Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Ufone and Zong have each deposited US$15 million to qualify for Pakistan’s 5G spectrum auction, which offers 597 MHz across multiple bands. The PTA hopes to raise over US$634 million, though operators face strict rollout and investment requirements that raise concerns about 5G’s financial viability.
Pakistan will introduce a fully digital Hajj management system next year, covering the entire pilgrimage process from application to return. The initiative, backed by an MoU between the IT and Religious Affairs ministries, aims to improve transparency, reduce delays, and enhance coordination for over 179,000 Pakistani pilgrims annually.
PTCL reported 12 percent revenue growth in 2025, with operating profit surging and Ufone significantly narrowing losses. Flash Fiber and digital services drove expansion, while the acquisition of Telenor Pakistan marked a major consolidation milestone. Enterprise, cloud, and wholesale segments also delivered strong performance across domestic and international markets.
Pakistan’s 5G spectrum auction is advancing as $30m in earnest money has been deposited ahead of the February 27 deadline. With Ufone and Zong confirmed and Jazz expected to join, the March 10 sale of 597 MHz aims to raise over $634m and accelerate next-generation mobile services nationwide.
Indus AI Week demonstrated strategic intent and governance awareness. Whether the Islamabad AI Declaration becomes a credible national blueprint will depend on budgets, institutional depth, regulatory clarity, and measurable public outcomes.
The Pakistan FinTech Summit marks the first global expansion of DIFC’s platform, strengthening UAE-Pakistan fintech ties. With rising funding and 450 fintech firms active, Pakistan is advancing regulatory reforms and digital infrastructure while addressing cash reliance and financial inclusion gaps.
Sources further indicated that the firewall initiative falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of IT, adding to concerns due to the continued lack of official communication. Reports suggest the project may have faced technical challenges during integration with telecom infrastructure, potentially leading to financial losses and raising questions about whether the government may consider permanently shutting down the system ahead of the planned 5G spectrum auction.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has introduced the Mobile Tariff Regulations, 2025, requiring dominant operators to obtain prior approval before revising mobile tariffs. The move aims to protect consumers while ensuring market sustainability, alongside measures to improve service quality and prevent unauthorised billing practices.
Pakistan will hold separate 5G spectrum auctions for Gilgit-Baltistan and AJK after the national rollout. PTA favours free spectrum allocation in these regions to boost infrastructure investment, alongside reforms to remove right-of-way charges and streamline approvals.
Raqami Islamic Digital Bank has launched as Pakistan’s first fully Islamic digital bank operating entirely on JazzWorld’s Tier III-certified Garaj domestic cloud, setting a benchmark for secure, scalable and regulation-compliant cloud-based financial services.