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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.

2,423   1,100 Read Article

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TechnologyCPKX+3

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.

1,953   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.

2,931   2,416 Read Article

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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.

2,525   2,117 Read Article

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Pakistan and Japan Join Forces on AI and Tech Talent

Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Pakistan and Japan agreed to deepen cooperation in AI, Web3, and digital technologies at a July 2026 startup event in Tokyo, organized by Pakistan's Embassy and the Asia Web3 Alliance Japan (AWAJ). A key driver: Japan faces a shortage of hundreds of thousands of IT engineers by 2030, making Pakistan's engineering talent a strategic asset.

2,512   2,215 Read Article

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Pakistan at 79: An Honest Look at Where We Really Stand in Tech

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

At 79, Pakistan's tech story is genuinely mixed: real progress (record $4.6B IT exports, a $1B+ freelance economy, new AI hubs and data centers) sits alongside hard gaps (no unicorn, massive skilled emigration, a falling human development ranking, and a widening AI divide with peers). The honest verdict: real momentum, but not yet matching the challenge.

3,138   2,491 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.

4,004   1,191 Read Article

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Pakistan Gets Its First NVIDIA H200 AI Chips: Why It's a Big Deal

Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Indus Cloud (Master Group), with Cisco, launched Pakistan's first AI GPU cluster powered by NVIDIA H200 chips in August 2026, bringing brand-new H200 GPUs onto Pakistani soil for the first time. These high-end chips power AI training and large language models, giving local businesses, startups, and universities in-country access to world-class AI computing.

2,710   1,136 Read Article

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TechnologyCPKX+1

Pakistan Has a Dozen Free Tech Training Programs. Which One Should You Actually Do

Syed Asfer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Pakistan offers many free tech training programs in 2026, including DigiSkills 3.0, the PMYP Digital Skills Program, HEC's AI training (which recently graduated 6,000 students), and free Google and Meta courses. The best choice depends on your goals and level. But completing a course isn't enough, turning training into income requires practice, projects, and persistence.

2,350   2,369 Read Article

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BusinessTechnologyPakistan+4

Pakistan Joins WAICO: What the New AI Alliance Means

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Pakistan became a founding member of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO) on July 16, 2026, when Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar signed the agreement in Shanghai. The China-proposed body, joined by around 29-31 countries, aims to promote international AI cooperation and bridge the global AI divide, particularly for developing nations.

2,326   2,255 Read Article

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Pakistan Launches 7 AI Hubs to Incubate 560 Startups

Syed Asfer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

The National Artificial Intelligence Advancement Initiative (NAAI) is Pakistan's plan, launched July 2026 by MoITT under the National AI Policy, to establish seven AI Hubs in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit. It aims to incubate 560 AI startups over two years and provide 150 non-dilutive seed grants.

2,263   2,112 Read Article

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Pakistan Launches Its Largest AI Data Centre: What It Means

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Sky47 Karakoram-01 is Pakistan's largest AI-ready data centre, inaugurated on July 24, 2026 in Islamabad. Built by Mari Technologies with China's ZTE, the 8.5-megawatt, Tier III/IV facility provides high-performance computing for AI, cloud, and secure data hosting. Its sovereign cloud keeps critical data within Pakistan, with similar centres planned for Karachi and Lahore.

4,177   1,699 Read Article

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TechnologyPakistanGovernment+6

Pakistan Launches NAAI: 7 AI Hubs and 560 Startups

Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

The National Artificial Intelligence Advancement Initiative (NAAI) is Pakistan's plan to establish seven AI Hubs, in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit, to incubate 560 startups over two years and give non-dilutive seed grants to 150. Launched under the National AI Policy, it focuses on healthcare, agriculture, fintech, and more.

2,952   2,306 Read Article

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TechnologyPakistanGovernment+7

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.

2,977   1,232 Read Article

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BusinessTechnologyCP+3

Pakistan's 5G Fix: New Spectrum and the Fiber Problem

Syed Asfer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Pakistan has assigned E-Band spectrum to mobile operators to provide high-capacity wireless backhaul for 5G. The move addresses a key bottleneck: only about 17.9% of Pakistan's mobile towers are connected by fiber. Operators must reach 20% fiber-to-the-site by 2028, rising to 35% by 2035, under their 5G licence conditions.

2,473   1,214 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.

2,042   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.

2,951   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.

2,456   2,021 Read Article

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TechnologyCPKX+1

Pakistan's Crypto Rules Just Went Live: What the September 5 Deadline Means for You

Syed Asfer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Pakistan's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) opened its crypto licensing regime in August 2026, setting a September 5 deadline for existing crypto firms to apply for a No Objection Certificate or cease operations. It's a regulation framework, not a ban, aiming to bring crypto under formal oversight with rules on compliance, banking access, and consumer protection.

1,704   1,980 Read Article

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TechnologyPakistanCP+6

Pakistan's Freelance Dream Is Changing: The Next 5 Years

Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Pakistan's freelance economy is entering a K-shaped split: as AI automates commodity work like basic writing and data entry, low-skill freelancers face collapsing demand, while specialized freelancers who use AI and offer human judgment earn more than ever. The era of selling cheap execution is ending; the future rewards those who build and specialize.

3,113   1,133 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.

3,303   882 Read Article

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TechnologyGovernmentCP+4

Pakistan's IT Ministry Plans a 10-Year Digital Roadmap

Syed Asfer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Pakistan's Ministry of IT and Telecommunication (MoITT) is developing a 10-year digital transformation roadmap to modernize digital governance and strengthen the digital economy. Announced in July 2026, it will be implemented in three phases, short term (0-2 years), medium term (3-5 years), and long term (6-10 years), as part of a broader ministry restructuring.

3,159   1,551 Read Article

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TechnologyPakistanGovernment+5

Pakistan's PM Launches AI System to Track Every Order

Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

PMOS (Prime Minister's Office System) is Pakistan's first AI-powered government platform, launched on July 21, 2026. It records, communicates, monitors, and tracks every directive issued by the Prime Minister, from issuance through implementation, verified completion, and post-completion review, replacing paper-based workflows with digital processes across ministries.

2,859   2,390 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.

2,416   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.

4,177   2,248 Read Article

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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.

3,380   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.

4,425   1,578 Read Article

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TechnologyPakistanCP+3

PM Launches Robotics Program and $20 Million Venture Fund

Syed Asfer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

At the Indus RAS Expo on July 23, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched the Spark and Elevate Program to promote robotics and autonomous systems, and announced a $20 million Pakistan Venture Fund to support innovation, research, and technology startups. The goal is turning research into commercial technologies and creating high-quality jobs.

2,353   894 Read Article

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BusinessTechnologyPakistan+6

Raast Will Process More Money Than Pakistan's Entire Economy in 2026

Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Raast is Pakistan's instant payment system by the State Bank, enabling free, real-time money transfers between people, businesses, and government. In 2026 it's projected to process over $500 billion, exceeding Pakistan's estimated $452 billion GDP. It has grown roughly 162 times since 2022, and a new consent-based "pull payment" feature is launching soon.

1,540   2,377 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.

1,678   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.

2,315   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.

4,228   1,129 Read Article

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TechnologyPakistanCP+1

Silicon Valley's Plug and Play Is Coming to Pakistan

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Plug and Play Tech Center, a leading Silicon Valley startup accelerator, signed a Letter of Intent in July 2026 to establish operations in Islamabad and Karachi. It aims to accelerate up to 300 startups from Pakistani universities and connect them with over 600 global corporate partners, helping them raise investment and expand internationally while staying based in Pakistan.

3,154   2,452 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.

3,430   1,121 Read Article

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TechnologyCPKX+2

Social Media Automation: What's Safe vs What Gets You Banned

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Safe social media automation uses official tools like Meta Business Suite, Buffer, or Hootsuite for scheduling and analytics. Risky automation, mass-posting to groups, bulk auto-commenting, fake engagement, scraping, and detection-evasion tools, violates platform rules and can get your account permanently banned. The rule of thumb: automate your own workflow, never fake human activity.

2,359   1,501 Read Article

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ResearchTechnologyCP+2

Social Media Marketing Strategies: How Brands Grow in Pakistan

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Successful social media marketing in Pakistan focuses on short-form video, influencer collaborations, and platform-specific strategy. With 85 million+ social media users, brands use TikTok and Instagram Reels for reach, Facebook for affordable ads (CPC around PKR 10-400), WhatsApp for conversions, and LinkedIn for B2B. Consistency, Urdu content, and engagement drive growth.

3,395   2,396 Read Article

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TechnologyCPKX+4

State Bank Removes Form R: Big Win for Freelancers

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

On April 6, 2026, the State Bank of Pakistan (via circulars FECL6 and FECL7) removed the per-transaction Form R requirement for freelancers and IT exporters, replacing it with a one-time declaration at account opening. Reforms also mandate one-working-day payment processing, raise the Form R threshold to above $25,000, and allow ESFCA debit cards for direct USD spending.

3,375   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.

2,303   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.

1,769   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.

3,941   1,367 Read Article

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TechnologyPakistanCP+2

The Ball at the World Cup Was Made in Pakistan. Here's the Business Story Behind Sialkot

Syed Asfer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Sialkot, Pakistan produces around 70% of the world's hand-stitched footballs, exporting roughly 40 million a year to brands like Adidas, Nike, and Puma. Local firm Forward Sports has made the official FIFA World Cup match ball for four consecutive tournaments (2014-2026). The industry earns Pakistan hundreds of millions in exports annually.

1,411   975 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.

2,733   2,309 Read Article

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TechnologyCPKX+2

The Remote Hiring Game Just Changed: What Pakistani Workers Need in 2026

Syed Asfer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Global remote hiring shifted decisively to skills-based hiring in 2026: employers now prioritize validated, job-ready skills over degrees and resumes, while AI roles surged 283% (Deel). For Pakistani workers, this is opportunity and challenge, real skills can win global jobs without elite credentials, but competition is surging and hiring standards are tightening.

1,304   1,311 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.

1,699   2,614 Read Article

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ResearchTechnologyCP+4

Top 10 AI & Tech Tools Freelancers Need in 2026

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

The top AI and tech tools freelancers need in 2026 include ChatGPT and Claude (AI assistants), Perplexity (research), Notion and ClickUp (project management), Canva and Figma (design), Grammarly (writing), Zapier (automation), and Adobe Creative Cloud. Around 77% of freelancers now use AI, reporting 20-40% productivity gains. Most offer capable free tiers.

2,957   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.

3,539   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.

2,249   1,325 Read Article

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TechnologyCPKX+3

WhatsApp's New Features in August 2026: What's Rolling Out

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

WhatsApp's 2026 updates include a new username system for more privacy, @all mentions and upgraded polls for group chats, dual accounts on iPhone, cross-platform chat transfer between Android and iPhone, AI photo editing and writing tools, voice chats in groups, and sharing music to Status. Most roll out gradually worldwide.

3,875   1,170 Read Article