penetration rate of less than 1% in , which limited the potential audience, and the rudimentary technical infrastructure available at the time, such as basic HTML-based web development. Despite these constraints, the focus remained on creating a patriotic digital platform to serve the nation's Urdu-speaking majority.

Growth and Milestones

Following its launch on August 14, 2000, UrduPoint experienced steady growth as 's internet infrastructure expanded, transitioning from a simple platform for e-cards and poetry to a comprehensive digital portal. By the mid-2000s, the site adapted to increasing access in by incorporating elements, such as video content and live updates, to enhance user engagement beyond text-based articles. In the mid-2010s, UrduPoint broadened its reach to younger demographics through the development of a mobile application and integration with platforms, enabling real-time news sharing and notifications. This period marked a shift toward multi-platform accessibility, aligning with the proliferation of smartphones in . The official Android app, which provides and exclusive videos, continues to serve users today. Key milestones include the introduction of live streaming capabilities, notably for major events like the (PSL) cricket matches, allowing users to follow live scores, highlights, and commentary. By 2020, UrduPoint's YouTube channel had amassed over 8 million subscribers, reflecting its growing influence in and digital content delivery. That year also saw the platform's 20th anniversary, highlighted by initiatives to promote as Pakistan's national language through expanded literary and news offerings. UrduPoint responded to global digital shifts during the in 2020 by intensifying its coverage of health updates, lockdowns, and economic impacts, which boosted user interaction amid heightened online news consumption in . In 2025, the platform celebrated its 25th anniversary with events underscoring its commitment to Urdu-language promotion and digital innovation, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of accessible media.

Content and Services

News Categories

UrduPoint provides an extensive selection of news categories designed to cater to the diverse interests of its primarily i audience while also addressing global perspectives. The platform's offerings emphasize timely, relevant content that reflects local priorities alongside international developments, ensuring users receive balanced and contextualized information. At the core of its news ecosystem are categories focused on domestic and regional affairs. News delivers in-depth reporting on , , and key regional events, highlighting issues like , , and community developments across the country. Similarly, News concentrates on the ongoing regional conflicts, including updates from and the broader - dispute over the territory. extends this scope to international affairs, with particular attention to geopolitical initiatives such as the China- Economic Corridor (CPEC) and relations with neighboring countries like . Sports coverage stands out for its emphasis on , a national passion, featuring live scores, match analyses, and updates on major events like the (PSL). The section also includes football, hockey, and , but prioritizes real-time engagement for cricket enthusiasts through dedicated live updates. In parallel, Business News tracks economic indicators, including stock market fluctuations on the (), finance trends, and commodity prices, making it a vital resource for investors. Health News addresses medical advancements, public health alerts, and wellness tips, often tailored to prevalent issues in Pakistan such as disease outbreaks and healthcare policies. Technology News explores innovations, gadget reviews, and digital trends, covering topics from smartphone launches to cybersecurity. Showbiz keeps users informed on entertainment, spanning Pakistani dramas (Lollywood), Bollywood films, Hollywood releases, and celebrity news. Education News focuses on academic matters, including exam schedules, university admissions, scholarship opportunities, and policy changes in Pakistan's education system. Weather News provides daily forecasts for major Pakistani cities and international locations, aiding travel and agriculture planning. Complementing these categories are specialized features that enhance and utility. Live scores offer real-time ball-by-ball commentary during matches, while and silver price trackers deliver up-to-the-minute rates from markets like Karachi's . alerts ensure immediate notifications for urgent stories, from political shifts to security incidents. These tools underscore UrduPoint's commitment to interactive and practical journalism. What sets UrduPoint apart from international wire services is its nuanced depth in local coverage, particularly on Indo-Pak relations, CPEC progress, and grassroots events in provinces like and , fostering a of cultural and national relevance. These categories are delivered in multiple languages to broaden for diverse users.

Languages and Accessibility

UrduPoint primarily delivers content in to serve its core national audience in , where the language is widely spoken, while also providing English translations and sections to appeal to a broader, international readership. For religious topics, such as verses (Ayat Karimah) and , the platform incorporates text alongside Urdu explanations, enhancing its utility for Islamic content consumers. To improve accessibility, UrduPoint maintains a mobile-responsive that adjusts seamlessly to different devices and screen sizes, ensuring usability across desktops, tablets, and smartphones. Dedicated Android and applications were launched, with the Android app in 2016 and the iOS app in 2022, offering push notifications for and offline reading capabilities for select content. Additionally, the platform integrated with in 2015, which provided free data access to its services for users in low-bandwidth regions of until the program's discontinuation in 2022, particularly benefiting those with limited internet affordability. The site fully supports the script for native reading, while including transliteration options in its and search features to accommodate users or those more comfortable with inputs. For audiences with low levels, UrduPoint offers audio formats for recitations with Urdu translations, poetry readings, and tafseer explanations, as well as video content for children's stories and poetic performances, promoting inclusive engagement. UrduPoint ensures global availability through its and mobile apps, accessible without geographic restrictions or mandatory user registration for core features like browsing and searches, thereby lowering for diverse users worldwide. These and measures support delivery across categories such as , , and .

Ownership and Operations

Leadership

Ali Chaudhry serves as the founder, CEO, and of UrduPoint since its inception in 2000. With a demonstrated background in the online media industry, Chaudhry has been instrumental in shaping the platform's direction as a pioneer in Urdu-language in . Chaudhry's contributions extend to promoting Urdu content online, establishing UrduPoint as a key resource for -speaking audiences worldwide. In recognition of his work in , he received the UAE Golden Visa in 2022, along with his family, highlighting his impact on the sector. The structure at UrduPoint is founder-led, with a compact executive team based in , , where Chaudhry oversees editorial standards and strategic initiatives. While the organization employs around 109 staff members, no other executives are prominently highlighted in public profiles, underscoring Chaudhry's central role in operations.

Business Model

UrduPoint's business model centers on an advertising-driven revenue framework, with primary income derived from online advertisements such as display banners, video pre-rolls and mid-rolls, and native ads integrated into content sections. The platform also generates earnings through sponsored content and targeted brand partnerships, allowing advertisers to place promotions within specific news categories like politics, sports, and entertainment to reach engaged audiences. This approach leverages the site's high traffic, including over 35 million monthly sessions and 14 million unique visitors as reported in 2019, to offer cost-per-mille (CPM) and fixed placement options via programmatic channels like Google AdX. Since its founding in 2000, UrduPoint has operated without external funding, sustaining growth through ad revenue expansion rather than or public market listings. The company remains privately held, with estimated annual revenue of $13.1 million supporting its independent status as a digital media entity. Based in , , UrduPoint emphasizes cost-effective digital operations, employing in-house journalists alongside content aggregation to produce and curate multilingual news, , and across web and mobile platforms. This hybrid production model minimizes overhead while ensuring frequent updates, enabling the site to maintain its position as a leading Urdu-language portal without reliance on physical infrastructure. Like other digital publishers in Pakistan, UrduPoint navigates challenges from ad blockers and social media competition by diversifying into video and mobile ad formats, which help sustain revenue amid shifting user behaviors and platform dominance.

Impact and Recognition

Popularity and Rankings

UrduPoint has established itself as a prominent digital platform in Pakistan, with significant traffic rankings reflecting its enduring appeal. As of April 2016, it was the 6th most visited website in Pakistan and ranked 1045th globally according to Alexa data. By September 2025, Semrush reported it at 126th in Pakistan with 3.9 million monthly visits and 14,251st globally, while Similarweb placed it at 18,603rd worldwide and noted a surge to 62nd in Pakistan by October 2025 due to trending growth. The platform's audience is predominantly domestic, with accounting for 54.08% of traffic, underscoring its focus on Urdu-speaking users within the country. Significant portions also originate from communities, including 10.61% from the and shares from the , aligning with populations in the and beyond. This demographic emphasis has contributed to sustained engagement, evidenced by growth in its channel's video content viewership. Engagement peaks notably during high-profile national events, such as elections and cricket matches, where traffic surges reflect the platform's role in real-time information dissemination for Pakistani users. Mobile access drives over 78.46% of visits as of September 2025, highlighting its optimization for on-the-go consumption amid Pakistan's expanding smartphone penetration. In comparison to other Pakistani news portals, UrduPoint excels in Urdu content depth, securing third place in Feedspot's 2025 ranking of top Urdu news websites and 765th in SCImago's global media web reputation index for Pakistani outlets. This positions it as a leader in its niche, surpassing many local competitors in comprehensive Urdu-language coverage and user retention.

Partnerships and Achievements

In 2019, UrduPoint entered into a strategic partnership with , a global company, to launch Mashable Pakistan, a bilingual platform offering , , and content in and English to cater to 's growing digital audience. This collaboration marked UrduPoint's expansion into premium international content distribution, leveraging Ziff Davis's expertise to enhance user engagement in emerging markets. That same year, UrduPoint became the official partner for the cricket team in the (PSL), securing exclusive rights for live coverage, match highlights, and behind-the-scenes content starting with the fourth season. The partnership was announced in February 2019. In 2022, founder and CEO Ali Chaudhry received the UAE Golden Visa in recognition of his contributions to the media industry as an innovator in digital . UrduPoint marked its 25th anniversary in 2025, having been founded in 2000. Throughout its history, the platform has maintained a reputation free of major controversies, focusing instead on ethical and community impact. These partnerships and honors have contributed to UrduPoint's rising popularity, as evidenced by its consistent rankings among Pakistan's top outlets.

References

  1. https://www.urdupoint.com/en/pakistan/ceo-of-urdupoint-ali-chaudhry-receives-the-1533226.html
  2. https://www.pakistanpoint.com/en/about-us
  3. https://www.urdupoint.com/about-us.html
  4. https://www.semrush.com/website/urdupoint.com/overview/
  5. https://www.urdupoint.com/
  6. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/urdupoint/id1622808708
  7. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.urdupoint.mobile&hl=en_US
  8. https://www.similarweb.com/website/urdupoint.com/
  9. https://www.similarweb.com/top-websites/pakistan/
  10. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8SUpGjRdTSqIBuOfmWp3rg/about
  11. https://www.instagram.com/urdupoint_com/?hl=en
  12. https://tracxn.com/d/companies/urdupoint.com/__OVREamGA6Woiypfd-Yx0OuGALrVzMi3AQ93wBO8G7H8
  13. https://www.urdupoint.com/about_urdupoint
  14. https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/IT.NET.USER.ZS?locations=PK
  15. https://techdestination.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Digital-Media-for-web_compressed.pdf
  16. https://www.appbrain.com/app/urdupoint-com/com.urdupoint.mobile
  17. https://www.urdupoint.com/en/sports/psl-2018-schedule-squads-match-time-venues-267512.html
  18. https://www.urdupoint.com/en/miscellaneous/coronavirus-latest-global-developments-1143831.html
  19. https://www.urdupoint.com/en/
  20. https://www.urdupoint.com/en/news/pakistan.html
  21. https://www.urdupoint.com/en/news/kashmir.html
  22. https://www.urdupoint.com/en/news/world.html
  23. https://www.urdupoint.com/en/news/sports.html
  24. https://www.urdupoint.com/en/news/business.html
  25. https://www.urdupoint.com/en/news/health.html
  26. https://www.urdupoint.com/en/news/technology.html
  27. https://www.urdupoint.com/en/news/showbiz.html
  28. https://www.urdupoint.com/en/news/education/news.html
  29. https://www.urdupoint.com/en/news/weather.html
  30. https://www.urdupoint.com/business/karachi-gold-rates.html
  31. https://www.urdupoint.com/islam/audio-quran-in-urdu-translation.html
  32. https://urdupoint.soft112.com/
  33. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.urdupoint.mobile
  34. https://americanbazaaronline.com/2015/05/28/facebooks-internet-org-debuts-in-pakistan/
  35. https://www.theverge.com/2022/1/25/22900924/facebooks-free-internet-less-developed-costing-users-wsj
  36. https://www.urdupoint.com/dictionary/roman-urdu-to-english.html
  37. https://www.urdupoint.com/poetry/urdu-audio-poetry.html
  38. https://www.urdupoint.com/islam/audio-quran-tafseer-in-urdu.html
  39. https://www.urdupoint.com/kids/urdu-videos/stories-page7.html
  40. https://pk.linkedin.com/in/alichaudhry
  41. https://www.urdupoint.com/daily/writers/2/ali-chaudhry.html
  42. https://rocketreach.co/ali-chaudhry-email_22754894
  43. https://www.zoominfo.com/pic/urdupoint/296337528
  44. https://www.urdupoint.com/advertisement.html
  45. https://media-index.kochava.com/ad_partners/urdupoint-com
  46. https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/urdupoint-bias/
  47. https://rocketreach.co/urdupointcom-profile_b5f7d213f42d2ab1
  48. https://muckrack.com/media-outlet/urdupoint
  49. https://propakistani.pk/2024/06/21/digital-publishers-in-pakistan-are-facing-the-worst-time-of-their-lives/
  50. https://loksujag.com/about-us/finding-our-niche-media-landscape-in-pakistan
  51. https://www.epaper-hub.com/pakistan/urdu-point.aspx
  52. https://www.similarweb.com/top-websites/pakistan/trending/
  53. https://news.feedspot.com/urdu_news_websites/
  54. https://www.scimagomedia.com/rankings.php?country=Pakistan
  55. https://www.urdupoint.com/en/technology/urdupoint-and-ziff-davis-announce-mashable-pa-759820.html
  56. https://www.phoneworld.com.pk/mashable-pakistan/
  57. https://www.pakistanpoint.com/en/story/545536/urdu-point-becomes-digital-media-partner-of-multan-sult.html
  58. https://pk.linkedin.com/company/urdupoint-com
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