Pakistan
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EducationTechnologyPakistan+3

1.5 Million Pakistani Children Faced Online Harm in a Year. How Parents Can Actually Help

Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

A UNICEF-backed study found about 1.5 million Pakistani children (roughly 1 in 16 internet-using children aged 12-17) faced technology-facilitated harm in a year. Crucially, in 85% of cases the perpetrator was someone the child knew, and most children told no one. Parents can help through open communication, awareness, safer settings, and knowing where to report.

1,723   1,199 Read Article

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ResearchTechnologyPakistan+4

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.

2,734   1,216 Read Article

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ResearchTechnologyPakistan+3

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.

2,444   1,268 Read Article

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BusinessPakistanCP+2

5G Is Actually Live in Pakistan Now. Should You Upgrade, or Wait?

Syed Asfer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

5G is now genuinely live in Pakistan (launched March 2026 by Jazz and Zong), with coverage expanding across major cities but still limited to selected urban areas. Real-world speeds reach roughly 150-300 Mbps. However, only about 8-12% of phones in Pakistan are 5G-capable, so for most people, upgrading can wait unless they’re in a covered area and want it.

2,095   1,786 Read Article

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BusinessResearchTechnology+5

A New AI Cold War Is Forming. Pakistan Just Picked a Side

Syed - Connected Pakistan

The US and China are forming rival AI blocs. Pakistan has become a founding member of China’s World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO), a Shanghai-based body of 29 countries focused on open, inclusive AI for the Global South. The US-led bloc (reportedly “Pax Silica”) offers chips and technology but reportedly excludes countries backing China’s AI initiatives.

2,502   2,367 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.

2,757   2,371 Read Article

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ResearchTechnologyPakistan+7

AI Could Reshape 61% of Pakistan’s Service Jobs. But “Exposed” Doesn’t Mean “Doomed”

Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

A World Bank report finds 61% of Pakistan’s service-sector workers hold jobs with above-median AI exposure, far higher than manufacturing (7%) or agriculture (under 1%). But high exposure does not mean job loss. The report distinguishes AI that assists workers from AI that replaces them: around 18% could be helped by AI, while only about 8% face genuine replacement risk.

2,410   1,646 Read Article

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BusinessPakistanCP+3

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.

5,372   2,088 Read Article

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TechnologyPakistanCP+5

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.

3,492   1,078 Read Article

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BusinessTechnologyPakistan+6

Connected 360 Karachi: An Exclusive Evening for the City's Top Leaders

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Connected 360 Karachi is an exclusive evening bringing together a select community of CEOs, founders, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders for high-value networking, business conversations, and relationship building. Part of Connected Pakistan's Connected 360 series, it's designed for professionals who value meaningful connections — a space to exchange ideas, explore collaborations, and grow. Registration is via Connected Pakistan's official channels.

1,388   1,264 Read Article

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BusinessTechnologyPakistan+4

CPCX Is Here: Pakistan's Biggest Tech Event Turns 10 This December

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

CPCX is the 10th Connected Pakistan Conference, Pakistan's biggest technology gathering, held in Islamabad from December 18-20, 2026. Running since 2015, this milestone edition features keynotes and panels, a mega tech expo, startup pitches, an auto show, awards night, Qawwali night, and a family festival, drawing a reported 75,000+ attendees and 200+ speakers.

2,180   834 Read Article

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PakistanCPKX+2

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.

2,817   862 Read Article

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TechnologyPakistanGovernment+6

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.

3,627   1,252 Read Article

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TechnologyPakistanGovernment Initiatives+1

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.

2,208   1,288 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.

5,905   1,148 Read Article

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TechnologyPakistanCP+5

Forget the Flashy AI. The Kind That Will Actually Transform Pakistan Is "Boring"

Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Pakistan's flashy AI ambitions keep underdelivering due to barriers like talent shortages, poor connectivity, siloed data, and scarce local-language data. Experts (including the World Bank) argue the real opportunity is "small," applied AI, purpose-built, low-cost tools solving real problems in agriculture, health, and finance, including Urdu-language models, that run on basic phones. The government is now funding exactly this.

1,636   2,461 Read Article

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EducationTechnologyPakistan+6

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.

3,390   1,118 Read Article

Featured

TechnologyPakistanCP+5

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.

2,340   1,914 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.

3,071   1,417 Read Article

Featured

PakistanCPKX+5

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.

2,987   1,313 Read Article

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TechnologyPakistanCP+7

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.

3,304   1,225 Read Article

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TechnologyPakistanCP+2

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.

3,557   1,234 Read Article

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BusinessTechnologyPakistan+6

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.

2,073   1,242 Read Article

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BusinessTechnologyPakistan+3

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.

2,670   848 Read Article

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TechnologyPakistanCP+4

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.

1,530   1,941 Read Article

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TechnologyPakistanCP+7

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.

2,594   1,609 Read Article

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BusinessTechnologyPakistan+4

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.

2,622   1,553 Read Article

Featured

TechnologyPakistanCP+6

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.

3,234   981 Read Article

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BusinessTechnologyPakistan+4

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.

3,195   2,119 Read Article

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BusinessTechnologyPakistan+6

Innoventure Club '26 Just Wrapped in Swat's Utror Valley. Here's What Happened

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Innoventure Club '26, by Connected Pakistan and TechTrip, took place 18–21 September 2026 in Izmis Meadows, Utror Valley, Swat. Around 124 participants and 8 mentors spent four days off the grid, trekking to Izmis Lake and Waterfall, sharing bonfires and workshops, and building community, a wilderness reset for Pakistan's tech and digital professionals.

2,034   1,992 Read Article

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HealthBusinessTechnology+7

Innoventure Club '26: A Wilderness Reset in Utror Valley for Pakistan's Tech Community

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Innoventure Club '26 is a 4-day wilderness and tech experience by Connected Pakistan and TechTrip, held 18–21 September 2026 in Utror Valley's Izmis Meadows, Swat. Designed for developers, freelancers, founders, and creators, it blends trekking to Izmis Lake and Waterfall, bonfires, mentorship, and workshops — an off-the-grid reset from screen fatigue.

2,881   901 Read Article

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EducationTechnologyPakistan+4

Inter Tech Explained: FBISE’s Technical Intermediate, and Why Islamabad Students Are Choosing It

Zarish - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Inter Tech is a two-year technical intermediate stream from the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) for students who have passed Matric. Students study academic subjects alongside hands-on technical training and receive a recognised FBISE intermediate certificate, the same board that examines FSc and ICS, graduating with both a qualification and job-ready skills.

2,914   972 Read Article

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EducationPakistanCP+2

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.

5,495   2,460 Read Article

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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.

2,001   2,089 Read Article

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BusinessTechnologyPakistan+6

KonnectX Summit Lahore Returns: A Night at the Lahore Fort for Pakistan's Builders

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

KonnectX Summit Lahore Season III is Connected Pakistan's premium summit for business, technology, and leadership, held October 31, 2026, at the Royal Swiss Hotel, Lahore. It brings together CEOs, founders, investors, top freelancers, and changemakers for high-value networking, plus an exclusive "History by Night" Lahore Fort tour and a premium dinner at Bastion Cafe.

1,560   2,294 Read Article

Featured

BusinessPakistanCP+3

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.

4,400   2,145 Read Article

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ResearchTechnologyPakistan+6

No, Pakistan Isn’t Showing Caller Names on Your Screen From November 1. Here’s the Truth

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

No, there is no confirmed order requiring Pakistani mobile phones to display unknown callers’ registered names from November 1. The viral claim stems from a misread of an Indian development: India’s telecom department reportedly ordered “Calling Name Presentation” (CNAP) for Indian operators. Viral Urdu posts dropped the “India” context, and Pakistan’s PTA has issued no comparable nationwide order.

1,773   1,465 Read Article

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EducationTechnologyPakistan+7

OpenAI Is Giving Some Pakistanis Free ChatGPT Plus. Here's How to Claim It

Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

OpenAI is offering select Pakistani users a free one-month trial of ChatGPT Plus (normally ~$20/Rs 5,800/month). Eligible users see a "Claim free offer" button on the ChatGPT subscription page. Important catches: it requires payment details upfront and auto-renews at full price unless you cancel before the month ends. It's selective, not everyone qualifies.

3,296   1,345 Read Article

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BusinessResearchTechnology+8

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.

2,777   2,215 Read Article

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BusinessResearchTechnology+5

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.

3,347   2,491 Read Article

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PakistanGovernmentCP+4

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.

2,167   2,120 Read Article

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BusinessTechnologyPakistan+4

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.

3,132   1,136 Read Article

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PakistanCPKX+3

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.

3,164   2,121 Read Article

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BusinessTechnologyPakistan+7

Pakistan Is About to Get Its First Fintech IPO. Why That's a Bigger Deal Than It Sounds

Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

ABHI, a Pakistani fintech founded in 2021 (known for earned-wage access), is set to list its ABHI Microfinance Bank on the Pakistan Stock Exchange, a landmark first fintech IPO. It's offering about 14% of shares to raise roughly Rs 2-3 billion. Beyond the money, it matters as a rare public-market "exit" for a home-grown Pakistani startup.

2,110   1,160 Read Article

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BusinessResearchTechnology+9

Pakistan Is Betting on China for Its AI Future. Smart Move, or Risky Dependence?

Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Pakistan is deepening AI and technology cooperation with China, linking its AI infrastructure and skills ambitions with China's advanced capabilities. It offers genuine opportunity: access to compute, hardware, expertise, and investment Pakistan lacks. But experts caution that importing hardware alone won't build a sustainable AI ecosystem, Pakistan must pair cooperation with genuine local capability-building to avoid mere dependence.

2,978   1,136 Read Article

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EducationResearchTechnology+8

Pakistan Is Building Its Own AI in Urdu. Meet "Buraq", and Why It Matters

Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Buraq is Pakistan's own large language model, trained on Urdu and regional languages and run on "sovereign compute" (government-controlled servers inside Pakistan) so Pakistani data stays home. Announced at the Seoul Global AI Summit (October 2026), it's part of Pakistan's push for "sovereign AI", reducing dependence on foreign models while serving Urdu-speaking citizens. It's ambitious but still early-stage.

3,394   1,386 Read Article

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BusinessTechnologyPakistan+6

Pakistan Is Courting Alibaba. Huge Opportunity, or Handing Over the Keys?

Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Pakistan is deepening cooperation with Alibaba (which already owns Daraz, Pakistan's largest marketplace) on e-commerce, digital payments, tax reform, the Pakistan Single Window, and exporting Pakistani agricultural goods to China via Alibaba's network. It's a major opportunity, access to the world's largest e-commerce ecosystem and export markets, but raises honest questions about dependence on a single foreign giant.

1,446   1,406 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.

2,478   2,255 Read Article

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TechnologyPakistanGovernment+8

Pakistan Just Launched a Group to Protect Crypto Users. Here’s What It Can (and Can’t) Do

Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

The Virtual Assets Alliance of Pakistan (VAAP), launched November 2026 after crypto-theft incidents, aims to protect crypto users, raise investor awareness, promote cybersecurity education, and encourage responsible practices. Importantly, VAAP is a private industry alliance, not a regulator: it has no regulatory authority or government endorsement (Pakistan’s crypto regulator is PVARA). It complements, but doesn’t replace, caution.

2,695   1,186 Read Article

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TechnologyPakistanCP+5

Pakistan Just Warned: AI Is Making Banking Fraud Smarter. Here’s How to Protect Yourself

Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Pakistan’s National CERT has warned that cybercriminals are increasingly using AI (bots, deepfake voice/video, and AI-accelerated phishing) to attack banks, payment systems, and steal from customers, even potentially faking displayed account balances. Financial fraud is already nearly half of reported cybercrimes. Protect yourself with app-based two-factor authentication, skepticism of urgent calls, updated apps, and verifying everything through official channels.

1,185   1,052 Read Article

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BusinessTechnologyPakistan+3

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.

4,663   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.

3,218   2,306 Read Article

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TechnologyPakistanGovernment+7

Pakistan Now Has AI Rules. If You're Building AI Here, You Need to Know Them

Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Pakistan has established a formal AI governance framework, the National AI Policy (2025) and the Islamabad AI Declaration (2026), a nine-principle commitment to sovereign, responsible, capability-driven AI. For founders and builders, it introduces AI risk classification, governance expectations, sovereign-cloud preferences, and oversight via the Pakistan Digital Authority and a new AI Directorate. It's a maturing, still-developing framework worth understanding early.

3,456   1,034 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.

3,156   1,232 Read Article

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TechnologyPakistanGovernment+7

Pakistan Wants to Put Its Government Debt on a Blockchain. Here’s What That Actually Means

Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Pakistan is reviewing a plan to “tokenize” its existing Eurobond debt, creating digital representations of the bonds on a blockchain. Enabled by the Virtual Assets Act 2026 and regulator PVARA, it could modernize how the debt is recorded, settled, and accessed by investors. It’s early-stage and exploratory, pending Cabinet approval before any request for proposals.

2,736   1,517 Read Article

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PakistanCPKX+2

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.

3,428   1,295 Read Article

Latest

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.

2,774   2,021 Read Article

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PakistanGovernmentCP+3

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.

5,193   1,863 Read Article

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TechnologyPakistanCP+6

Pakistan's First 5G Home Internet Is Here. Should You Actually Get It?

Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Zong's Z HomeFi is Pakistan's first 5G home broadband (fixed wireless access), launched in October 2026. Plans start at Rs 4,500/month for 10 Mbps and 100GB, with speeds capped at 50 Mbps and a Rs 22,000 device. It's genuinely useful where fibre isn't available, but pricey per GB, so whether it's worth it depends on your situation.

1,382   1,699 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.

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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.

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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.

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Pakistan's Tax Return Deadline Is September 30. Here's How to File Yours

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Pakistan's income tax return filing deadline for Tax Year 2026 is September 30, 2026. Anyone whose income exceeds the taxable threshold, including many freelancers, salaried people, and business owners, should file via FBR's IRIS portal. Filing keeps you on the Active Taxpayer List (lower tax rates); missing it brings penalties and higher withholding taxes. Verify current dates with FBR.

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Pakistani AI Startups Can Now Win Grants of Up to £250,000. Here’s How to Apply

Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

The GSMA Innovation Fund for AI-Enabled Financial Health (backed by the UK’s FCDO) offers Pakistani startups grants of £100,000-£250,000 plus 18 months of venture-building support, for AI solutions that improve people’s financial health. Eligible applicants must be for-profit, registered in Pakistan, with existing users and revenue, and provide 25% matching funds. Applications close December 17, 2026.

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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.

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Pakistani Startups Are Finally Going Public. The IPO Door Is Opening

Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Pakistani startups are increasingly going public. Lahore fintech AdalFi plans a roughly Rs 652 million PSX IPO, following ABHI’s planned listing, amid a record IPO year (13 offerings raising about Rs 23.1 billion, the busiest ever). It signals that the long-missing “IPO exit” is opening for Pakistani startups, a genuinely important development for the ecosystem, though still early.

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EducationBusinessResearch+4

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.

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Pakistan’s Next Tech Opportunity Isn’t More Software. It’s AI on the Factory Floor

Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

As AI reshapes the job market, experts say Pakistan has a chance to move beyond traditional software services into “industrial AI” / “Edge AI”, using AI and sensors to monitor and maintain physical machines and factories (predictive maintenance). Applied to Pakistan’s textile, rice, and manufacturing industries, it could raise competitiveness and create new, higher-value technical jobs.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Remote Work Could Bring Millions of Pakistani Women Into the Economy. If We Fix One Thing

Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Pakistan’s female labour-force participation is around 24.6%, among the world’s lowest. Remote and online work (freelancing, digital jobs, home-based businesses) could be a powerful way to bring millions of women into the economy, since it fits around family responsibilities and social or mobility constraints. But connectivity and access alone aren’t enough: deeper barriers (skills, safety, confidence, support) must also be addressed.

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TechnologyPakistanCP+7

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.

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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.

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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.

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SIM-Swap Fraud Is Surging in Pakistan, Even Hitting Lawmakers. Here's How to Protect Yourself

Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

SIM-swap fraud, where criminals get a duplicate of your SIM to intercept your OTPs and drain your bank accounts, is surging in Pakistan (reportedly up ~137% recently, with billions lost). Protect yourself by regularly checking SIMs registered on your CNIC (dial *668#), using app-based (not SMS) two-factor authentication, enabling a WhatsApp PIN, and acting instantly if your SIM suddenly stops working.

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BusinessTechnologyPakistan+7

Starlink Still Isn't Live in Pakistan. Here's What's Holding It Back, and What It Could Change

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Starlink isn't live in Pakistan yet. It has registered with the SECP and holds provisional PSARB registration, but its full registration with the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board remains incomplete, so it can't yet get a PTA license. Delays also involve data-security and national-security reviews. Satellite internet could help connect remote areas once approved.

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TechnologyPakistanGovernment+5

Stop Just Selling Locally: How Pakistanis Can Sell Their Products to the World Online

Syed Asfer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Pakistani sellers can sell their products to global customers through e-commerce exports, using platforms like Amazon (which added Pakistan to approved sellers in 2021), Shopify (for direct-to-consumer brands, often targeting the diaspora), and international marketplaces. This lets them earn in foreign currency and reach far larger markets, though it requires handling cross-border payments, logistics, and quality standards.

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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.

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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.

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The Great Freelance Sorting: Why the Middle Is Vanishing on Fiverr and Upwork

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

The freelance market is "sorting": Fiverr's stock and active buyers are near lows (buyers down ~22% year-on-year), yet spend-per-buyer rose ~15.6% and $1,000+ projects grew. AI is absorbing cheap, commodity gigs (logos, basic writing) while demand for higher-value, specialized work grows. Freelancers who move upmarket into skilled, AI-augmented work will thrive.

4,354   1,180 Read Article

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TechnologyPakistanCP+5

The Personal Details You Should Never Share Online in Pakistan (and Why)

Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) warns citizens to keep four personal details private: CNIC numbers, bank and account details, passwords, and OTPs. Sharing these with strangers or on suspicious links fuels fraud and identity theft. More broadly, avoid oversharing personal information (routines, documents, location) online, and only share sensitive data with trusted, verified sources.

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PakistanGovernmentCP+5

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.

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TechnologyPakistanCP+5

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.

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EducationBusinessTechnology+8

Vibe Coding Just Trained 50,000 Pakistanis. Can You Really Build Software Without Coding?

Syed - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

"Vibe coding" means building software, apps, websites, games, by describing what you want in natural language and letting AI generate the code, instead of writing it manually. Pakistan's AI Seekho 2026 program (by MoITT, Google, Telenor, and Innovista) taught it nationwide, engaging 50,000+ developers and producing 1,500+ AI solutions. It lowers the barrier to building software dramatically.

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ResearchTechnologyPakistan+4

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.

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TechnologyPakistanCP+1

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.

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TechnologyPakistanCP+6

“The Uber of X” Is a Trap. Why Pakistani Fintechs Keep Making the Same Mistake

Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

A recurring trap for Pakistani startups is “growth at any cost”: spending heavily to subsidize users (free credits, costly ad-driven sign-ups) to inflate vanity metrics, without sound unit economics. This burned well-funded startups before. Sustainable success comes not from buying growth, but from a business where each customer genuinely makes economic sense.

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BusinessPakistanOur People

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.

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TechnologyPakistanCP+5

Muazzam Alam Nayyar: The Lahore CTO Making AI Usable for Businesses That Can't Build It

Muhammad Umer - Connected Pakistan · CP News Desk

Muazzam Alam Nayyar is a Lahore-based technologist, CTO of US company Be Wise since 2017, and founder of NayyarTech.ai. He built his second act around AI implementation, helping non-technical businesses actually use AI (via automation and custom agents) rather than competing with free AI platforms, an approach summed up in his motto: "Shortcut Nahi, System Hai."

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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.

2,313   1,751 Read Article