ISLAMABAD, Oct 28: The Pakistan Telecommunication Company on Wednesday launched the "Apna Des" calling card for Pakistanis travelling abroad.

Though the Apna prepaid calling card is available in Pakistani currency but will help the users in a foreign country to make a call to Pakistan, said Shahid Haq, executive vice-president marketing.

He told reporters at the PTCL headquarters here that the new initiative would also help save foreign exchange.

Initially, the service of the card will be available for Saudi Arabia, Iran, UK and the US. Gradually the service will be expanded to other countries. Negotiations are also being held with the United Arab Emirates.

Mr Haq said the card could be used on any digital phone abroad, and also had the balance transfer facility (BTF) that enabled the person to pass on the credit (in rupees) from one prepaid card to another.

The card is available in the denominations of Rs500, Rs1,000, Rs2,000 and Rs5,000 and can be bought from travel agents, airport super stores and PTCL public call offices.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Company is planning to sell at least 25,000 cards during the current year, while a proper business plan would be prepared for the next fiscal year, the PTCL official said.