Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan and Qatar Charity have signed an MoU to support 13 mobile health units expanding healthcare services in remote and underserved regions. The partnership aims to provide vital medical care, including consultations and free medicines, reinforcing the commitment to equitable healthcare access.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised Pakistan’s participation in London Tech Week 2025, highlighting the government’s dedication to youth empowerment and digital growth. The event showcased Pakistan’s expanding tech influence and its commitment to becoming a significant player in the global digital economy.
Pakistan’s mobile data prices have dropped by 65% since 2018, making it the most affordable in the region and sixth cheapest worldwide. Regulatory efforts and strong market competition have driven this decline, supporting greater digital inclusion nationwide.
Taptap Send now enables Pakistani expats in the US, UK, and Europe to donate directly to verified charities in Pakistan via its app, simplifying Zakat and other donations with secure, transparent, and fast transfers.
Engro Connect has acquired all 10,500 telecom towers from Jazz for $560 million, pioneering Pakistan’s full tower infrastructure sale. The move enables Jazz to focus on digital services while Engro manages tower operations, supporting infrastructure sharing and expanding digital connectivity.
Veon and Engro have secured all regulatory approvals to combine their telecom infrastructure assets in Pakistan. Engro will acquire Deodar from Veon’s Jazz, enabling Jazz to operate as an asset-light company while maintaining service leases, supporting Pakistan’s digital transformation and infrastructure growth.
Pakistan’s data center industry is evolving rapidly, positioning the country as a regional hub for digital infrastructure. However, challenges like government competition with private players and the need for sustainable energy solutions must be addressed. Public-private collaborations and investment in human resources are essential for the sector’s growth.
Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), highlighted Pakistan’s upcoming presidency of the DCO in 2026 as part of its strategy to become a global digital leader. The country’s IT sector continues to grow, with exports aiming to surpass $4 billion by the end of FY2025.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced $700 million in foreign investment for Pakistan’s IT sector at the DFDI-2025 conference. He emphasized the country’s digital potential, driven by its young population, and highlighted collaborations with companies like Huawei. Pakistan’s growing influence in the global IT landscape was also acknowledged at the event.
Pakistan is considering the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into its education system, with a focus on developing an AI curriculum from primary to university levels. Dr. Ishfaq Ahmad emphasized the need to prepare students with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving global tech landscape.