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July 30, 2025 - Comments Off on Pakistan Announces its 1st National AI Policy after Cabinet Approval

Pakistan Announces its 1st National AI Policy after Cabinet Approval

The long-awaited National AI Policy has been formally approved by the Federal Cabinet. Meant to facilitate an AI ecosystem in the country, the policy sets out the governance and regulatory framework through which private actors and public entities can make use of AI to streamline and grow their effectiveness. Key highlights from this policy include the creation of a national-level AI Venture Fund, scholarships and training programs, and cybersecurity measures. The new policy represents the state’s wide-ranging ambitions towards digitization, but raises significant concerns around ethical use and privacy regulations- particularly in the absence of a Data Protection law.

May 11, 2025 - Comments Off on Tech community urges development of alternative payment channels

Tech community urges development of alternative payment channels

As global financial platforms increasingly restrict access to Pakistani users due to geopolitical tensions, local tech experts are calling for the urgent development of alternative payment systems. Freelancers, digital creators, and startups have expressed frustration over the loss of business opportunities, especially due to disruptions in PayPal, Stripe, and similar services. Experts emphasised that reliance on foreign financial platforms puts Pakistan’s digital economy at risk and advocated for homegrown solutions backed by robust fintech infrastructure. The call comes amid tightening cross-border scrutiny following cyberattacks and media crackdowns.

February 11, 2025 - Comments Off on Can Pakistan’s digital Economy Hit US$75 Billion?

Can Pakistan’s digital Economy Hit US$75 Billion?

Pakistan’s digital economy could reach a value of US$75 billion, according to the head of Jazz, one of Pakistan’s major telecoms providers. Amer Ibrahim, Jazz’s Chief Executive Officer made the statement in a presentation at the World Economic Forus 2025, held in Davos, Switzerland. This assertion was based on investments in “broadband infrastructure, fintech innovations, and artificial intelligence”, according to Samaa TV. He also emphasized the role of digital financial inclusion in Pakistan’s economic roadmap, particularly in regards to how “digital infrastructure improvements could enhance access to financial services and promote economic participation across various segments of society.”

December 13, 2024 - Comments Off on Only 38,000 freelancers have bank accounts in Pakistan: Government

Only 38,000 freelancers have bank accounts in Pakistan: Government

Only 38,000 of Pakistan’s 2.32 million freelancers - responsible for 15% of Pakistan’s overall IT exports - have bank accounts based in Pakistan, according to a statement made by the Finance Division of the Government of Pakistan last week. Disclosed during a meeting of the Prime Minister’s Committee on IT Export Remittances, this means that while IT exports are steadily increasing, remittances do not reflect this increase proportionately, as a substantial fraction of revenue remains unremitted. According to data by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), while on average 500 bank accounts are being opened weekly, the problem lies in retaining the account holders.

 

The meeting also discussed the urgency in bringing global payment options, such as PayPal , to Pakistan. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stressed the need to make Pakistan a key player in the global IT industry by resolving these current issues.