DIGITAL PAKISTAN MONITOR – September 2025
A monthly report on trends relating to digital rights, policies, practices & media
Tracking: Internet and digital policies and regulations
Digitalization in governance and socio-economic domains
Digital rights violations and protections
Digital rights advocacy and defense
Digital media and online free speech
Vol. 6, No. 9 – September 2025 Edition
Produced by Freedom Network – www.fnpk.org
SECTION 1: Internet and digital policies and regulations
- Federal and provincial governments (ministries and departments)
- Internet regulators
- Media regulators
- Telecom regulators
- Internet access / connectivity
PTCL-Telenor merger further delayed
Date: September 2, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Pakistan Today
The proposed merger between Telenor Pakistan and Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) encountered further delays following concerns raised by the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) regarding PTCL’s business ethics, sources of funding, and lack of transparency in documentation.
Senate panel warns IT ministry over telecommunication boards’ secrecy
Date: September 3, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Express Tribune, Source 3: Pakistan Today
A parliamentary panel warned officials of the Ministry of Information Technology that a privilege motion could be moved against them after they refused to disclose the names of board members of state-owned telecommunication entities.
Telecommunication, LDI operators pay fines in clearing house case ruling
Date: September 3, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP)
The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) recovered Rs495 million in partial penalties from Long Distance International (LDI) operators in the International Clearing House (ICH) case, following the tribunal’s endorsement of the CCP’s original decision.
Spectrum auction to be completed by December, Senate panel told
Date: September 3, 2025 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: Pakistan Today
The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology was informed that, following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directives, the long-awaited spectrum auction will be completed by December 2025, based on recommendations from an engaged consultant.
Jazz completes 4G upgrade across Punjab
Date: September 6, 2025 – Source: Business Recorder (BR)
Jazz completed its 100 per cent upgrade to 4G network across Jazz’s Central A and B regions, which will enable customers in Punjab to enjoy faster speeds, stronger signals, and an enhanced digital experience.
Government urged to avoid spectrum auctions for sake of revenues
Date: September 9, 2025 – Source: Dawn
During a meeting with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurungzeb, telecommunication industry representatives, along with the GSMA, urged the federal government not to use spectrum auctions as a revenue-generation tool.
Submarine cable cut near Jeddah causing internet disruptions in Pakistan
Date: September 9, 2025 – Source: The News
Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja confirmed that internet disruptions in Pakistan were being caused by a sub-sea fiber optic cable cut near Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.
PTA finalizes draft for fixed satellite licenses
Date: September 13, 2025 – Source 1: Digital Pakistan (DP), Source 2: Samaa TV
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) unveiled a draft framework for Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) licenses, emphasizing tightened regulation and national security. Key requirements include establishing a gateway earth station within 18 months, with control strictly maintained inside Pakistan.
Advent of satellite internet held up by red tape in Pakistan
Date: September 18, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Business Recorder (BR)
Global satellite internet providers face delays in Pakistan due to unresolved regulatory approvals across multiple governmental agencies. Companies like Starlink remain on standby, stalling the country’s high-speed connectivity plans.
Undersea cable damage off Yemen blamed for internet slowdown in Pakistan
Date: September 19, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Express Tribune
The Ministry of Information Technology informed a National Assembly (NA) committee that internet speed in Pakistan slowed due to submarine cables being cut off the coast of Yemen. According to the ministry, telecommunication companies had shifted internet bandwidths to alternative routes.
Restoration of mobile signals within Peshawar court premises ordered
Date: September 19, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Express Tribune
The Peshawar High Court (PHC) directed the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government to resolve the issue of disruption of mobile phone signals on premises of courts owing to the installation of signal jammers in the nearby central jail.
Senate panel told PTCL-Telenor merger in final stages
Date: September 20, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Business Recorder (BR)
The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) informed a Senate committee that the proposed merger between Pakistan Telecommunication Company (PTCL) and Telenor Pakistan was expected to be finalized “within two weeks”.
PTCL’s lapses stall $1 billion Ufone-Telenor merger
Date: September 23, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) revealed that the proposed $1 billion Ufone-Telenor merger was stalled due to lapses by the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), with the latter failing to submit a required investment plan.
Amid internet slowdown, IT minister teases 5G rollout again
Date: September 24, 2025 – Source: Dawn
Federal Minister for Information Technology (IT) Shaza Fatima Khawaja once again said that Pakistan would launch 5G services “within months”, initially in seven cities, even as internet users across the country grapple with slow connectivity.
SECTION 2: Digital rights advocacy and defense
- Pakistan-based citizens and civil society organizations
- Independent international digital rights organizations
- UN and global multilateral organizations
- Governmental and other sources
Date: September 5, 2025 – Source: Dawn
If a policy repeatedly cites ethics and responsibility but fails to clearly define how artificial intelligence (AI) will protect fundamental rights – like privacy, free expression, and protection from bias – in legally grey digital spaces, can it truly safeguard the most marginalized?
Date: September 8, 2025 – Source: Dawn
Pakistan’s literacy challenge is twofold: 40 per cent remain illiterate, especially women, and a deep digital divide persists. Despite common smartphone use, internet access is uneven and digital skills are limited, leaving most as content consumers, not digital participants.
SECTION 3: Digital rights violations and protections
- Citizens and netizens – including case studies
- Media, journalists and other information practitioners
- Online free speech
- Online access to information
- Privacy violations
- Data protection
- Surveillance
- Misinformation / disinformation / fake news
- Cybercrime
NCCIA summons three YouTubers for promoting gambling applications
Date: September 6, 2025 – Source: Dawn
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) summoned three YouTube content creators for their alleged involvement in “unregulated online trading and gambling online applications”.
Islamabad orders probe into online data leak concerning thousands of citizens
Date: September 8, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Radio Pakistan (RP), Source 3: Arab News
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi took notice of the news regarding leakage of mobile phone SIM data and formed a special committee to investigate the matter. A press release said the designated NCCIA team will examine the circumstances and those involved will be identified and prosecuted.
Amnesty International lifts veil from Pakistan’s internet surveillance practices
Date: September 10, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Amnesty International (AI), Source 3: Reuters
Amnesty International’s report Shadows of Control revealed that Pakistan’s surveillance system can monitor private communications using just a phone number. Enabled by foreign technology, it accesses emails, calls, and internet history. These tools were obtained through a covert global supply chain.
Gilgit-Baltistan police bans TikTok use in uniform
Date: September 9, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Express Tribune, Source 3: Pakistan Today
The Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) police chief banned TikTok for all force personnel to ‘uphold discipline and dignity’. An official notification stated that no officer or official was allowed to use the social media platform.
Date: September 9, 2025 – Source: The News
Cybersecurity now demands collaboration with skilled firms and a clear national strategy. In a region marked by conflict, Pakistan cannot afford to leave its data undefended. The government must build a robust system, ensure accountability for lapses, and protect citizens’ right to data privacy.
Data for sale, action delayed
Date: September 9, 2025 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Pakistan Today
Despite partial blocks, several websites in Pakistan continue to trade in citizens’ private data. The issue, first exposed by a 2024 news report, prompted a response by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Yet, sensitive information remains openly accessible with meaningful action still absent.
Digital creator held for ‘obscene’ content
Date: September 9, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
Police in Mansehra arrested Nadeem alias “Mamoon”, a digital creator on TikTok, after receiving public complaints regarding his use of obscene language and ‘indecent’ content on social media platforms.
Date: September 9, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
Mobile SIM data, including that of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, was found to be available for sale online, exposing sensitive information. The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) was ordered to investigate, but the breaches revealed deeper regulatory gaps.
PTA denies data breach from telecommunication sector
Date: September 10, 2025 – Source: Dawn
Amid crackdown on unlawful content, with 1,327 websites, applications, and social media pages blocked for selling or sharing personal data, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) claimed that it neither held nor managed subscribers’ data.
Senate panel warns of crypto misuse in hundi, kidnappings
Date: September 11, 2025 – Source: The News
The Senate Standing Committee on Finance warned that cryptocurrency was being misused for hawala, hundi, kidnappings, and terror financing. During a meeting of the committee, it was noted that kidnappers were increasingly demanding ransom in gold or cryptocurrency instead of cash.
Sindh High Court issues social media guidelines for district judiciary
Date: September 11, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: The News
The Sindh High Court (SHC) issued guidelines for district judges, judicial officers and their staff on the use of social media in order to uphold the “highest standards” of judicial conduct and ethics.
Man arrested for online harassment
Date: September 11, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) arrested a suspect involved in harassing a woman by causing indecent photos and videos of hers to go viral. The suspect allegedly uploaded and shared the content through Instagram and blackmailed the victim’s relatives by sending content through WhatsApp.
Judicial magistrate’s order to close 27 YouTube channels set aside
Date: September 12, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Express Tribune
An Islamabad sessions court overturned a magistrate’s order to block several YouTube channels, ruling in favor of 11 content creators who had challenged the move. The original order had called for the closure of 27 channels, but the 11 appellants argued it was unlawful. Their cases were heard together.
Date: September 13, 2025 – Source: Dawn
A state that conducts unchecked surveillance and allows leaks without accountability undermines public trust. Protecting citizens’ security must be the state’s top priority. To counter claims of executive control, a judiciary strengthened by the 26th Amendment must actively defend citizens’ rights.
Government cracks down on ‘anti-state’ campaigns on social media
Date: September 13, 2025 – Source: The News
The federal government intensified its crackdown on ‘anti-state’ social media campaigns, with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) registering 365 cases and initiating 789 inquiries to investigate suspects allegedly engaged in posting content targeting state institutions.
Punjab Assembly admits TikTok ban resolution
Date: September 15, 2025 – Source: The News
A resolution was submitted in the Punjab Assembly (PA) calling for a nationwide ban on TikTok. It urged the federal government to impose a complete ban, citing concerns that the platform promotes obscenity and nudity through its ‘live chat’ option.
‘Inflammatory tweets’: Cybercrime agency grills PTI founder
Date: September 17, 2025 – Source: The News
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan refused to disclose who operates his social media accounts during an interrogation by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) officials, saying revealing their names would put lives of those individuals in risk.
Challenge of online child abuse and exploitation
Date: September 17, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
Pakistan struggles in the cyber domain due to weak monitoring, poor accountability, and a fragmented national response. This has led to ineffective action against crimes like online exploitation and AI-generated abuse of children. Corruption and lack of coordination result in few or no convictions.
Illegal betting platforms resurface – PTA vows swift action
Date: September 20, 2025 – Source: The News
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said it is acting against illegal online surrogate betting platforms that have resurfaced in the country. Experts warned these networks pose financial and social risks, linking them to money laundering, terrorism financing, and organized crime.
Foreign pressure stalls data protection law
Date: September 20, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
The Senate Standing Committee of Information Technology was informed that Pakistan was under external pressure to delay data protection legislation. Officials said the draft Data Protection Bill was still in progress, with stakeholder consultations undergoing.
Cybersecurity gaps expose Pakistani businesses to attacks
Date: September 20, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
A survey showed that poor device security and risky digital habits among Pakistani professionals were exposing businesses to cyber threats. While most use multiple devices for work, only 70 per cent have cybersecurity measures on all of them.
Date: September 24, 2025 – Source: The News
Social media is countering the negative propaganda of the ruling classes, which dominate the mainstream media, but is also emerging as a tool in the hands of hatemongers. Therefore, it is important that the global community rein in technology companies that are ready to do anything for the sake of profit.
Websites still selling citizens’ data online
Date: September 27, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
Websites openly selling citizens’ data remain active, while the investigation team requesting three more weeks to complete its report. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi took notice of the issue in September, after a news report first brought the illegal data trade to light in 2024.
SECTION 4: Digitalization
- Digitalization in governance sectors / e-governance
- Digitalization in social and development sectors
- Digitalization in business and commercial sectors
SBP appoints 1LINK as designated payment system operator
Date: September 2, 2025 – Source 1: The Nation, Source 2: Business Recorder (BR)
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) notified 1LINK (Private) Limited as a Designated Payment System (DPS) under Section 4(1) of the Payment Systems and Electronic Funds Transfer Act, 2007.
Date: September 3, 2025 – Source: Dawn
Crypto developments in 2025 are advancing at an unprecedented pace for a government-led effort. The timing is notable, following a US push on digital assets. Pakistan now has a chance to learn from global trends, focus on public welfare, and craft smart, balanced regulation.
Date: September 4, 2025 – Source: Dawn
While Pakistan’s new AI policy promotes innovation and education, it should also prioritize developing machine learning models in major regional languages – Urdu, Sindhi, Punjabi, Pashto, Seraiki, and Balochi – to reduce reliance on foreign languages and ensure inclusive access to AI tools.
Senate committee proposes changes to Virtual Assets Bill
Date: September 4, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: The Standard, Source 3: Mettis Global
The Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue proposed several changes to the Pakistan Virtual Assets Bill 2025, including barring the Pakistan Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority’s (PVARA) staff and members from trading in virtual assets and placing the authority under the Finance Division.
Pakistan’s first women’s software technology park inaugurated in Muzaffarabad
Date: September 4, 2025 – Source: Dawn
The Special Communications Organization (SCO) launched the country’s first dedicated Women’s Software Technology Park at the Fatima Jinnah Women’s Postgraduate College in Muzaffarabad.
Digital currencies to be legalized once regulation is in place, State Bank clarifies
Date: September 4, 2025 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: Express Tribune
While briefing the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) agreed in principle to grant legal status to digital currencies once a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework is finalized.
Pakistan assembles 3.5 million mobile handsets in July, up 123pc YoY
Date: September 5, 2025 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: Pakistan Today
Pakistan’s local mobile phone manufacturing and assembly industry witnessed a surge in July 2025, as domestic assemblers produced 3.59 million units, representing a growth of 123 per cent year-on-year (YoY) and 64 per cent month-on-month (MoM).
UNESCO, Data Vault lead ethical AI dialogue in Pakistan
Date: September 5, 2025 – Source: The News
UNESCO, in collaboration with Data Vault, hosted a multi-stakeholder dialogue in Islamabad titled AI for Humanity: Ethical and Inclusive AI in Pakistan. Over 25 representatives from academia and technology institutions gathered to discuss Pakistan’s artificial intelligence innovation ecosystem.
AI application to help farmers trace livestock during floods
Date: September 5, 2025 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Pakistan Today
A team of engineers and researchers in Karachi developed a free artificial intelligence (AI)-powered digital application, Animal Passport, to help farmers track and recover livestock lost in floods, aiming to reduce disaster-related financial losses.
Report sought on subsidy for QR-based payments
Date: September 5, 2025 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Pakistan Today
The federal government asked the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to prepare a detailed report on the impact of the Rs3.5 billion subsidy allocated for Raast QR-based person-to-merchant (P2M) payments.
Date: September 6, 2025 – Source: Dawn
A parliamentary body recommended banning all Pakistan Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (PVARA) members from trading in virtual assets. While the concern for integrity is valid, enforcing such a ban remains questionable – virtual asset markets are notoriously opaque, making it easy for actors to operate undetected across borders.
IT ministry, Alibaba partner to boost digital trade
Date: September 6, 2025 – Source: Dawn
The Ministry of Information Technology partnered with Alibaba to boost digital trade and support SME growth in Pakistan. The collaboration aims to strengthen Pakistan’s digital economy and expand global opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups.
Pakistan’s stuttering start-ups
Date: September 6, 2025 – Source: Dawn
The fragility of Pakistan’s start-up ecosystem shows up clearly in numbers. According to Invest2Innovate’s (i2i) Pakistan Start-up Ecosystem Report 2024, more than 80 per cent of start-ups close down within their first three years – a trend also confirmed by a Karandaaz research.
Defamation case: Court summons Prime Minister via video link
Date: September 9, 2025 – Source: The News
A local court in Lahore summoned Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to appear via video link for cross-examination in a Rs10 billion defamation case he filed against Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan.
PEA urges tax relief for women-led online businesses
Date: September 9, 2025 – Source: The News
The Pakistan e-Commerce Association (PEA) called on the federal government to review its tax policies on local e-commerce companies and digital payment transactions, warning that the rising fiscal burden is disproportionately impacting women-led startups and small businesses.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government to launch digital pension system
Date: September 9, 2025 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Business Recorder (BR)
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government approved the Ehsaas E-Pension System, a paperless platform to streamline provincial pension processing. Set to launch in January 2026, it will make KP the first province to digitize pension disbursement.
Pakistanis among top artificial intelligence users
Date: September 9, 2025 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Khyber News
Pakistan ranks fourth globally in artificial intelligence (AI) tool usage, rapidly transforming jobs and the economy. This surge highlights the need for ethical guidelines and practical policies. A survey by the Schwartz Reisman Institute underscores the country’s growing role among 21 surveyed nations.
FBR rolls out digital invoicing
Date: September 10, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) officially rolled out digital invoicing for all sales tax-registered taxpayers, with priority integration for corporate businesses. The new system aims to eliminate fake or unverifiable invoices and simplify tax return filing.
President for developing indigenous technology ecosystem
Date: September 11, 2025 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Business Recorder (BR)
President Asif Ali Zardari underscored the need to develop a robust science and technology ecosystem in Pakistan to strengthen governance, policymaking, industry, infrastructure, finance, investment, and collaborative networks.
United Kingdom supports digital management system for ANF
Date: September 12, 2025 – Source 1: British High Commission (BHC), Source 2: Dawn
The United Kingdom government announced its support for a new Digital Case Management System (CMS) for Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), aimed at streamlining narcotics case handling. The new system replaces manual processes with a centralized digital platform.
Pakistan’s first AI-based teacher training program launched
Date: September 12, 2025 – Source 1: Pakistan Today, Source 2: The Nation
In collaboration with UNICEF, the Sindh government launched Pakistan’s first AI-powered online teacher training program, aimed at helping educators adopt more effective and modern teaching methods. The six-month pilot project will train 3,500 teachers from four districts.
In a first, capital rolls out cashless payments
Date: September 12, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
On the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Islamabad launched a cashless payment system using QR codes in weekly bazaars. In the second phase, the initiative will be expanded to all commercial centers, shopping malls, and Class-III markets across the federal capital.
Pakistan’s first AI driving test car launched
Date: September 13, 2025 – Source: Dawn
Punjab launched Pakistan’s first artificial intelligence (AI)-based driving test car. Equipped with advanced cameras, sensors, facial recognition, and fingerprint verification – the AI-controlled vehicle sends automated instructions to test candidates upon entering.
From dust to digital: Lahore Fort’s Akbari Mahal Kutub Khana
Date: September 13, 2025 – Source: Dawn
The library and archives of Lahore Fort stand as a powerful example for what heritage conservation and digitalization can achieve. A neglected repository, once destined for oblivion, has been systematically restored, catalogued, and digitized.
Former FBR chairman highlights crypto’s role in shadow financial networks
Date: September 14, 2025 – Source: Dawn
At a Karachi speaking session, former Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) chairman Shabbar Zaidi said Pakistan’s current financial system cannot regulate cryptocurrencies as the State Bank (SB) controls foreign exchange. However, virtual assets could become an alternative to the illegal hawala system.
Pakistan seeks partners for digital future
Date: September 14, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Arab News
Pakistan invited international crypto exchanges to apply for licenses to operate in the country, in a move aimed at formalizing and regulating a fast-growing digital market that authorities say serves over 40 million users with about $300 billion in annual trading volume.
Mistakes by AI in healthcare could cost lives, warn Pakistan’s experts
Date: September 14, 2025 – Source: The News
Pakistan’s leading healthcare executives, physicians, and digital health innovators cautioned that while artificial intelligence (AI) can speed up diagnosis and offer valuable support, it should be used carefully and never replace the judgement of trained human specialists.
Do varsities still matter in the age of AI and micro-credentials?
Date: September 14, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
The future of higher education lies in blending traditional universities with artificial intelligence (AI)-based micro-credentials. Institutions relying solely on costly degrees promising jobs will struggle, while those embracing flexibility and their unique human role will thrive.
Date: September 15, 2025 – Source: The News
Regulation is not a magic wand. Some things must be prohibited, not legitimized. Cryptocurrency is one of them. If Pakistan wants to build a sustainable economic future, it should crack down on virtual assets and channel that capital into the real economy – the stock market, industries, and exports.
Date: September 15, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
Artificial intelligence (AI) presents a promise and a threat. While it expands opportunities and provides convenience, it also has the power to irreversibly damage the environment, displace skilled workers and replace an ultimate signifier of humanity – the ability to think and reason.
Parliamentary panel for satellite checks on forest cover
Date: September 16, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
The National Assembly’s Climate Change Committee called for satellite imagery to verify official claims of increased forest cover in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), citing ongoing concerns over timber smuggling and deforestation.
Sindh’s transport department launches online portal
Date: September 16, 2025 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Business Recorder (BR)
The Sindh Transport Department (STD) launched an online portal for issuing and registering route permits for commercial vehicles. Under this new system, the process of issuing route permits and certificates will now be conducted online, while the manual system has been abolished.
Date: September 16, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
Artificial intelligence (AI) offers a cost-effective way to modernize policing in Pakistan, where resources are limited. It can improve efficiency, crime prevention, and accountability. As traditional systems fall short, AI presents a timely solution for smarter, more effective law enforcement.
Digital financial e-filing system launched in Balochistan
Date: September 17, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Express Tribune, Source 3: Pakistan Today
The Balochistan government launched its first automated digital e-filing system to enhance transparency and modernize public sector operations. This initiative also gives citizens direct access to financial and development data.
RDA to introduce digital payment system in offices
Date: September 17, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: The Nation
After failing to recover over Rs1.9 billion in missing funds, the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) signed an agreement with the Financial Accounting and Budgeting System (FABS) to install a digital payment system in RDA offices to improve financial transparency.
Date: September 17, 2025 – Source: The News
The key lesson is that artificial intelligence’s (AI) impact depends on policy choices. In 2035’s Pakistan, bold reforms and inclusive policies will have transformed AI’s potential into prosperity. Without such actions, it could have deepened inequality and stagnation instead.
Prime Minister inaugurates UAE digital bank operations, calls it milestone for cashless economy
Date: September 17, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Express Tribune, Source 3: Business Recorder (BR)
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the Mashreq Digital Retail Bank; a step towards, what he said, transforming Pakistan’s banking landscape into a modern, paperless, and digital financial ecosystem.
Government shifts GHQ attack trial to video link
Date: September 18, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
The Punjab Home Department (PHD) withdrew its earlier notification for conducting the General Headquarters (GHQ) attack case trial inside Adiala Jail and directed that the proceedings would be held via video link, a move rejected by the Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaf (PTI).
Government payments to be fully digitized by mid-2026, claims State Bank
Date: September 19, 2025 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Pakistan Today
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) highlighted the country’s transition towards a cashless economy, announcing plans to digitize all payments by the federal and provincial governments by June 2026.
Digital laboratory for youth opens in Islamabad
Date: September 19, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
Federal Education Minister Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddique inaugurated an information technology (IT) laboratory at a state school in Islamabad. The facility was launched under the Ministry’s Disruptive Education initiative aimed at transforming schools through emerging technologies.
Digital Gandhara gallery unveiled
Date: September 19, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
The Digital Immersive Gallery was inaugurated at Islamabad Museum, seeking to advance Pakistan’s cultural promotion and heritage management capacity. The gallery presents Gandhara’s rich cultural legacy through advanced digital technology and immersive storytelling.
AI becomes part of medical and nursing curricula in Pakistan
Date: September 19, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
Artificial intelligence (AI) was formally integrated into the MBBS and nursing curricula in medical universities across Pakistan, with a five-year AI-integrated course being developed to familiarize medical and nursing students with ethical and practical AI applications in healthcare practice and education.
Pakistan agrees to join Arab digital payments platform
Date: September 19, 2025 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: Anadolu Ajansi
Pakistan decided to connect its digital payment system with the Arab Monetary Fund’s (AMF) Buna platform. This integration will enable cross-border payments, allowing only inflows from overseas Pakistanis, while outflows will be prohibited.
Pakistan’s IT exports hit $337 million in August
Date: September 19, 2025 – Source: The News
Pakistan’s information technology (IT) exports reached $337 million in August 2025, marking a 13 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase. However, this represented a five per cent decline compared to the previous month.
Digital innovation vital for Pakistan’s financial inclusion, asserts EasyPaisa CEO
Date: September 19, 2025 – Source: The News
Jahanzeb Khan, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of EasyPaisa Digital Bank (EDB), stated that insight-driven digital innovation was crucial for expanding financial inclusion in Pakistan, where more than 60 per cent of the population is integrated into the formal financial system.
Date: September 20, 2025 – Source: Dawn
The Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) held its first board meeting, vowing to bring order to the country’s $21 billion crypto market – long unregulated, yet loudly championed by YouTube crypto influencers.
JazzCash lounge inaugurated to advance cashless economy in Pakistan
Date: September 20, 2025 – Source: Business Recorder (BR)
Governor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Jameel Ahmad inaugurated the JazzCash Experience Lounge in Islamabad, noting that it would “serve as a valuable platform to demonstrate how digital payment systems can broaden financial access and build public trust”.
ADB warns Pakistan lags in digital trade reforms
Date: September 21, 2025 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Pakistan Today
Pakistan is lagging behind regional peers in digital trade due to poor infrastructure, fragmented regulations, and weak policy coordination, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) warned it its Digitally Connected Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) report.
Date: September 21, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
The State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) plan to digitize all government payments by June 2026 is a major step. If implemented effectively, it could boost transparency, reduce leakages, and expand financial inclusion. But, as with any bold reform, success will depend on execution, not promises.
Date: September 22, 2025 – Source: The News
Pakistan’s crypto ban has already failed, and the benefits of proper regulation are too big to ignore – greater financial inclusion, cheaper remittances, new tax revenue, a hedge against currency volatility, and global innovation opportunities. What’s needed now is not fear, but a bold, pragmatic approach.
Date: September 22, 2025 – Source: The News
Automation is reshaping how businesses operate, compete, and connect with customers worldwide. For Pakistan, with its large, young population and growing digital database, it is both a challenge and an opportunity. Done right, it can boost efficiency and growth – but it demands investment and skill.
Date: September 22, 2025 – Source: The News
Artificial intelligence (AI)-driven automation and financial planning are still emerging, but promise long-term gains for finance organizations. Those who combine AI with human judgement and leadership will gain a clear edge in the financial sector.
FBR mulls tax on TikTok content creators
Date: September 25, 2025 – Source: Dawn
A senator informed the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue of a plan by the Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) to tax income earned by TikTok content creators. The senator suggested that the largest share of recoverable taxes would come from Punjab.
Diamonds and drones: Pakistani tax unit scans social media for evasion
Date: September 25, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Reuters
Diamond sets and a drone show at a wedding are being used as evidence by Pakistan’s tax authorities under a new Lifestyle Monitoring Cell. A 40-member Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) team began scanning social media platforms to flag creators whose lifestyle does not match their tax filings.
NAB starts online transfer of recovered money into victims’ accounts
Date: September 25, 2025 – Source 1: National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Source 2: Dawn
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) began digitally transferring recovered funds to victims’ bank accounts, easing longstanding difficulties faced by people seeking restitution in financial scam cases. In the first phase, Rs878 million were transferred to the accounts of over 5,000 victims.
Pakistan starts regulating digital assets
Date: September 25, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
Pakistan started regulatory framework for digital assets, formally initiating the licensing process for international cryptocurrency exchanges by inviting global service providers to submit applications to operate in the country.
Pakistan’s freelancers could generate $1 billion in earnings annually, say experts
Date: September 26, 2025 – Source 1: Business Recorder (BR), Source 2: Arab News
According to the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PFA), the country’s freelance workforce could boost its annual earnings beyond $1 billion if backed by stronger institutional support, better payment infrastructure and expanded training programs.
Pakistan pushes for UN oversight of artificial intelligence
Date: September 26, 2025 – Source 1: Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), Source 2: Express Tribune
Warning against the dangers of unregulated artificial intelligence (AI), Pakistan emphasized that its use, especially military applications, must be “fully” governed by the United Nations (UN) Charter and international law.
Pakistan ‘ready for global crypto leadership’
Date: September 27, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
Pakistan is ready to lead in crypto and digital assets, said Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) head Bilal bin Saqib during a meeting with White House crypto advisor Patrick Witt. Held alongside the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the meeting explored Pakistan-US cooperation in blockchain and crypto.
CEGA launched to nurture 200 gaming, animation setups in Pakistan
Date: September 27, 2025 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Pakistan Today
The Ministry of Information and Technology and Telecommunication launched the Center of Excellence in Gaming and Animation (CEGA), aiming to incubate 200 startups over the next five years and establish Pakistan as a regional leader in the gaming and animation industries.
Use of space technology to help with disaster management in Pakistan
Date: September 30, 2025 – Source: Dawn
Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) is integrating space-based applications into its disaster risk management to enhance preparedness for natural disasters. The goal is to shift the country’s disaster response from reactive to proactive.
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OBJECTIVES: This series of monthly report aims to:
- Track developments revolving around the framework of digitalization in Pakistan including policy and advocacy on digital rights, policy enforcements and digital rights violations, covering viewpoints of government, civil society, human rights community including digital rights campaigners, media, citizen journalists and other information practitioners, and regulators of electronic media, internet and telecom sectors, and netizens.
- Monitor the interface between digital rights and Pakistan’s overall legal framework and how developments around them impact freedom of expression and access to information online as well as diversity and pluralism in Pakistan’s digital landscape, cyberspace and internet domains.
- Follow developments around the themes of digital rights, freedom of expression, access to information, privacy, surveillance, data protection, access to internet services, telecom policies, etc.
INFORMATION SOURCES: This report monitors, among others, the following sources of information:
- Government: Federal and provincial cabinets
- Ministries: Related ministries, including Information and Broadcasting, Information Technology (IT) and Telecom, Human Rights, Science and Technology, Commerce and Industry, etc.
- Legislatures: Senate, National Assembly, provincial assemblies, relevant standing committees
- Regulators: Pakistan telecommunications Authority (PTA), Pakistan Electronic Media regulatory Authority (PEMRA), Press Council of Pakistan (PPC), State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), etc.
- Global organizations: UN/Unesco, International Media Support (IMS), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Amnesty International (AI), Human Rights Watch (HRW), etc.
- National organizations: Digital Rights Foundation (DRF), BoloBhi, Media Matters for Democracy (MMFD), Institute for Research, Advocacy and Development (IRADA), Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), etc.
- Media: Dawn, The News, Express Tribune, The Nation, Pakistan Today, The Friday Times, etc.
- Social Media:Facebook, Twitter, etc.
- Local networks: Journalists Safety Hubs Network, Alliance on Diversity & Pluralism in Media, etc.
- Research groups: Gallup Pakistan, IPSOS Pakistan, etc.
