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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.

October 3, 2025 - Comments Off on Pakistan and KSA to expand digital cooperation

Pakistan and KSA to expand digital cooperation

Following Pakistan and Saudi Arabia’s recent pact, the two countries have discussed advances in digital infrastructure and services. In collaboration with the Saudi Telecom Company (STC), IT Minister Shaza Fatima shared a proposed five-year plan that prioritizes digital transformation in the country including an expansion of fiber networks, cybersecurity and fintech.

October 2, 2025 - Comments Off on Snapchat to Charge Users for Memories Storage Beyond 5GB

Snapchat to Charge Users for Memories Storage Beyond 5GB

Snapchat has announced it will begin charging users to store older photos and videos in its Memories feature. Until now, users could access content dating back to 2016 without cost. Under the new plan, those with more than 5GB of Memories data will need to pay for storage, while most users under the limit will remain unaffected. New subscription options include 100GB, 250GB with Snapchat+, and 5TB with Snapchat Platinum. The company promised 12 months of temporary storage for excess content. A leaked screenshot suggested pricing could start at 2.99 AUD per month for 100GB. Social media users have criticised the move, with some threatening to abandon the platform.