Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Pakistan has officially kicked off its 5G auction today with Jazz, Zong, and Ufone participating, aiming to double national spectrum capacity and launch next-generation services in major cities within six months while simultaneously improving 4G network quality.
Pakistan has assumed the presidency of the Digital Cooperation Organization, strengthening its role in shaping global digital policy and AI governance, while advancing collaboration among member states on digital transformation, data governance and inclusive economic growth in an era increasingly defined by artificial intelligence and cross-border digital cooperation.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s DASTAK digital service platform has won the APICTA ICT Award 2025 in the Digital Government & Citizen Services category, marking Pakistan’s first win in this category in 14 years. The platform was recognized for its innovation, scalability, use of advanced technologies, and measurable impact on citizen service delivery across the province.
Pakistan and Qatar have begun talks on a strategic technology partnership focused on expanding financing, incubation, and investment opportunities for Pakistani startups. With Qatar’s growing tech ecosystem and QDB’s potential role, both sides aim to collaborate on AI, cloud, cybersecurity, digital skills, industrial digitalization, and cross-border startup exchange programs.
Pakistan’s IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja spotlighted satellite internet’s role in bridging the digital divide, praised key organizations expanding connectivity, and called for unified investor strategies and digital literacy to advance Pakistan’s digital future.
Binance Academy partners with Pakistan’s Ministry of IT to launch a blockchain education program, aiming to train 300 educators and reach 80,000 students across 20 universities by 2026. The initiative supports Pakistan’s digital transformation and prepares a skilled workforce for the global blockchain ecosystem.
Pakistan’s Minister of State for IT and Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, introduced the ‘Digital Nation Pakistan’ initiative, aiming to create a unified digital framework focusing on economy, governance, and society. The initiative will lead to the establishment of a National Digital Commission and a Digital Authority, promoting national digitization.