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’s government plans to auction over 600MHz of telecom spectrum by early February 2026 to ease internet congestion, enable 5G rollout, and attract new operators. The move supports Digital Nation Pakistan and Connect 2030 goals, addressing spectrum shortages that have constrained mobile broadband performance and digital transformation.
Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank have signed $730m in financing to upgrade the national power grid and accelerate state-owned enterprise reforms. The investments aim to improve energy security, enable hydropower integration, and strengthen governance and efficiency across key public institutions.
The PTA has warned that mobile SIM cards must be registered in the name of the actual user, holding registered subscribers fully accountable for misuse. The move supports wider efforts to prevent illegal activities linked to improperly registered SIMs and reinforces mandatory compliance with telecom regulations.
Pakistan’s Telecom Roundtable 2025 brought industry leaders together to assess connectivity challenges, regulatory hurdles, and investment prospects. Discussions highlighted the need for stable infrastructure, policy clarity, and collaboration to unlock broadband growth, digital services exports, and long-term economic development across Pakistan’s evolving digital ecosystem.
Pakistan plans a major telecom spectrum auction in early 2026 to address network congestion and improve internet quality. The government aims to auction nearly 600 MHz of spectrum, the largest in its history, enabling better 3G and 4G services and supporting the country’s first rollout of 5G, following approval of the framework by the ECC.
Pakistan’s telecom regulator has revised IoT and SRD regulations to support nationwide IoT growth through licensed and shared spectrum use. The framework introduces a new LPWAN licence, enables licence-exempt devices under strict conditions, enforces data localisation, and supports R&D trials, aiming to drive smart cities and industrial automation.
Pakistan is launching its first National IT Industry Census to build a verified database of the country’s IT and IT-enabled services sector. Led by PSEB, the initiative will support data-driven policymaking, improve export and skills planning, and help identify growth opportunities across regions and technology specializations.
Pakistan will assume the presidency of the Digital Cooperation Organization Council in February 2026 during the Fifth General Assembly in Kuwait. As a founding member, Pakistan’s leadership role highlights its growing influence in global digital cooperation, following initiatives such as hosting the DCO’s Digital FDI Forum and supporting inclusive digital growth.
Pakistan and China have signed 24 technology MoUs covering digital infrastructure, AI, cybersecurity, and skills development. The agreements aim to build a digital corridor, train hundreds of thousands of Pakistani youths, expand ICT exports, and accelerate Pakistan’s digital transformation through global partnerships.
Engro has secured $475 million in one of Pakistan’s largest Shariah-compliant financings to acquire Deodar and over 10,000 telecom towers. The deal strengthens shared telecom infrastructure, supports cost efficiency, and aligns with Pakistan’s push for digital connectivity and Islamic finance-led growth.