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 and the UAE have agreed to expand cooperation in AI, digital governance, and cybersecurity during GITEX Global 2025, with partnerships on data sovereignty, AI hubs, and cloud infrastructure under Pakistan’s Digital Nation strategy.
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed two MoUs to collaborate on youth development in IT and sports, while exploring new trade and investment opportunities under Vision 2030.
Jazz welcomed the PTCL–Telenor merger, calling it a chance to end unsustainable price wars and prioritize digital innovation. The company urged regulators to ensure fair competition and spectrum allocation to advance Pakistan’s digital transformation.
Zong Engage’s Manhunt 2 PUBG Mobile Tournament drew 21,000 players and 1,300 teams, becoming Pakistan’s biggest esports event. With international participation and major partnerships, Zong continues to power youth innovation and elevate the country’s digital entertainment landscape.
Pakistan is shifting its welfare system from cash handouts to mobile wallets under the BISP, transitioning over 10 million families into digital inclusion. The move aims to empower beneficiaries, especially women, while strengthening transparency, financial literacy, and participation in Pakistan’s growing digital economy.
Pakistan ranked ninth globally for app downloads in 2024 with 3.56 billion installs, growing 9.2% year-on-year. Despite rising usage and mobile data consumption, app development activity declined sharply, even as TikTok, CapCut, and Tamasha led the charts for downloads nationwide.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are deepening their partnership in AI, digital infrastructure, and talent development through the launch of GO AI Hub Pakistan. The initiative, led by GO Telecommunications Group and Pakistan’s IT ministry, will promote innovation, knowledge transfer, and cross-border digital collaboration between the two nations.
Air Link Communication Limited will build a major production facility at Sundar Green SEZ, Lahore, spanning 1.4 million sq. ft. and powered by solar energy. Expected to be operational by late 2025, the plant will support exports of electronics while fiscal incentives and retail expansion strengthen the company’s growth outlook.
Pakistan and Kuwait have held their first joint tech conference in Kuwait, aimed at strengthening partnerships in technology and digital services. The event showcased Pakistan’s IT strengths and emphasized opportunities for cross-border collaboration, positioning the two nations for a shared digital future.
Pakistan’s 4G Internet slowdown and WhatsApp call disruptions have sparked debate between officials blaming infrastructure and spectrum gaps, and critics pointing to the national firewall as a bottleneck. With rising data demand and low telecom revenues, Pakistan faces urgent pressure to expand fiberization, spectrum, and investment to improve connectivity.