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140 Million Pakistanis Have Internet Coverage but Don't Use It. That's the Real Problem
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140 Million Pakistanis Have Internet Coverage but Don't Use It. That's the Real Problem
Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk
Around 140 million Pakistanis live in areas covered by mobile broadband but don't use mobile internet, one of the world's largest "usage gaps" (per GSMA 2026). This shows Pakistan's digital divide is no longer mainly about network coverage, but about affordability, digital literacy, relevant content, and devices. Closing it requires tackling these barriers, not just building more towers.
5G in Pakistan: Big Promises, Bigger Connectivity Gap
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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.
Afroze Khan: From Byteify’s Collapse to Revenue Incarnate. The Pakistani Operator Quietly Rebuilding How Service Businesses Sell
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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.
AI Jobs in Pakistan 2026: Salaries, Skills, and How to Start
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AI Jobs in Pakistan 2026: Salaries, Skills, and How to Start
Syed Asfer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk
AI jobs are among Pakistan's fastest-growing and highest-paying tech careers in 2026. Top roles include machine learning engineer, data scientist, AI engineer, and NLP specialist. Local salaries range from about PKR 50,000-80,000/month for entry level to PKR 200,000+ for senior roles, while remote work for global clients can pay $1,000-3,000+ monthly.
AI Just Started Solving Problems Humans Couldn't. What It Means for Pakistan
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AI Just Started Solving Problems Humans Couldn't. What It Means for Pakistan
Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk
In August 2026, AI crossed a threshold from completing tasks to contributing original, verifiable research, an AI system reportedly solved 10 long-unsolved math and computer-science problems with checkable proofs. Combined with AI assistants crossing a billion users each and collapsing costs, it signals AI becoming a genuine tool for discovery, with real opportunities and challenges for Pakistan.
Dr. Samar Mubarakmand: Pakistan's Quiet Scientific Giant
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Dr. Samar Mubarakmand: Pakistan's Quiet Scientific Giant
Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk
Dr. Samar Mubarakmand is a renowned Pakistani nuclear physicist, born in 1942, known for his research in gamma spectroscopy and building the Charged Particle Accelerator at PINSTECH. Oxford-educated, he was a pioneer of fibre-optic technology in Pakistan, founding chairman of NESCOM, and today leads mineral exploration as chairman of the Punjab Mineral Company.
FIA and Meta Deal Could Cut Cybercrime Cases to Days
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FIA and Meta Deal Could Cut Cybercrime Cases to Days
Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk
Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency has established a direct official channel with Meta Asia Pacific to speed up investigations into organised cybercrime, online fraud, and hate speech. Meta formally recognised the FIA's Single Point of Contact at the National Command and Control Centre (NC3). Response times for lawful requests are expected to fall from months to days.
FIA's AI Airport Profiling: Security vs Privacy Explained
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FIA's AI Airport Profiling: Security vs Privacy Explained
Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk
Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is using AI-assisted profiling and a Risk Analysis Unit to identify high-risk passengers and curb human smuggling, analyzing travel history, destination, and visa type. In "high-risk" cases it may examine mobile phones. Legal experts argue phone searches without a formal criminal inquiry may exceed FIA authority and infringe constitutional privacy rights.
Fiverr, Upwork Decline: What It Means for Pakistan Freelancers
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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.
Free Google AI for Pakistani Students: Inside the New Google-Pakistan Deal
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Free Google AI for Pakistani Students: Inside the New Google-Pakistan Deal
Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk
Pakistan and Google signed an agreement to expand tech cooperation, giving Pakistani students free one-year access to Google AI tools including Gemini and AI Plus. The deal also establishes an AI Center of Excellence in Islamabad, expands Google Career Certificates, and applies AI to agriculture and small businesses, aiming to boost digital skills and IT exports.
From an Ice Stall to a Fast-Growing Laptop Brand: The Story of Master Faheem
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From an Ice Stall to a Fast-Growing Laptop Brand: The Story of Master Faheem
Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk
Master Muhammad Faheem Imtiaz is the founder and CEO of Techno X Laptops, a fast-growing Pakistani pre-owned laptop brand. Raised in a small town helping run his family's ice-selling and repair businesses, he launched Techno X in early 2023 with minimal investment, building trust through a pioneering 100-day warranty while working a government job simultaneously.
From Lahore to Texas: How Mudassir Saleem Malik Is Building the Bridge Between Pakistan's Tech Talent and the Global AI Economy
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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.
From YouTube Tutorials to a Creative Brand: Areesha Atif's Story
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From YouTube Tutorials to a Creative Brand: Areesha Atif's Story
Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk
Areesha Atif is a Karachi-based graphic designer and the founder of Areesha GFX, a creative brand she built after teaching herself Photoshop through YouTube in 2022. By her own account, she has completed 750+ projects for local and international clients, and now trains other women in freelancing through her Al Fatimah Online Academy.
Get Hired as a Full Employee by a Foreign Company, From Pakistan. Here's How EOR Works
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Get Hired as a Full Employee by a Foreign Company, From Pakistan. Here's How EOR Works
Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk
An Employer of Record (EOR) lets a foreign company hire a Pakistani as a full-time employee, with salary, benefits, and a proper contract, without setting up a local office. A third-party EOR provider (like Deel or Remote) legally employs you on the company's behalf, handling payroll and compliance. It's a fast-growing alternative to freelancing.
Google Officially Opens Its Pakistan Office: What It Means for the Country
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Google Officially Opens Its Pakistan Office: What It Means for the Country
Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk
Google officially opened its Pakistan office in Islamabad on August 18, 2026, inaugurated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif alongside Google Vice President for Global Affairs Wilson L. White. The move marks a major expansion of Google's presence, follows the start of Chromebook manufacturing in Haripur, and signals growing big-tech confidence in Pakistan's digital economy.
He Lost a $120 Million Startup. Now Silicon Valley Is Backing His Comeback
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He Lost a $120 Million Startup. Now Silicon Valley Is Backing His Comeback
Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk
Usman Gul, co-founder of Airlift (a Pakistani startup that raised $120 million before collapsing in 2022), has returned with a new AI startup, Metal. In September 2026, Metal raised $4.5 million in seed funding led by a16z Speedrun and Y Combinator, marking one of the most notable Pakistani founder comebacks and a lesson in resilience.
How Pakistani SMEs Can Actually Get Financing in 2026 (Beyond Just Banks)
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How Pakistani SMEs Can Actually Get Financing in 2026 (Beyond Just Banks)
Syed - Connected Pakistan
Pakistani SMEs, which contribute around 40% of GDP, often struggle to get bank financing due to collateral demands and cautious lending. Real options in 2026 include development funds like SEDF (which cover up to 70% of financing), SBP-backed SME schemes, government programs, supplier and invoice financing, and emerging fintech lenders. Preparing clean financial records is essential.
How Pakistani Women Are Winning in Tech and Freelancing
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How Pakistani Women Are Winning in Tech and Freelancing
Abdullah Awan - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk
Pakistani women are increasingly succeeding in tech and freelancing, often earning equal or slightly higher hourly rates than men, reversing the global gender gap. Though women make up only 15-25% of freelancers, their participation is rising fast, driven by remote work's flexibility, government laptop and training schemes, and growing digital access across the country.
How to Earn Your First Income With AI Tools in Pakistan
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How to Earn Your First Income With AI Tools in Pakistan
Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk
To earn your first income with AI tools in Pakistan: pick one skill (writing, design, or video), learn a free AI tool like ChatGPT or Canva, package a simple service, create samples, offer it on Fiverr or locally, and set up Payoneer for payments. Start with free tools, avoid instant-income scams, and focus on real value.
How to Get Into a Startup Incubator in Pakistan (and Whether You Should)
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How to Get Into a Startup Incubator in Pakistan (and Whether You Should)
Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk
Startup incubators like Pakistan's National Incubation Center (NIC) offer early-stage founders mentorship, a structured curriculum, free coworking space, investor connections, and networking, usually without taking equity. With NICs in seven cities and applications opening periodically (including current cohorts), founders apply online, get screened, and pitch to a panel. They're valuable for the right early-stage founder.
Husein Mustafa: Building Pakistan's Largest Agency-Owner Community
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Husein Mustafa: Building Pakistan's Largest Agency-Owner Community
Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk
Husein Mustafa is a Pakistani entrepreneur, co-founder of Reality Cheque, one of Pakistan's largest communities for digital agency owners, and of RC DFY and TSG. Starting in sales through cold calling in 2018, he built expertise in outbound systems, then created a community and coaching ecosystem helping agencies move from inconsistent growth to predictable revenue.
Indus RAS Expo 2026: Pakistan's First National Robotics Show
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Indus RAS Expo 2026: Pakistan's First National Robotics Show
Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk
Indus RAS Expo 2026 is Pakistan's first national exhibition dedicated to Robotics and Autonomous Systems, held July 22-23, 2026 at the Pak-China Friendship Centre, Islamabad. Hosted by Ignite (National Technology Fund) under the Ministry of IT, with NCRA and NUST E&ME, it features RoboWars, drone demos, startup showcases, and free public registration.
Innoventure Club '26: A Wilderness Reset in Swat for Pakistan's Tech Community
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Innoventure Club '26: A Wilderness Reset in Swat for Pakistan's Tech Community
Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk
Innoventure Club '26 is a 4-day wilderness and tech experience in Swat Valley by Connected Pakistan and TechTrip, held 18–21 September 2026 at Taip Banda. Designed for developers, freelancers, founders, and creators, it combines hiking, waterfalls, bonfires, and Basant festivities with mentorship and workshops — an off-the-grid reset from screen fatigue, starting from Rs 60,000.
Is Crypto Haram? What Mufti Taqi Usmani's Fatwa Says
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Is Crypto Haram? What Mufti Taqi Usmani's Fatwa Says
Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk
Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani, a leading Islamic scholar and president of Darul Uloom Karachi, issued a fatwa in June 2026 declaring cryptocurrency trading impermissible under Shariah. The ruling argues that crypto, tokens, and stablecoins like USDT do not qualify as "maal" (wealth) in Islamic law. It is a religious opinion, not a state law.
KonnectX Karachi 2026: Why Premium Networking Matters
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TechnologyPakistanCP+4
KonnectX Karachi 2026: Why Premium Networking Matters
Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk
KonnectX Karachi 2026 is a premium networking conference by Connected Pakistan, held Saturday, August 1, 2026 at Innovista Indus, DHA Karachi. It brings together 200+ founders, CEOs, entrepreneurs, and investors for keynotes, panels, AI and business insights, awards, and an exclusive networking dinner aboard the Ocean Dream II Cruise.
Manmeet Singh: The Founder of Desi Khazanay Bringing Old Herbal Remedies to Gen Z
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Manmeet Singh: The Founder of Desi Khazanay Bringing Old Herbal Remedies to Gen Z
Zarish - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk
Manmeet Singh is the founder and CEO of Desi Khazanay, a Pakistani herbal wellness brand. Inspired by his family's herbal traditions and an old 1988 hair care nuskha, he built a company focused on natural hair care, wellness, and herbal products designed for modern consumers, especially Gen Z.
Pakistan and Japan Join Forces on AI and Tech Talent
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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.
Pakistan at 79: An Honest Look at Where We Really Stand in Tech
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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.
Pakistan Builds a Shariah Framework for Crypto: What to Know
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Pakistan Builds a Shariah Framework for Crypto: What to Know
Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk
Pakistan's crypto regulator, PVARA, is developing a dual framework that assesses digital assets from both regulatory and Shariah perspectives. After a June 2026 fatwa declared crypto purchases impermissible, PVARA chairman Bilal bin Saqib met scholar Mufti Taqi Usmani, arguing that different digital assets need separate technical and religious evaluation rather than one blanket ruling.
Pakistan Gets Its First NVIDIA H200 AI Chips: Why It's a Big Deal
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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.
Pakistan Govt Launches ChatGPT-Style AI to Track Ministries
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Pakistan Govt Launches ChatGPT-Style AI to Track Ministries
Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk
Pakistan's government is launching a ChatGPT-style AI system, developed by the Pakistan Digital Authority, to monitor ministry performance and improve coordination. The Prime Minister's Office System (PMOS) lets the PM's office send directives instantly and track progress on one dashboard, while a sovereign GPT research tool helps officials search past records and decisions quickly.
Pakistan Joins WAICO: What the New AI Alliance Means
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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.
Pakistan Launches Its Largest AI Data Centre: What It Means
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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.
Pakistan Launches NAAI: 7 AI Hubs and 560 Startups
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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.
Pakistan Orders Government Data to Be Hosted Locally
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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.
Pakistan's Biggest AI Centre Is Coming to Karachi in 2026
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Pakistan's Biggest AI Centre Is Coming to Karachi in 2026
Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk
Karachi is being positioned as Pakistan's primary AI hub in 2026. The Sindh government announced the country's largest AI centre, the upcoming Sindh IT Tower, the Quantum Global Data Centre, and Karachi Technopolis. Together, these projects aim to anchor AI infrastructure, attract investment, and create tech jobs across the city.
Pakistan's Call Centre Exports Cross $300 Million on AI
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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.
Pakistan's Digital E-Passport: Apply Online, Get It Home
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Pakistan's Digital E-Passport: Apply Online, Get It Home
Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk
Pakistan is gradually replacing machine-readable passports with a fully digital e-passport system. Citizens will be able to apply online through the NADRA Pak ID app, upload documents, pay fees digitally, and receive passports at home. Pakistan first launched e-passports in 2022 and upgraded them in 2025 with laser engraving and digital security certificates.
Pakistan's Freelance Dream Is Changing: The Next 5 Years
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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.
Pakistan's IT Exports Hit Record $4.5 Billion in 2026
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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.
Pakistan's PM Launches AI System to Track Every Order
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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.
Pakistani Freelancers Hit $1 Billion in IT Exports 2026
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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.
Pakistan’s Biggest Startup Opportunities in the Next Decade
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Pakistan’s Biggest Startup Opportunities in the Next Decade
Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk
Pakistan offers one of the largest untapped startup markets with 230 million people, a young population, and growing digital access. Entrepreneurs who solve local challenges in agriculture, healthcare, education, and finance can build high-impact, scalable companies with global relevance.
PM Launches Robotics Program and $20 Million Venture Fund
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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.
PTA Tax in Pakistan 2026: How It Works and How to Avoid Overpaying
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PTA Tax in Pakistan 2026: How It Works and How to Avoid Overpaying
Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk
PTA tax is a fee to register an imported phone with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority so it works on local networks. It's based on the phone's C&F value plus 18% sales tax, and is usually lower on a passport than a CNIC. You can check exact tax via SMS to 8484 or the DIRBS system before buying.
Raast Will Process More Money Than Pakistan's Entire Economy in 2026
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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.
Saad Munir: "The Agency Guy" Scaling Global Agencies From Lahore
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Saad Munir: "The Agency Guy" Scaling Global Agencies From Lahore
Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk
Saad Munir, known as "The Agency Guy," is a Pakistani entrepreneur from Lahore and the CEO and founder of HexaClicks, a white-label fulfillment company helping digital agencies scale. With around 15 years in the global agency space, he champions a "systems beat hustle" philosophy and hosts the podcast SynQ with Saad, mentoring founders across the industry.
SECP Approves Alibaba-Linked BNPL in Pakistan: Full Analysis
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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.
Silicon Valley's Plug and Play Is Coming to Pakistan
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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.
Sualeh Asif The Pakistani Behind SpaceX's Cursor Deal
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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.
The Ball at the World Cup Was Made in Pakistan. Here's the Business Story Behind Sialkot
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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.
The World Is Going Back to the Office. Why That's Good News for Pakistan
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The World Is Going Back to the Office. Why That's Good News for Pakistan
Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk
Global return-to-office mandates are surging, fully in-office roles rose from 65% to 87% in early 2026. But this can benefit Pakistani remote workers: when Western firms force local staff back to offices, some quit, and companies increasingly fill roles with international remote talent. For cost-effective, skilled Pakistani workers, this shift may expand global opportunities.
Usama Ahmed: The Software Engineer Who Built a Travel Brand From Scratch
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Usama Ahmed: The Software Engineer Who Built a Travel Brand From Scratch
Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk
Usama Ahmed is the Lahore-based founder and CEO of Paradise Tours Pakistan, which he started in 2018 as a nineteen-year-old software engineering student with just a Facebook page and pocket money. Choosing tourism over a tech career, he built the company over roughly eight years into a trusted travel brand serving corporate and international clients through relentless honesty and quality.
Why Most Pakistani Startups Struggle to Raise Money
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Why Most Pakistani Startups Struggle to Raise Money
Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk
Most Pakistani startups struggle to raise funding due to a "progression problem": too few local investors, thin follow-on capital, and cautious money that bets on founders over ideas. Pakistan's startups raised about $1 billion since 2015, versus India's $160 billion. Founders can turn to non-dilutive grants like the Pakistan Startup Fund, revenue, and warm introductions.
Why Pakistan Halted the Ufone-Telenor 'e&' Rebrand
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Why Pakistan Halted the Ufone-Telenor 'e&' Rebrand
Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk
In July 2026, Pakistan's federal government halted the proposed rebranding of the merged Ufone-Telenor entity to "e&," the global brand of UAE-based Etisalat Group. Concerns included removing the word "Pakistan" from a strategically significant operator's identity, whether the Ufone board had authority to approve it, and roughly $800 million in outstanding dues. A legal review is underway.
How Sukooon Became a Leading Wellness and E-Commerce Brand
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How Sukooon Became a Leading Wellness and E-Commerce Brand
Zarish - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk
The Sukooon founder turned early struggles into success, creating multiple innovative wellness brands and leading a team that reaches over 1 million customers across Pakistan and internationally.
Usman Bawa: The SEO Writer Who Nearly Got Fired, Then Built an Academy
BusinessTechnologyPakistan+5
Usman Bawa: The SEO Writer Who Nearly Got Fired, Then Built an Academy
Zarish - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk
Usman Bawa is a Pakistani SEO content writer, LinkedIn specialist, and Top Rated Upwork freelancer who is the founder and CEO of Intechskills, a digital skills academy. After a near-firing early in his career taught him to write for business results, not just fill pages, he built a client practice and now trains others in SEO, freelancing, and content.