Overview

• IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said information technology is a core focus under the Pakistan–Saudi Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, opening channels for IT exports, foreign investment and energy ties.
• Pakistan plans to switch on 5G in the coming months starting with seven major cities, with a spectrum auction expected by year-end to add capacity for next-generation services.
• The government aims to train between 500,000 and 1 million young people in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity by the end of this year, with work underway on the national AI policy’s rollout.
• State Bank of Pakistan data shows IT exports reached $691 million in July–August, up from $584 million in the same period last year.
• Officials blamed recent slow internet on two submarine cables damaged in the Red Sea near Jeddah and said hacking attempts attributed to India were thwarted with no government websites compromised.