Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority is upgrading its national firewall infrastructure in a Rs. 40–120 million project to enhance cybersecurity and strengthen protection against sophisticated digital threats across telecom and data networks.
The Competition Commission of Pakistan has recovered Rs772 million in fines from LDI operators penalized for forming a cartel under the International Clearing House arrangement. The CCP said it will continue enforcement despite pending Supreme Court appeals.
The State Bank of Pakistan has launched InvestPak, a digital investment portal enabling individuals and corporates to invest directly in government securities online. The platform simplifies account opening, bidding, and trading, marking a major step toward financial digitization. With Rs46.5 trillion already invested in government papers, the initiative will expand access, encourage individual participation, and streamline operations for banks and investors alike.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are launching a joint AI Hub to foster collaboration between Pakistani tech talent and Saudi companies seeking digital services. The initiative marks a strategic pivot from training to employment-driven outcomes, aligning with Pakistan’s new workforce KPIs. Backed by GO Telecom, the partnership follows a new Economic Cooperation Framework signed in Riyadh, designed to expand trade and investment. Meanwhile, Pakistan plans to auction 600 MHz of spectrum and expand submarine and fiber-optic networks to enhance nationwide Internet performance.
Pakistan’s IT Minister Shaza Fatima announced that the government will soon release its 5G spectrum policy, including the auction of 600 MHz for next-generation services. Alongside, new frameworks for infrastructure sharing and satellite communication have been approved. The government also plans a “Smartphones for All” initiative to promote affordability and inclusion. Pakistan’s telecom sector continues to expand rapidly, with strong subscriber growth, a 17% annual revenue increase, and booming e-commerce activity.
The UAE ranks among the top global adopters of AI, while Pakistan remains among the lowest, highlighting a growing digital divide driven by infrastructure and education gaps.
The UAE and Singapore lead global AI adoption, with over half their populations using AI tools, while Pakistan ranks among the lowest due to limited access and literacy. The report urges global efforts to close the AI divide.
Zong 4G leads PTA’s Q3 2025 Quality of Service survey, ranking first in 4G coverage, voice quality, and broadband throughput, ahead of Jazz, Ufone, and Telenor.
Pakistan’s IT ministry approves a series of tech initiatives under Ignite, including AI, cloud, and SAP training, a cybersecurity hackathon, and startup incubation to accelerate national digital transformation.
PTA cautions Pakistanis against fake online job offers and free SIM card scams as cybercriminals exploit social media and biometric loopholes for identity theft and fraud.