State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has launched a nationwide “Go Cashless” campaign for Eid-ul-Azha 2026 to promote digital payments in cattle markets and reduce dependence on cash transactions during one of Pakistan’s busiest seasonal trading periods. The central bank said the campaign forms part of its broader strategy to accelerate digitisation of Pakistan’s payment ecosystem […]
Experts Warn AI Could Deepen Gender Inequality in Pakistan
Experts at a gender and economy conference in Lahore warned that artificial intelligence could either unlock major economic opportunities for women or deepen existing inequalities if Pakistan fails to expand digital education and skills training. The discussion took place during a panel on “Health & Gender” moderated by Warda Riaz at LUMS. Panelists included Fyeza […]
NBP Expands Digital Payment Push With Raast P2M Launch
National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) has received approval to launch Raast Person-to-Merchant acquiring services commercially. The move marks another step in Pakistan’s shift toward digital payments and a cashless economy. The approval allows NBP to begin full commercial operations under the Raast framework developed by the State Bank of Pakistan. NBP announced the development in […]
Pakistan Wants One Million AI-Skilled Workers by 2030
Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication plans to launch 20,000 online artificial intelligence training programmes across Pakistan under a major national initiative aimed at preparing the workforce for the rapidly evolving digital economy. The courses, spanning six to 12 months, will target fresh graduates, government officials, teachers, freelancers and professionals from multiple sectors through an […]
Ufone Set to Launch 5G in Pakistan as Rollout Enters New Phase
Pakistan’s telecom sector is entering a new phase of high-speed connectivity as Ufone prepares to launch its 5G services following the country’s first major spectrum auction, marking a significant step toward next-generation digital infrastructure. The move comes after the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority issued 5G licences to the country’s leading operators, including Ufone, Jazz and Zong, […]
Relief Ahead? Pakistan Reviews Heavy Mobile Taxes That Raise Prices
Pakistanis could see a significant reduction in mobile phone prices if the government moves ahead with a proposed review of high taxes, after a parliamentary panel raised concerns over the growing burden on consumers. The National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue has directed the Federal Board of Revenue and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority […]
SECP Clears Alibaba-Backed Firm to Launch Credit Service in Pakistan
China’s Alibaba Group has formally entered Pakistan’s financial services market through a local unit that will offer “buy now, pay later” services, marking a significant expansion into the country’s growing digital economy. The move follows regulatory approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, which granted a non-banking finance company license to Coco Tech […]
Google, Pakistan Team Up for AI Programme with Rs2.5 Million Reward
Pakistan has launched a nationwide artificial intelligence training initiative in collaboration with Google, offering a prize pool of Rs2.5 million as part of efforts to equip young people with advanced digital skills and accelerate the country’s transition to an AI-driven economy. The programme, titled AI Seekho 2026, has been introduced through a partnership involving Google […]
Pakistan Internet Faces Slowdown as Transworld Begins Maintenance
Internet users across Pakistan are likely to experience slower speeds and intermittent disruptions over the coming days as Transworld Associates begins scheduled maintenance on its international submarine cable system, a move expected to impact connectivity nationwide. The advisory places the spotlight squarely on Transworld, one of Pakistan’s key international bandwidth providers, whose network plays a […]
PTA Approves Ufone-Telenor Merger, Reshaping Pakistan’s Telecom Landscape
Pakistan’s telecom sector is set for a major transformation after the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority approved the long-awaited merger between Ufone and Telenor Pakistan, paving the way for a consolidated mobile operator under PTCL Group. Regulatory Green Light After Lengthy Review The approval comes after months of regulatory scrutiny, during which the PTA assessed legal, technical, […]