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October 20, 2025 - Comments Off on Impersonation-linked scams threaten the viability of Pakistan’s Digital Economy

Impersonation-linked scams threaten the viability of Pakistan’s Digital Economy

Over the last few years, Pakistan’s digital economy has exhibited strong growth figures, with significant increases in the volume of online transactions, e-wallet subscriptions, and e-commerce. Overall, digital payments have increased by 40% in volume and 62% in value. As digitization broadens its accessibility to a predominantly low-income Pakistani society, issues of cybersecurity, digital literacy, and enforcement mechanisms must adapt as well. This is especially urgent considering the strong surge in financial frauds and online scams through mobile and online platforms. 

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has reported this worrying trend in their 2024 Annual Report, and have taken preventive measures in collaboration with Fintech companies like Jazzcash to curb the rising tide of financial scams. Even though capacity-building measures through Customer Awareness about specific tools of ensuring digital security are essential, they are not sufficient in the absence of appropriate cybersecurity guardrails. For instance, data breaches in large institutions like NADRA and recent reports by CERT that suggest that the login credentials of over 180 million users have been leaked require serious critique of security flaws within Pakistan’s digital institutional and governance landscape.

October 20, 2025 - Comments Off on Unlawful Disappearances of Senior Officers in NCCIA threatens security and governance

Unlawful Disappearances of Senior Officers in NCCIA threatens security and governance

Serious questions have been raised surrounding the internal security of the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) after several high-ranking officers mysteriously went missing over the last few weeks. The most recent incident took place on the 14th October when the Deputy Director of NCCIA was abducted from his home in Islamabad. Muhammad Usman’s wife, Rozina Usman filed an FIR asserting that four armed men in a White Toyota Corolla intercepted and abducted her husband at gunpoint. 

As the case has progressed, numerous anomalies have been identified. CCTV footage shows that the Corolla in question was carrying a fake license plate, and according to Rozina’s lawyer, she was being pressured to withdraw the petition and is also currently missing. The IHC has directed the police to retrieve Usman within three days before the NCCIA’s Director and IG of Islamabad Police are summoned before the court. Considering the high-profile nature of individuals involved in these disappearances, a dangerous precedent is being set exposing vulnerabilities in the country’s security infrastructure. 

October 20, 2025 - Comments Off on Former FIA Chief warns against “Surveillance Capitalist” objectives of digital technologies

Former FIA Chief warns against “Surveillance Capitalist” objectives of digital technologies

Delivering a lecture at Bahria Town University on the instrumentalization of digital technologies by private companies, Dr Sanaullah Abbasi provided a critical lens on the economic logic dictating the flow of information in digital spheres. Using the term ‘surveillance capitalism’, he lamented on how the capitalistic drive for accumulation has turned human experience into a raw material processed into behavioral data. These objectives have created an apparatus of surveillance and an unprecedented centralization of information that is now being used to control political discourse and instrumentalize digital technologies to sustain authoritarian tendencies. Lastly, he encouraged students to reevaluate the rational models underpinning digital governance while demanding greater accountability and democratic oversight.

October 10, 2025 - Comments Off on 3G and 4G services suspended in Islamabad, Rawalpindi

3G and 4G services suspended in Islamabad, Rawalpindi

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has been ordered by the Interior Ministry to suspend mobile internet services including 3G and 4G in Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Friday until further notice. While not officially stated in the directive, it is assumed that this decision comes in anticipation of the Tehreek-i-Labbaik’s (TLP) planned march on the US embassy - a protest that has not been approved by the government.  

October 9, 2025 - Comments Off on Free AI Pro plan for Pakistani Students

Free AI Pro plan for Pakistani Students

Students above the age of 18 in Pakistan can now use Google’s AI pro plan for free under a one-year subscription according to the company’s press release. The AI tool, designed as a part of Google’s Gemini AI, will allow students to access AI assistance to enhance their learning, research and creativity. Its availability across all Google platforms such as Gmail, Docs, Sheets and others will also help students make the most of their tasks at university. In addition to these tools, the offer also includes over two terabytes of storage in Google Drive and Photos that can be used by students to save and record important resources throughout their academic career.

October 8, 2025 - Comments Off on AI enters religion through Christian application

AI enters religion through Christian application

A rise in faith-based artificial intelligence (AI) applications is causing concern across religious societies. Recent chatbots such as Text with Jesus have garnered thousands of subscribers who turn to the app for spiritual guidance and comfort. While many in the Christian community consider the application to be blasphemous, creators of Text with Jesus reaffirm virtual versions of religious entities in the chatbot are AI-based. 

Similar applications have cropped up for other faiths including Deen Buddy for Islam and Buddha AI but what sets them apart from Chrisitian apps is their interface that utilizes only existing scripture rather than AI-based incarnations of actual religious figures. 

October 8, 2025 - Comments Off on Kazakhstan and Pakistan to work towards deepening digital, economic ties

Kazakhstan and Pakistan to work towards deepening digital, economic ties

At a recent roundtable discussion organized by Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI), diplomats, policymakers and experts from Pakistan and Kazakhstan came together to discuss avenues for collaborations between the two countries in the realm of technology. While emphasizing the need for modernizing governance through digital transformation, they also touched up on the need for digital connectivity in all economic sectors including agriculture, energy and water management.

October 7, 2025 - Comments Off on Fake job offers used to steal Pakistani data: PTA

Fake job offers used to steal Pakistani data: PTA

A statement issued by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) this week warns citizens in Pakistan about an alleged Indian spy network that steals personal data by posting fake job offers. Bogus job offers posted on social media application LinkedIn usually guide applicants to WhatsApp and Telegram ‘recruitment hubs’ where they are asked to share sensitive information such as location, ID documents, and workplace details. These scams sometimes also feature “assessment” applications that act as a front for data-stealing tools used to extort information and sometimes even money. 

Citizens of Pakistan are urged to be cautious of job offers online that aren’t posted by credible, verified organizations and to report anything suspicious to the FIA and NCERT departments as soon as possible. 

October 5, 2025 - Comments Off on Saudi telecom to launch AI hub in Pakistan

Saudi telecom to launch AI hub in Pakistan

Saudi company, GO Telecommunications Company, has announced the launch of GO AI Hub in Pakistan, an institution dedicated to innovation and creation in artificial intelligence. This announcement comes just weeks after Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a defense pact to deepen economic ties. The hub, scheduled to officially start in the coming weeks, aims to promote the transfer of knowledge, technology, expertise and infrastructure between both countries to help boost development and digital advancement. There were also talks of a data centre and talent training program as part of the hub.

October 3, 2025 - Comments Off on RAAST to be used for government payments: SBP

RAAST to be used for government payments: SBP

The State Bank of Pakistan’s plan to digitize financial transactions in the country has reached a new phase of planning which involves routing all government payments through RAAST systems. An instant payment system established in 2021, this will allow citizens to make quicker payments while also giving government institutions the chance to incorporate bulk digital payments into their system.