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5G in Pakistan: Big Promises, Bigger Connectivity Gap

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Pakistan’s 5G rollout promises faster connectivity and economic growth, but challenges remain. With low fiber penetration and limited rural internet access, the benefits of 5G may initially reach only major cities, raising concerns about digital inclusion and infrastructure readiness across the country.

2,029   1,268 Read Article

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TechnologyCPKX+2

Abdur Rehman: Building Pakistan’s Startup Ecosystem Through Innovation

Zarish - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Abdur Rehman is a Pakistani entrepreneur, startup growth strategist, and ecosystem builder working on startup development, talent enablement, AI-driven business systems, and entrepreneurship opportunities through ventures including Rozi Academy, Rexen Solutions, and TUAM E KHAAS.

3,398   993 Read Article

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Technology

Adreach Agency Partners with ARE Ventures to Scale TikTok Ads

Zarish - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Adreach Agency has partnered with ARE Ventures to help businesses scale their marketing through TikTok advertising. The collaboration focuses on providing TikTok agency accounts, campaign support, and strategic guidance so brands can run stable and high-performing ad campaigns while reaching wider digital audiences.

2,774   2,340 Read Article

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TechnologyPakistanCP+4

Afroze Khan: From Byteify’s Collapse to Revenue Incarnate. The Pakistani Operator Quietly Rebuilding How Service Businesses Sell

Zarish - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Afroze Khan is the founder of Revenue Incarnate, a Karachi and Las Vegas based revenue systems firm. After the collapse of his first company, Byteify, he developed a methodology focused on fixing offer positioning, pipeline architecture, and revenue infrastructure, helping service businesses scale through Revenue as a Service.

2,082   2,371 Read Article

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ResearchTechnologyCP+3

Ali Javan: The Forgotten Genius Who Built the Gas Laser

Syed - Connected Pakistan

Ali Javan (1926-2016) was an Iranian-American physicist who co-invented the first gas laser, the helium-neon laser, in 1960 at Bell Labs. It was the world's first continuous-beam laser, enabling barcode scanners, fiber-optic internet, laser printers, and medical devices. On December 13, 1960, Javan used it to make the first-ever laser-transmitted phone call.

1,350   2,396 Read Article

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EducationBusinessTechnology+4

Alibaba BNPL in Pakistan: Opportunity or Hidden Risk?

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Alibaba’s entry into Pakistan’s BNPL market through KOKO Tech introduces new financial access opportunities but also raises concerns about debt risks, low financial literacy, and limited consumer protection frameworks in the country.

5,271   2,214 Read Article

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ResearchTechnologyCP+3

Apple vs OpenAI Lawsuit: The AI Hardware War Explained

Syed Asfer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

On July 10, 2026, Apple sued OpenAI in California federal court, alleging OpenAI stole trade secrets to develop its own AI hardware. Apple claims OpenAI recruited Apple employees and encouraged them to share confidential product information. OpenAI denies interest in others' trade secrets. The case marks a dramatic breakdown of the 2024 Apple-OpenAI partnership.

2,624   2,386 Read Article

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BusinessTechnologyCP+3

Apple's $30 Billion Chip Deal: What It Means Globally

Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

On July 8, 2026, Apple announced a multiyear agreement with Broadcom exceeding $30 billion to produce over 15 billion US-made chips through at least 2031. It is Apple's largest commitment under its American Manufacturing Program, includes a $1.5 billion expansion of Broadcom's Fort Collins, Colorado facility, and is part of Apple's $600 billion US investment.

2,940   1,206 Read Article

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TechnologyCPKX+2

Binance Gets Pakistan AML Approval: What It Means for You

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

easypaisa digital bank signed an MoU with Binance on June 17, 2026, to explore digital savings and investment solutions in Pakistan. The deal follows Binance gaining AML registration from PVARA, Pakistan's new crypto regulator under the Virtual Assets Act 2026, marking a major step toward regulated digital assets in the country.

2,868   827 Read Article

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ResearchTechnologyPakistan+3

Fiverr, Upwork Decline: What It Means for Pakistan Freelancers

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

AI is transforming freelancing by automating basic tasks like design, writing, and coding. Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork are seeing slowdowns as clients shift to AI tools. However, freelancers who adapt by offering strategy, problem-solving, and high-value services can still grow and succeed.

3,266   1,147 Read Article

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TechnologyPakistanCP+4

From Lahore to Texas: How Mudassir Saleem Malik Is Building the Bridge Between Pakistan's Tech Talent and the Global AI Economy

Zarish - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Mudassir Saleem Malik is a Pakistani AI strategist and CEO of AppsGenii Technologies, helping global enterprises adopt AI. Based in Texas, he connects Pakistan’s tech talent with international markets while contributing to Pakistan’s startup ecosystem through ventures, leadership roles, and AI-driven innovation.

2,462   1,417 Read Article

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EducationResearchTechnology+4

Future of AI, Remote Work & Freelancing in Pakistan: Complete Guide

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Pakistan’s digital economy is being reshaped by AI, remote work, and freelancing. Professionals with skills in AI, data science, digital marketing, and remote collaboration are accessing high-paying global jobs, while startups and freelancers contribute significantly to IT exports and the growing gig economy.

2,269   1,677 Read Article

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EducationResearchTechnology+4

Future of Remote Work in Pakistan: Trends and Opportunities

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Remote work in Pakistan is rapidly expanding due to the growth of freelancing, IT exports, and global demand for digital talent. With improved internet access and digital skills training, Pakistani professionals increasingly work with international companies, making remote work a key driver of the country’s digital economy.

3,079   2,419 Read Article

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TechnologyCPKX+3

How Pakistan Became a Global Freelancing Hub

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Pakistan has become one of the world’s leading freelancing hubs due to its young digital workforce, strong presence on global freelance platforms, growing internet access, and increasing demand for remote services. Thousands of Pakistani professionals now offer skills in web development, design, marketing, and technology to clients worldwide.

3,218   2,540 Read Article

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EducationBusinessResearch+4

How Pakistani Startups Are Growing Through eCommerce

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Pakistani startups are growing rapidly through eCommerce by leveraging online marketplaces, digital marketing, and mobile commerce. Increasing internet access, smartphone adoption, and digital payment systems have enabled startups to reach nationwide and global customers while scaling faster than traditional retail businesses.

3,548   2,855 Read Article

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TechnologyCPKX+2

How TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Shorts Are Shaping Pakistan’s Digital Space

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Short-form video platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are reshaping content creation and marketing in Pakistan. These platforms drive engagement, offer monetization opportunities for creators, and are becoming essential tools for businesses to reach younger audiences.

1,792   2,580 Read Article

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TechnologyCPKX+1

How to Get an eSIM in Pakistan 2026: Complete Guide

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

To get an eSIM in Pakistan, visit a Jazz, Zong, or Ufone service center with your CNIC, complete biometric verification, and receive a QR code. Then go to your phone's settings, add a cellular plan, and scan the code. Charges range from free (Jazz) to around Rs. 2,000, and an eSIM-compatible phone is required.

2,777   1,453 Read Article

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TechnologyCPKX+2

Is AI Killing Freelancing in Pakistan? The Honest Truth

Syed - Connected Pakistan

AI is disrupting freelancing in Pakistan as platforms like Fiverr and Upwork decline. Fiverr lost over 60% of its stock value in a year, and businesses increasingly use AI instead of hiring for basic tasks. But freelancers who learn AI tools, specialize in high-value work, and build their own products can still thrive.

2,489   1,979 Read Article

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ResearchTechnologyCP+4

Meta Pulls Its AI Photo Tool After Privacy Backlash

Syed Asfer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Meta pulled its Muse Image AI feature from Instagram on July 10, 2026, days after launch, following backlash over privacy and consent. The feature let anyone generate AI images from public Instagram accounts by tagging them, and was on by default. Meta admitted it "missed the mark." Muse Image remains available in WhatsApp and the Meta AI app.

2,191   1,100 Read Article

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TechnologyCPKX+2

Muse Spark 1.1: Meta's New AI at a Quarter of the Price

Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Muse Spark 1.1 is a multimodal reasoning AI model released by Meta Superintelligence Labs on July 9, 2026. Built for agentic tasks like coding and computer use, it features a 1 million-token context window and launched via the new Meta Model API at around $4.25 per million output tokens, roughly a quarter of rival prices.

1,638   1,428 Read Article

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EducationTechnologyCP+4

Only 8.7% of Pakistanis Own a Computer: The Real Gap

Syed Asfer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Only 8.7% of Pakistani households own a desktop or laptop, according to Gallup Pakistan Digital Analytics (July 2026). This places Pakistan near the bottom globally, alongside India and Bangladesh at around 9%, and far behind South Korea at 99%. Smartphones alone cannot build the knowledge economy Pakistan aims for.

2,649   2,416 Read Article

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TechnologyCPKX+2

OpenAI's GPT-Live: The AI You Can Talk to Naturally

Syed Asfer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

GPT-Live is OpenAI's new generation of ChatGPT voice models, launched July 8, 2026. It uses a full-duplex design, meaning it can listen and speak at the same time, so you can interrupt naturally, and it responds with cues like "mhmm." It rolls out globally on iOS, Android, and web, replacing Advanced Voice Mode.

2,284   2,117 Read Article

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TechnologyCPKX+1

Pakistan Freelancing Industry Growth Driving Digital Economy

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Pakistan’s freelancing industry has grown rapidly due to digital skills, global remote work demand, and a young tech-savvy workforce. With millions of freelancers offering services worldwide, the sector generates hundreds of millions of dollars in foreign exchange and plays a key role in Pakistan’s expanding digital economy.

3,315   1,190 Read Article

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TechnologyPakistanGovernment+6

Pakistan Orders Government Data to Be Hosted Locally

Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Pakistan's National Data Governance Policy 2026 declares government data a strategic national asset and requires sensitive government and personal data to be hosted and processed within Pakistan. Offshore processing needs prior approval and safeguards. The Pakistan Digital Authority will oversee implementation, aiming to strengthen data sovereignty, privacy, and citizens' digital rights.

2,615   1,232 Read Article

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BusinessTechnologyCP+3

Pakistan's 5G in 2026: Live in 22 Cities, But Is It Working?

Syed Asfer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Pakistan's 5G is live in 22 cities with 449 active tower sites as of mid-2026, and 3.81 million 5G-ready phones are registered. However, 5G currently runs on existing 4G towers with no new infrastructure yet, so users still face slow speeds and dropped calls. New 5G infrastructure is expected over the next six to eight months.

1,494   1,200 Read Article

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TechnologyGovernmentCP+3

Pakistan's AI Readiness Ranking: Behind Its Neighbors

Syed Asfer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Pakistan ranks 8th out of 17 countries in South and Central Asia on the Oxford Insights Government AI Readiness Index, placing it below India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. The index measures government vision, digital infrastructure, and data systems. Pakistan has made progress but lags due to gaps in infrastructure, data systems, and implementation.

2,555   2,385 Read Article

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BusinessTechnologyPakistan+5

Pakistan's Call Centre Exports Cross $300 Million on AI

Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Pakistan's call centre and BPO export earnings crossed $300 million in FY2025-26, reaching $322 million from July to May, a 19% year-on-year rise. According to the State Bank of Pakistan, growth is largely driven by AI-powered customer support tools that improve efficiency, cut costs, and enable round-the-clock multilingual service for global clients.

2,168   2,021 Read Article

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BusinessTechnologyPakistan+6

Pakistan's IT Exports Hit Record $4.5 Billion in 2026

Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Pakistan's IT exports reached a record $4.5 billion in FY2025-26, up about 29% from $3.475 billion the previous year. The growth was driven by software development, business process outsourcing (BPO), SaaS, and gaming, with Pakistani firms notably expanding into Asia-Pacific markets like Japan and Singapore beyond traditional US and European clients.

2,517   882 Read Article

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BusinessResearchTechnology+3

Pakistani AI Startups Are Winning a16z and YC Backing

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Pakistani AI startups are attracting top global investors in 2026. Metal, founded by former Airlift CEO Usman Gul and backed by a16z and Y Combinator, builds an AI operating system for fundraising. Other rising names include Newton (healthcare AI), Metric (SME finance), and TaxGPT (tax automation), signaling Pakistan's shift from outsourcing to product-building.

2,046   1,478 Read Article

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TechnologyPakistanCP+4

Pakistani Freelancers Hit $1 Billion in IT Exports 2026

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Pakistani freelancers earned over $1 billion in IT export income during the first 11 months of FY2026, a historic first. According to the State Bank of Pakistan, freelancers now contribute 25% of total IT exports, up from 20.3% a year earlier, reflecting nearly 50% year-on-year growth.

3,552   2,248 Read Article

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EducationResearchTechnology+4

Pakistan’s Digital Banking Revolution and Fintech Innovation

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Digital banking transformation in Pakistan is reshaping the financial sector through mobile banking apps, fintech platforms, and digital payment systems. These innovations are helping expand financial inclusion, improve convenience, and modernize banking services, allowing millions of Pakistanis to access financial tools through smartphones and online platforms.

3,256   2,326 Read Article

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ResearchTechnologyCP+3

Pakistan’s Growing Creator Economy and Its Impact on Youth

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

The creator economy in Pakistan is rapidly expanding as thousands of digital creators earn income through platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. With millions of social media users and growing brand partnerships, content creation is emerging as a powerful new digital career and economic opportunity for Pakistani youth.

3,853   1,578 Read Article

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EducationTechnologyCP+3

RedHook Malware: How to Protect Your Android and Bank

Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

RedHook is an upgraded Android banking malware identified by Group-IB that can steal banking credentials and take deep control of infected phones. It spreads through fake apps downloaded from links sent by scammers posing as banks or officials. The best protection is to only install apps from Google Play and never side-load APKs from unknown links.

1,425   1,655 Read Article

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EducationResearchTechnology+3

Scaling Amazon FBA Stores to £10M: Proven Growth Strategies

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Scaling an Amazon FBA store to £10M requires strategic product selection, strong branding, optimized PPC advertising, efficient supply chains, and expansion into multiple marketplaces. Successful sellers focus on data-driven decisions, customer experience, and continuous product innovation to grow revenue sustainably on Amazon.

2,202   2,129 Read Article

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BusinessTechnologyPakistan+4

SECP Approves Alibaba-Linked BNPL in Pakistan: Full Analysis

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Alibaba has entered Pakistan’s fintech market through Cocotech Pakistan after receiving an NBFC license from SECP. The move introduces Buy Now Pay Later services, signaling global confidence in Pakistan’s digital economy while increasing competition for local fintech companies and expanding access to credit for underserved users.

4,071   1,129 Read Article

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EducationTechnologyCP+3

Skills You Should Learn Before AI Replaces Them

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

The most valuable skills to learn before AI replaces jobs include critical thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence, leadership, complex problem-solving, and communication. These human abilities require judgment, empathy, and innovation, making them significantly harder for artificial intelligence systems to replicate in real-world situations.

3,313   1,121 Read Article

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ResearchTechnologyCP+2

Social Media Marketing Strategies & How Brands Can Grow Online in Pakistan

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Social media marketing strategies in Pakistan focus on short-form video content, influencer collaborations, consistent posting, and engagement-driven campaigns. Brands use platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to connect with audiences, build communities, and increase sales.

3,127   2,396 Read Article

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TechnologyCPKX+2

State Bank Removes Form R: Big Win for Freelancers

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

The State Bank of Pakistan has removed Form R and simplified banking processes for freelancers. This allows faster account opening, easier foreign currency retention through ESFCA accounts, and reduced documentation, improving access to financial systems for Pakistan’s growing freelance workforce.

3,195   1,759 Read Article

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TechnologyPakistanCP+3

Sualeh Asif The Pakistani Behind SpaceX's Cursor Deal

Syed - Connected Pakistan

Sualeh Asif is a Karachi-born co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Cursor, the AI coding tool built by Anysphere. In 2026, SpaceX agreed to acquire Anysphere in a $60 billion all-stock deal, expected to close in Q3 2026. Asif's stake is reportedly worth around $2.7 billion, making him a Pakistani-origin billionaire.

1,576   1,782 Read Article

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TechnologyCPKX+2

Tasawar Akram: Empowering Pakistan’s Digital Economy Through Entrepreneurship - From Pattoki to Global Digital Ventures

Zarish - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Tasawar Akram is a Pakistani digital entrepreneur, Director and Strategic Growth Partner at Brandliant, and founder of international digital ventures. He specializes in Facebook monetization, SEO, and digital marketing while helping aspiring freelancers, creators, and entrepreneurs develop skills and explore opportunities in the digital economy.

1,619   1,300 Read Article

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BusinessTechnologyCP+2

Telenor Pakistan Merges Into Ufone 5G: What It Means

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

On July 1, 2026, Telenor Pakistan formally merged into Pak Telecom Mobile Limited (PTML), operating as Ufone 5G, after Islamabad High Court approval. Telenor ceased to exist as a separate company. The combined operator now holds about 35.9% of Pakistan's mobile market, becoming the country's second-largest, with services continuing for existing customers.

2,313   1,367 Read Article

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ResearchTechnologyCP+4

The Dark Side of Pakistan’s Gig Economy Explained

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Pakistan’s gig economy has created new income opportunities, but it also presents serious challenges. Many gig workers operate without legal protections, minimum wage guarantees, or social security benefits. Payment barriers, platform dependence, and unstable income make gig work uncertain for thousands of digital workers across the country.

2,608   2,309 Read Article

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EducationResearchTechnology+4

The Rise of Blockchain Innovation in Pakistan’s Digital Economy

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Blockchain technology adoption in Pakistan is expanding across sectors such as finance, remittances, digital identity, and startups. With millions of users involved in digital assets and growing government initiatives to regulate blockchain and cryptocurrency, Pakistan is emerging as a significant player in the global Web3 and fintech ecosystem.

1,577   2,614 Read Article

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ResearchTechnologyTechnology+1

Top 10 AI & Tech Tools Freelancers Need in 2026

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Freelancers in 2026 rely on AI and automation tools like ChatGPT, Notion, Canva, and Zapier to save time, improve productivity, and deliver better results. These tools help manage projects, automate workflows, and enhance creativity, making them essential for staying competitive.

2,696   2,752 Read Article

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EducationResearchTechnology+2

Top Digital Marketing Trends in Pakistan Businesses Must Know

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Digital marketing in Pakistan is rapidly evolving due to growing internet penetration, social media usage, and mobile connectivity. Key trends include short-form video marketing, influencer collaborations, AI-powered advertising tools, social commerce, and localized content strategies that help brands reach Pakistan’s expanding online audience.

3,333   2,402 Read Article

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TechnologyCPKX+4

Wajahat Shah: The Self-Made Marketer Who Built Pakistan's Leading TikTok Agency

Zarish - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Wajahat Shah is a Pakistani entrepreneur who built Adreach, a leading TikTok marketing agency, after transitioning from Chartered Accountancy. By learning digital advertising skills and identifying early opportunities in TikTok marketing, he scaled over $20 million in ad spend and established himself as a key figure in Pakistan’s digital marketing ecosystem.

2,083   1,325 Read Article

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TechnologyCPKX+3

Why Pakistan Must Move Beyond Freelancing to Sovereign AI

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Sovereign AI means Pakistan owns its AI model weights, training data, and inference infrastructure as national assets that earn export revenue. Tech experts propose a five-layer AI stack, energy, chips, infrastructure, models, and applications, built in sequence starting with reliable power, to move Pakistan up the value chain beyond low-margin freelancing and outsourcing.

2,982   1,430 Read Article

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ResearchTechnologyCP+2

Why Pakistani Engineers Are Leaving and What It Means

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Pakistan is facing a growing tech brain drain as engineers move abroad for better opportunities. This impacts startups, innovation, and economic growth. The solution lies in building strong local ecosystems, competitive opportunities, and policies that encourage talent retention and return.

2,312   1,419 Read Article