Google for Startups has launched the AI Academy to support and accelerate AI startups in Pakistan and the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. The program offers tailored mentorship from AI experts, up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits, and opportunities for cross-border collaboration, aiming to strengthen the AI ecosystem in APAC.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), and GSMA held a workshop titled “Bridging the Mobile Gender Gap” to address the digital gender divide in Pakistan. The event focused on enhancing women’s access to mobile technology and digital services through inclusive policies and global expertise.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and APNIC held cybersecurity workshops in Lahore and Islamabad, focusing on “Incident Response and CERT.” Led by Adli Wahid from APNIC, the sessions included theoretical and practical training. The event concluded with a certificate ceremony, emphasizing the commitment to enhancing Pakistan’s cybersecurity capabilities.
IBI and Pakistan’s Ministry of IT and Telecommunications have established a strategic cooperation to enhance Pakistan’s industrial and digital landscape. The agreement, involving IBI’s subsidiary Toodudu, aims to leverage digital economy and cross-border industrial strengths, promoting economic collaboration and development between China and Pakistan.
Eight Pakistani IT students will compete in the regional finals of Huawei’s Seeds for the Future 2024 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The program, part of Huawei’s global CSR initiative, aims to foster innovation and develop IT talent. Participants will receive training in digital skills, cross-cultural exchanges, and hands-on experience with advanced technologies.
She Loves Tech launched its Islamabad round, co-hosted by Telenor Velocity and organized by CIRCLE Women Association. Held at Telenor Pakistan’s Campus ‘345’, the event featured ten women-led tech startups competing for a spot in the National Finale, offering mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities.
The GSMA is hosting its first Digital Nation Summit in Pakistan on August 7, in collaboration with the Ministry of IT & Telecom. The event will feature discussions on leveraging mobile technology for a sustainable and inclusive Digital Pakistan, with opportunities to engage with industry pioneers and thought leaders.
Telenor Asia, parent of Grameenphone, has urged the Bangladesh government to fully restore mobile internet services. Major telecom operators reported a shutdown of 3G and 4G networks ordered by local authorities, leaving only 2G services available. Previous internet blackouts and social media restrictions have raised concerns about safety and connectivity.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) reports a rise in cellular subscribers from 192.32 million in May 2024 to 192.53 million in June 2024. The number of 3G and 4G users also increased, while NGMS penetration grew from 55.07% to 55.61%. Jazz, Zong, Telenor, and Ufone all saw varied changes in 3G and 4G user bases.
The State Bank of Pakistan’s Q3 FY 2023-24 report shows digital transactions comprising 83% of total retail payments, with 844 million transactions worth PKR 128,470 billion processed by banks and EMIs. Mobile and internet banking saw significant growth, and Raast processed 140 million transactions worth PKR 3,437 billion, highlighting rapid digital adoption.
