Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
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 imported $1.139 billion worth of mobile phones in July-January FY2025-26, up 31%, while local manufacturing produced over 30 million handsets in 2025, reinforcing strong domestic assembly capacity.
Pakistan’s upcoming spectrum auction is expected to generate $300 to $700 million while accelerating 5G rollout, improving broadband speeds by 25 percent, expanding coverage, and strengthening fibre infrastructure nationwide.
Pakistan’s software industry association P@SHA has backed the government’s $1 billion AI investment plan, supporting initiatives to fund AI research, train one million professionals, and expand digital capabilities. The programme aims to strengthen IT exports, accelerate innovation, and position Pakistan competitively in the global AI economy.
Artificial Intelligence is being positioned as a core driver of Pakistan’s digital transformation, with national initiatives focusing on AI adoption across governance, industry, and education. Huawei highlighted its full-stack AI and ICT approach aimed at supporting infrastructure development, capacity building, and long-term digital ecosystem growth in the country.
PTA has opened public consultation on the proposed merger between Telenor Pakistan and Ufone’s parent PTML, following PTCL’s acquisition of Telenor Pakistan. The regulator will assess competition, spectrum concentration, and consumer impact before granting approvals required to complete the telecom sector consolidation.
Pakistan has retained its ITU G5 regulator status with a score of 75.77 in the 2025 benchmark, reflecting progress in regulatory reform, spectrum management, and digital policy alignment. The achievement strengthens the country’s standing in international telecom forums and signals continued advancement toward higher regulatory maturity.
Pakistan’s IT minister has welcomed the partnership between Fasset and Habib Rafiq Limited, highlighting its potential to expand financial inclusion, enable asset tokenisation, and attract global investment into Pakistan’s digital economy while supporting freelancers and fintech innovation.
Jazz has secured a USF contract to expand telecom connectivity in Badin, deploying new sites and upgrading existing infrastructure to bring voice and broadband services to underserved communities. The project aims to improve digital access, enable socio-economic development, and support inclusion through expanded connectivity across rural Sindh.
Pakistan’s startup ecosystem has reached a $4 billion valuation, driven by growth in fintech, mobility, and enterprise technology sectors. Despite strong early-stage momentum and international investor interest, limited domestic growth capital continues to delay unicorn creation, highlighting the need for deeper funding and large-scale exits to sustain long-term expansion.
Pakistan’s telecom committee has recommended amendments to simplify Right of Way access and bring NTC under the SOEs framework, aiming to accelerate telecom infrastructure deployment and strengthen governance. The proposed changes introduce approval timelines, dispute resolution mechanisms, and regulatory reforms to support digital connectivity expansion.