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 has launched 10 million digital wallets under BISP, linking them to CNICs with biometric safeguards to ensure transparency and efficiency. Paired with free SIM cards and digital literacy training, the initiative aims to modernize social protection, empower women, and accelerate the country’s transition toward a cashless economy.
Pakistan will install three new submarine cables and double mobile internet spectrum to boost connectivity, expand 5G readiness, and reduce reliance on existing systems. With 200M mobile users and rising digital adoption, the upgrades aim to support innovation, inclusion, and resilience against costly internet disruptions.
PTA is coordinating with authorities and operators to restore telecom services disrupted by floods in KP and other regions. Damage to cellular and fixed-line sites has impacted connectivity, but recovery efforts are underway to reestablish vital communication lines for rescue and relief operations.
Pakistan has waived ROW charges for IT and fiber installations in Islamabad, aiming to cut costs for providers and speed up broadband rollout. Officials say the move supports affordable Internet expansion, though shutdowns and platform censorship continue to challenge digital access.
ZTE and Zong 4G have launched Pakistan’s first high-power 8T8R UBR and DIA antenna solution, boosting capacity by up to 83% at peak hours, cutting RRU requirements by 67%, and preparing the network for 5G while enabling cost-efficient deployment in constrained environments.
Huawei deepens partnership with HEC to accelerate AI integration, digital infrastructure upgrades, and ICT talent development across Pakistan’s universities, marking over 15 years of collaboration.
Pakistan launches six-pillar AI policy, expands training to millions, digitises governance, and pledges full shift to online citizen services by next year.
GSMA’s report urges Pakistan to reform spectrum policy, reduce mobile taxes, and boost digital trust to close its 52% mobile internet usage gap. Strategic reforms can unlock economic growth and regional digital leadership.
Pakistan is preparing for a nationwide 5G launch after doubling its internet spectrum, enhancing connectivity and digital inclusion with new infrastructure and AI training initiatives.
Ufone and Jazz rank first in PTA’s Q2 2025 mobile coverage survey across 19 Pakistani cities, demonstrating the most reliable 4G/3G signal compliance. Zong follows closely, while Telenor lags with the highest non-compliance.