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May 22, 2025 - Comments Off on Pakistan Explores Starlink Collaboration to Bridge Digital Divide

Pakistan Explores Starlink Collaboration to Bridge Digital Divide

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the U.S., Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, has highlighted the transformative potential of SpaceX’s Starlink to bridge Pakistan’s digital divide, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

The remarks followed a high-level visit to SpaceX headquarters in Los Angeles, where Ambassador Sheikh, accompanied by Consul General Asim Ali Khan and consulate officials, discussed potential collaboration on satellite internet and space technologies.

SpaceX executives welcomed the delegation and presented Starlink’s capabilities in expanding broadband access through low Earth orbit satellites, with a focus on supporting Pakistan’s digital transformation.

The ambassador reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to innovation-led development and expressed optimism about future cooperation in digital infrastructure and space technology.

This visit comes as Pakistan prepares for Starlink’s official launch. Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja recently announced that licensing will be completed soon, with services expected to begin by November 2025, following temporary registration granted in March.

Source:https://dailytimes.com.pk/1304833/pakistan-eyes-starlink-to-bridge-digital-divide-amid-engagement-with-spacex/

May 14, 2025 - Comments Off on Over 8 million women came online in 2024, GSMA Report

Over 8 million women came online in 2024, GSMA Report

In 2024, Pakistan witnessed a significant narrowing of its digital gender divide, with over 8 million women gaining internet access for the first time, according to the GSMA Mobile Gender Gap report released on Wednesday. This growth reflects ongoing efforts to increase women’s digital inclusion through targeted infrastructure expansion, affordability initiatives, and digital literacy programmes. While the gender gap in mobile internet usage still stands at 38%, the progress marks a substantial improvement from previous years. Experts attribute this trend to both private sector interventions and public policies aimed at empowering women digitally. However, the report also warns that affordability, social norms, and safety concerns continue to limit women’s full digital participation. Continued investment in equitable access, especially in rural areas, is essential to sustain this momentum and ensure that digital rights are equally accessible to all genders.

April 30, 2025 - Comments Off on NADRA app enables online registration of births, deaths, marriages

NADRA app enables online registration of births, deaths, marriages

The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has launched a new mobile application allowing citizens to register life events such as births, deaths, and changes in marital status remotely from their homes.

The app was launched during the second meeting of the National Registration and Biometric Policy Framework Implementation Committee, attended by federal and provincial officials. Initially being rolled out in Punjab, the application is supported by extended biometric verification services at union councils. According to NADRA Chairman Lt Gen (Retd) Muhammad Munir Afsar, the initiative marks a significant step toward improving service delivery and maintaining a more accurate population database. 

NADRA also announced the establishment of one-window counters in Islamabad to streamline citizen access to civil registration services. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) chairman also updated the committee on the finalisation of the National Biometric Policy, signalling further integration of biometric systems in public service delivery.