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 is preparing its first National Fiberization Policy to deliver minimum 100 Mbps fixed broadband nationwide. Backed by the World Bank, the plan includes 8–10 million new fiber house passes and 80% tower fiberization. A consulting firm will map gaps, guide PPP investments, recommend regulatory reforms, and strengthen resilience for Pakistan’s digital future.
Multinet Pakistan has signed an MoU with the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry to offer LCCI members a 30% discount on a broad range of cloud, cybersecurity, IoT, and data analytics services, backed by nationwide fiber connectivity. The one-year agreement also includes joint workshops and awareness sessions, aligning with Pakistan’s Digital Pakistan agenda and supporting over 46,000 member businesses in accelerating their digital transformation.
This upgrade gives Pakistan a major capacity and resilience boost, improving latency, strengthening its role on the Asia-Europe digital corridor, and enabling faster growth across cloud, content and fintech ecosystems.
Zong 4G has partnered with the JDC Foundation to fund free medical diagnostic services for low-income communities in Karachi. By covering test costs, Zong enables JDC to expand its capacity and range of screenings, easing financial burdens for underserved patients and strengthening access to essential healthcare through its CSR efforts.
Pakistan’s IT exports continue to gain momentum, rising 17% YoY in October and totaling $1.44bn so far this fiscal year. Strong global demand in telecom, computer and information services is reinforcing Pakistan’s tech sector as a key engine of economic growth.
Pakistan and China have agreed to expand digital cooperation through joint ventures in next-generation networks, talent training, and cross-border connectivity. The partnership aims to strengthen regional digital infrastructure and reinforce Pakistan’s role in future technology ecosystems.
Pakistan has accelerated its digital reform agenda, aiming for nationwide 100 Mbps speeds, major fibre expansion, and leadership in AI and cloud services. The country is pushing digital inclusion, women’s participation, and strong governance reforms, while calling for more investment to ensure universal and affordable connectivity.
Jazz reported 14.6% YoY revenue growth in Q3 2025, investing PKR 37 billion to expand 4G and digital platforms. Its fintech arm JazzCash grew 57.8% in transaction value, while Tamasha and SIMOSA drove user engagement across a 100-million-strong digital ecosystem.
Pakistan’s government aims to connect 2 million merchants to digital payment systems by June 2026, but with fewer than 700,000 retailers currently linked, slow adoption and resistance from traders threaten progress toward a cashless economy.
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.