Pakistan must strengthen its digital infrastructure and address a serious skills shortage to accelerate technology-sector growth and achieve its $15 billion IT export target, Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said on Saturday. She spoke at the American Business Forum and LUMS Thought Leadership Session, titled “Taking Pakistan’s IT Industry to the Next Level.” The Lahore University of Management Sciences hosted the event. The minister said Pakistan needed better fibre connectivity, mobile broadband, spectrum availability and satellite regulations. These improvements would create an environment where technology businesses could expand, attract investment and compete internationally. Pakistan’s Economic Survey 2025-26 reported that ICT service exports reached $3.388 billion during July to March of the fiscal year. The country also had about 161 million broadband subscribers, highlighting the sector’s growing economic importance. Skills Shortage Threatens Growth Shaza Fatima said digital infrastructure alone could not drive the sector forward. Pakistan must also develop professionals with skills that match industry requirements. “The jobs are there. The opportunity is there. But the right people with the right skills are not there,” she said. The minister disclosed that around 33,000 seventh and eighth-semester computer science students had taken a national baseline test. The assessment covered 10 employability competencies. Read More: Alibaba Cloud Shows Strong Interest in Punjab’s Growing IT Sector Only 0.4% of the students scored above 80%, while around 4% secured more than 68%, she said. Shaza Fatima called for structural improvements in university curricula, teaching standards and the K-12 education system. She said skilled human resources and a stronger digital ecosystem would both be critical for meeting the $15 billion IT export target. Umair Khan, Co-founder and Chairman of Folio3 and Founding Partner of Mentors Fund, urged Pakistan to move beyond its heavy reliance on freelancing. He said the country needed technology companies that could develop products and scale internationally. Khan also called for better K-12 education, predictable taxation and stronger partnerships between the government and private sector. Industry Calls for More Local Opportunities Dr Syed Sohail H. Naqvi, Chairperson of Knowledge Streams and Director of EdTech at TMC, challenged the view that universities represented the main obstacle. “We are saying that the logjam is in the universities, and I’m saying hell no. I’m saying the logjam is in the jobs,” he said. Naqvi urged the government to increase technology procurement and provide more opportunities to local companies. Ahmed Azmat, Director Operations at Stewart Pakistan, described Pakistan as a promising technology investment destination. He said Stewart Pakistan had operated in the country for more than 15 years and continued to expand. Read More: Pakistan’s Tech Sector Gets Major Boost as Google Opens Office The company recently invested $1.3 million in a new office at the National NSTEP facility, he added. Dr Hadia Majid, Faculty of Economics at LUMS, said technology and freelancing could increase women’s workforce participation. Remote work could offer women greater flexibility and access to employment, she said. The American Business Forum organised the session with LUMS. Dr Ihsan Ayyub Qazi, Faculty of Computer Science at LUMS, moderated the discussion involving government, industry and academic representatives.
New Power Plan Approved as Pakistanis Face Possible Tariff Increase
Pakistan’s power regulator has conditionally approved an 11-year investment plan worth about $58 billion for electricity generation and transmission. The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority approved Integrated System Plan 2025 on Friday. The plan covers 2025 to 2035 and replaces earlier generation capacity expansion plans. However, the approval exposed serious concerns within the regulator. All three members, including the NEPRA chairman, attached more than 12 pages of dissenting or separate advisory notes to the 45-page ruling. Read More: Nepra Grants DHA City Historic Electricity Licences for 21 Years They questioned why planners included or removed major projects. Members also challenged the decision to bypass the Council of Common Interests, which handles national energy policy and planning under the Constitution. NEPRA limits scope of approval “The Authority hereby approves the ISP-2025, to the extent of Revised Base/Recommended Case of IGCEP-2025 (excluding Battery Energy Storage System-BESS and K-Electric Ltd-KEL transmission line in 2028) together with the revised scope of Transmission System Expansion Plan (TSEP-2025), subject to redressal of the observations of the Authority,” the decision said. NEPRA criticised changes made on advice from a Power Division technical committee. It said neither that committee nor the division could alter national electricity policy without returning to the CCI. Read More: Your Appliance Looks Off. Why Is It Still Using Electricity? The regulator also recorded contradictory submissions from the Independent System and Market Operator and the Power Planning and Monitoring Company. Capacity plan carries $47 billion cost ISP-2025 examined high, medium and low demand forecasts. These assume cumulative average GDP growth of 6.37 percent, 4.95 percent and 3.52 percent, respectively. Planners selected the low-growth business-as-usual forecast under the Rationalised Capacity Addition assumption as their reference case. That case adds 26,045MW by 2035. It includes 17,485MW of committed projects and 8,560MW of optimised capacity. The plan retires 2,577MW and raises total installed capacity to 62,657MW. That figure includes 8,120MW of net-metered capacity. New generation will cost an estimated $47.08 billion. Committed transmission projects require another $4.6 billion, while new expansion schemes need about $6.05 billion. Read More: Solar Takes Over as Pakistan’s Top Electricity Source The decision described this as “resulting in a cumulative transmission investment requirement of approximately $10.65bn over the planning horizon”. Projects cover evacuation lines, grid reinforcements, extra-high-voltage substations, transformer upgrades and voltage-control facilities. Storage and tariff questions remain The plan adds a 40MW on-site plant for Gwadar and Makran after the Iran-US conflict disrupted imported electricity. Extending the national grid there remains technically and economically unviable. ISMO initially excluded K-Electric’s competitive renewable projects. It later added the 269MW JCM Wind-Solar Hybrid Project at Dhabeji for the current fiscal year. NEPRA rejected $900 million for battery storage pending a comprehensive technical and economic study. It wants evidence on need, optimal capacity, operation and cost-effectiveness. Read More: Pakistan Targets First 200MW Electricity Market Sale by June 2026: What It Means The regulator also objected to ISMO disclaiming responsibility for the accuracy, integrity and completeness of planning data. ISMO and PPMC submitted conflicting positions on consumer tariffs. NEPRA ordered planners to quantify the impact and place it in the main report. PPMC projects the consumer-end base tariff at Rs37.28 per unit by 2035, compared with Rs34 in 2024-25.
MG Pakistan Reveals Timeline for Full-Scale Bangladesh Exports
MG Pakistan plans to send two completely knocked-down vehicle samples to Bangladesh this September, opening the testing phase of a wider export programme. The company expects full-scale shipments to begin in 2027 after Bangladeshi authorities complete local homologation. The automaker announced the timetable on its verified Instagram account on September 11. It linked the move to a memorandum of understanding signed with a Bangladeshi partner in July 2026. Read More: MG Pakistan to Export 5,800 Vehicles to Bangladesh “From Pakistan to the region,” MG Pakistan said. “Building a future where Pakistan leads in auto manufacturing.” Two sample units will start homologation MG said it is pursuing the project under Pakistan’s export guidelines and with the full support of its Chinese partner, SAIC Motor. The first two CKD units will allow the receiving side to begin Bangladesh’s required approval process. Homologation checks whether a vehicle meets national technical, safety and regulatory standards. Successful approval would clear an important hurdle before commercial assembly and sales can start. View this post on Instagram A post shared by MG Motor Pakistan (@mgmotorpakistan) “The export project is now in process,” the company said in its public announcement. It added that mass exports are “expected to begin in 2027.” The company did not identify the two models in the Instagram announcement. It also gave no price, shipment value or production-volume breakdown for the September samples. July agreement set larger export ambitions MG JW Automobile Pakistan signed the July MoU with Bangladesh’s RANCON Group. Pakistan’s Ministry of Industries and Production publicised the agreement as an important step towards higher vehicle exports. Read More: Upgrade to Hybrid: MG Announces Limited Trade-In Deal Reports published after the signing set a target of 100 locally assembled vehicles for Bangladesh during 2026. They also projected 5,800 exported vehicles over the following four years. The latest MG statement provides a more detailed operational sequence. It places two test units first, followed by homologation and full-scale exports in 2027. However, MG did not clarify whether the earlier 100-vehicle target for 2026 had changed. The company may provide a revised schedule after completing the homologation phase. CKD refers to a vehicle shipped as unassembled parts for assembly in the destination market. This model can reduce freight costs and support local industrial activity, depending on the importing country’s rules. Pakistan seeks regional auto foothold MG JW operates as a partnership between Pakistan’s JW SEZ Group and SAIC Motor. Its plant on Raiwind Road in Lahore assembles MG vehicles for the domestic market. Business Recorder reported in 2022 that SAIC held a 51 percent stake in the venture. It placed the original investment in the assembly operation at about $100 million. Bangladesh offers MG Pakistan a nearby right-hand-drive market and a possible base for wider regional expansion. However, the programme must still pass approvals and move from trial units to repeat commercial orders. Read More: MG Launches Three ZS Variants, Prices Start at Rs6.59 Million MG called the plan “another step toward strengthening Pakistan’s automotive export potential.” The company wants to help position Pakistan as a future regional hub for automobile manufacturing. If the September samples remain on schedule, they will test that ambition in practical terms. Their approval would turn July’s MoU into a defined route towards Pakistan-made MG exports in 2027.
Baitussalam Student Scores a Perfect 200 in Cambridge O Level Mathematics
Pakistani student Muhammad Yaman has earned national attention after securing 200 out of 200 in Cambridge O Level Mathematics during the May/June 2026 examination series. Baitussalam, where Yaman studies, announced the result and described it as an exceptional academic achievement. The institution said his performance could place him among the world’s highest-scoring students in the subject. Perfect Marks Across Both Mathematics Papers Yaman sat Cambridge O Level Mathematics under syllabus code 4024, also known as Mathematics Syllabus D. Cambridge’s official syllabus for examinations held from 2025 to 2027 confirms that candidates take two compulsory papers. Paper 1 is a two-hour non-calculator examination worth 100 marks. Paper 2 allows a scientific calculator and also carries 100 marks. Read More: Cambridge Announces O Level, IGCSE Results 2026 in Pakistan Yaman’s reported result means he secured full marks across the 200-mark assessment. The syllabus tests number skills, algebra, graphs, coordinate geometry, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry, transformations, vectors, probability and statistics. It also assesses how students analyse problems, select strategies and communicate mathematical reasoning. Baitussalam said Yaman’s result stood out even within a strong Mathematics cohort. Thirteen other students from the institution scored more than 190 marks out of 200. Top in the World Award Awaits Confirmation The perfect score could make Yaman a contender for Cambridge’s prestigious “Top in the World” honour. However, Cambridge International has not yet confirmed the award for the May/June 2026 session. Cambridge defines the award clearly: “‘Top in the World’ refers to the learner who has gained the highest standard mark in the world for a single subject.” The organisation says more than one student can receive equal recognition if several candidates achieve the same highest standard mark. Read More: Meta Set for Major Teen Restrictions After $18 Billion Deal This distinction matters because Cambridge calculates awards using standard marks rather than relying only on the raw total displayed by a school. Cambridge completes its official verification before announcing Outstanding Cambridge Learner Award recipients. Therefore, the perfect score strongly supports Yaman’s case but does not itself constitute official confirmation. Baitussalam has also presented the result as a potential award-winning performance rather than a confirmed global title. Baitussalam Students Record Strong Results Yaman’s achievement formed part of a wider strong performance by Baitussalam students in the same examination session. According to the institution, 90 per cent of its candidates received either an A or A* grade. The result indicates consistent performance across the student group rather than an isolated high score. Yaman’s 200 out of 200 nevertheless remains the institution’s most notable Mathematics result. It has drawn praise for the student while highlighting Pakistan’s presence in international academic examinations. The achievement has also brought pride to his teachers and classmates. Read More: World’s Most Beautiful Cities in 2026, Cape Town Tops Global List The Cambridge O Level qualification serves students across many countries and holds recognition among universities and employers worldwide. Cambridge will make the final decision on the “Top in the World” distinction through its formal awards process. Until then, Yaman remains a leading potential recipient based on the perfect score reported by his institution.
Pakistan’s EV Industry Set for Major Shift as BYD Factory Nears Launch
BYD-Mega Motor Company’s purpose-built new energy vehicle assembly plant in Gharo, Sindh, has entered its final construction phase. The company expects the factory to become operational during the second half of 2026. Recent reports place the planned opening in the fourth quarter, following earlier timeline revisions. Factory Equipment Installation Underway “Construction of BYD-Mega Motor Company’s purpose-built NEV assembly factory in Gharo is now in its final stages, with equipment installation and commissioning underway. The plant is scheduled to come online in H2.” The project carries an estimated investment of $150 million. It will initially assemble about 25,000 vehicles annually and could later expand its capacity to 50,000 units. Read More: BMW i7 Arrives in Pakistan With a Rs67.9 Million Price Tag Hub Power Company holds a 50% interest in the venture through Hub Power Holdings and Mega Motor Company. BYD Auto Industry Company provides the Chinese automaker’s manufacturing technology and vehicle expertise. Pakistan’s Special Technology Zones Authority lists the project as a 73.4-acre industrial zone in Gharo, District Thatta. The facility has a covered area of more than 1.86 million square feet. The site sits around 38 kilometres from Port Qasim and 54 kilometres from Jinnah International Airport. Its location should support the movement of imported components and finished vehicles. Testing Required Before Volume Production BYD-Mega Motor Company completed the project in less than 18 months, according to its latest update. “Built in under 18 months, the project represents one of the fastest automotive manufacturing developments of its scale in Pakistan. As with any world-class manufacturing operation, a thorough process of equipment validation, production trials and quality testing is required to ensure it meets BYD’s global standards before volume production can commence.” The commissioning stage involves checking newly installed equipment and testing the complete assembly process. Production trials will allow engineers to identify faults before customer vehicles leave the line. Read More: Pakistan’s EV Revolution Accelerates With Record BYD Shipment The plant will integrate vehicle assembly, testing, workforce training and smart-factory systems. STZA says it will also use automated processes, digital monitoring and manufacturing execution systems to track production and quality. Reuters earlier reported that the factory would begin with imported parts and some locally produced non-electric components. The company plans to serve Pakistan first, while future exports will depend on logistics and commercial viability. Pakistan EV Market Enters New Phase BYD entered Pakistan’s passenger vehicle market in 2024 through its partnership with Mega Motor Company. It began delivering imported electric vehicles in March 2025 before expanding its local portfolio. The company currently markets models including the Atto 2, Atto 3, Seal, Sealion 7 and Shark 6. Local assembly could help BYD control supply, shorten delivery periods and gradually increase local content. It could also support the company’s goal of securing about 30% of Pakistan’s combined EV and plug-in hybrid market by 2030. Read More: Jaecoo J5 Price Jumps by Rs. 1.1 Million in Pakistan Hubco is expanding charging infrastructure alongside the factory investment. The company recently reported 24 operational DC fast-charging sites along the Karachi-Peshawar motorway network. The Gharo plant represents a major step in Pakistan’s shift from importing new energy vehicles to assembling them locally. However, commercial output will begin only after BYD completes commissioning, trials and global-standard quality checks.
Pakistan’s Debutant Razaullah Stuns England With Record-Breaking Test Debut
Pakistan debutant Razaullah Mashwani produced a remarkable counterattack at Edgbaston, smashing 81 to give his team a fighting chance against England. The 21-year-old fast bowler struck nine sixes, equalling the Test record for a player’s debut innings. His assault powered Pakistan to 449 and left England needing 130 runs to complete a 3-0 series sweep. Pakistan Finally Breaks Dismal Batting Pattern Pakistan entered their final innings after a turbulent tour that began three weeks earlier with Azan Awais falling for a first-ball duck at Headingley. Read More: DP World ILT20 Season 5 Launches With Brett Lee, Shoaib Akhtar Two defeats led to a major overhaul after the Lord’s Test. Pakistan replaced seven players and two coaches, but the changes initially brought little improvement. Babar Azam’s team collapsed for 133 after the third Test began on Wednesday. It marked Pakistan’s fifth consecutive innings below 200. England then piled up 453 to secure a 320-run lead. Pakistan appeared headed for another innings defeat before their batting finally clicked. Azan scored 59, Shan Masood made 95 and Babar contributed 76. Yet Pakistan still faced serious danger at 312 for seven. From Expensive Spell to Explosive Innings Selectors flew Razaullah into England at short notice before handing him an immediate international debut. The pacer from Mardan struck with his fourth ball in Test cricket, trapping England captain Joe Root leg-before with a 143kph delivery. However, he conceded 148 runs while taking his next three wickets. His economy rate of 6.43 ranked among the highest recorded by a Test pacer in an innings. Standing ovation for Razaullah as he walks off https://t.co/LpdxdAifnX— PctMedia (@PctMediaa) September 11, 2026 Razaullah responded with the bat during 117 fearless minutes at the crease. He struck Gus Atkinson for three consecutive sixes and launched three more off Jofra Archer in the 88th over. Batting at number nine, he scored 81 from 63 balls with four fours and nine sixes. He also reached fifty from 43 deliveries, the fastest Test fifty by a Pakistani debutant. Read More: Kevin Pietersen’s Surprise England Return Ends 12 Years in Exile Razaullah and Mohammad Abbas, who made 42, added 121 runs. Their partnership carried Pakistan from 318 for eight to 439 for nine before Josh Tongue ended the resistance. Standing Ovation Caps Record-Breaking Knock Razaullah’s nine sixes matched New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee’s record for the most in a Test debut innings. Southee later finished his career with 97 Test sixes. The Birmingham crowd gave Razaullah a standing ovation when his innings ended 19 runs short of a century. “I enjoyed the standing ovation,” Razaullah said with a smile. “I like to enjoy life and I was relishing the moment.” All 8 sixes of Razaullah Today pic.twitter.com/3rsxElqoxw— Jered William Jr. (@Jeredwilliam) September 11, 2026 “I was being selective with which balls to slog, but they all seemed within range,” he said casually. “I wanted to take it as deep as possible. I wasn’t scared of pace. I wanted to punish the balls from Archer that landed on a hard length. There’s nothing to be scared of when you’re playing for your country. I was just enjoying myself.” “My favourite ball [to face] is the short ball,” Razaullah quipped. “I just believed in myself. I thought if I played 50 balls, I’d get a positive result. “And thankfully that happened.” The innings did not come entirely from nowhere. Razaullah had played eight first-class matches since November 2025 and already owned a century for Peshawar as an opening batter. Read More: Mohammad Amir Breaks Silence on His Pakistan Cricket Future England remained favourites entering day four, but Razaullah ensured Pakistan avoided a meek finish to a bruising tour. His innings also gave the visitors an outside chance of denying England the clean sweep.
