The Institute of Business Management (IoBM), New Horizon, and Huawei Technologies showcased their new IT infrastructure at an event in Karachi. The initiative aims to enhance digital transformation in education, improve data security, and support innovative teaching. Key speakers emphasized the importance of technology in modernizing education and driving Pakistan’s technological advancement.
The FAO launched the Digital Agriculture Consortium (DAC) in Islamabad, aiming to transform Pakistan’s agriculture through digital means. The event showcased advanced technologies and discussed strategies to enhance productivity and efficiency. The DAC will integrate key stakeholders to drive the digital transformation of agriculture, fostering collaboration and sustainable development across Pakistan.
Grameenphone launched ‘gpfi unlimited’, a fixed wireless access service providing Wifi-like internet without cables. Customers can choose from routers priced at Tk 4,000 and Tk 7,500, and plans ranging from Tk 1,000 to Tk 1,900 per month. The launch event featured key figures from the telecom industry and Grameenphone executives.
Robi Axiata achieved a 341% year-on-year profit growth in Q2 2023, reaching Tk 1.07 billion, driven by revenue growth and cost efficiency. Despite economic and regulatory challenges, the telecom operator reduced its cost of revenue, expanded its subscriber base, and heavily invested in network improvements, while preparing for future market impacts.
Bangladesh restored mobile internet services after a 12-day outage caused by violent protests. However, social media platforms remain blocked pending talks with government officials. State minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak cited “planned sabotage” for the blackout, while digital rights groups urge an independent enquiry into the incident’s true cause.
Sri Lanka has become the fastest adopter of digital payments in South Asia, with a 20% increase in digital transactions since 2019. Visa Corporation highlights significant growth, particularly in tap-and-pay transactions. Despite high consumer spending, there remains a need for education on cashless payments for merchants and consumers.
China Mobile Pakistan (CMPak), operating under the Zong 4G brand, expanded its network and completed a significant modernization project in the first half of 2024. Zong 4G deployed over 400 new 4G sites and upgraded its base stations with 8T8R technology to enhance customer experience along the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor. Additionally, Zong upgraded over 1,400 battery banks to Li-Ion solutions for improved efficiency.
The Pak-China Joint Lab for AI and Smart Agriculture at UAF is transforming Pakistan’s agriculture with advanced technologies like drones and AI, improving productivity and sustainability. This initiative supports local farmers and aligns with efforts to tackle climate challenges and food security.
Google expands its Gemini service to Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Turkey, supporting English and nine Indian languages. The Gemini chatbot is now available on any device with 6 GB RAM, enhancing communication and productivity for users in over 165 regions worldwide.
Telenor, Grameenphone, and Plan International have launched the “Digital Inclusion: Safe Digital Space for Girls and Youth Project” to empower over 2.35 million marginalized women and youth in Bangladesh, focusing on enhancing digital literacy, skills, and creating a safe online environment.
