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. 3 – March 2026 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
National Assembly passes virtual assets bill to regulate digital currency
Date: March 4, 2026 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: Pakistan Today, Source 3: Business Recorder (BR)
The National Assembly passed the Virtual Assets Bill 2026 to legalize digital currency by setting up an authority to protect investors, support innovation, and promote transparency in the virtual assets market.
Government moves to strengthen digital links
Date: March 6, 2026 – Source: The News
Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima told the National Assembly that three new undersea cables had been installed to strengthen internet connectivity, 5G will roll out in five major cities by year’s end, a 600 MHz spectrum auction was imminent, and the government was activating the Pakistan Startup Fund.
Pakistan steps into 5G era with $507 million spectrum sale
Date: March 11, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Pakistan Today, Source 3: Business Recorder (BR)
The federal government raised $507 million in Pakistan’s long-awaited 5G spectrum auction, selling 480 against a 597-megahertz target. Operators Jazz, Zong, and Ufone secured frequencies to launch next-generation mobile services and faster digital connectivity nationwide.
Date: March 12, 2026 – Source: Dawn
The $507 million sale of 480 megahertz in Pakistan’s 5G spectrum marks a milestone in its digital trajectory. Yet, despite being one of the world’s largest telecommunication markets by population, the country remains spectrum-starved, leaving consumers with poor voice and mobile internet connectivity.
Date: March 13, 2026 – Source: The News
Pakistan finally concluded its long-delayed 5G spectrum auction, raising $507 million through the sale of 480 megahertz. While the figure marks a milestone, its true measure lies in whether operators can translate spectrum into stable, everyday connectivity.
Date: March 16, 2026 – Source: Dawn
Spectrum hurdles may have been cleared, yet the true trial begins: an audacious plan of 1,000 sites a year, 200 from bare earth. But towers without fiber are hollow promises – Pakistan lags at 15 percent, while the IMF demands 35 percent by 2032. With each fiber link costing between $10,000 and $20,000, the looming investment dwarfs the auction’s price tag.
5G goes live in major cities as PTA awards licenses
Date: March 20, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Pakistan Today
Following the formal signing of the spectrum auction results, telecommunication operators launched 5G services in selected areas across major cities of the country.
Telecommunication regulator gives go-ahead for Telenor, Ufone merger
Date: March 24, 2026 – Source: Dawn
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) granted technical approval for the merger of operators Telenor Pakistan and Ufone, with the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) yet to be formally informed of the development.
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: March 1, 2026 – Source: The News
Pakistan cannot remain a bystander in the unfolding of the AI revolution. With millions of children out of school, the nation cannot afford delay. While AI is no cure-all, if governed responsibly and deployed inclusively, it can serve as a digital lifeline – ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn and thrive.
Digital wallet and power shifts
Date: March 9, 2026 – Source: Dawn
Within households, a quieter shift is unfolding as entrenched gender norms intersect financial access, raising questions of agency beyond entry. Digital wallets create records that convey ownership; yet women often lack visibility to turn possession into authority. Economists note that this can subtly alter bargaining power, though account numbers rarely reflect genuine control.
Women in crypto: Pakistan’s AI and crypto future must be inclusive
Date: March 9, 2026 – Source: The News
Pakistan’s freelance economy offers one of the world’s largest digital markets, providing women a viable entry into paid work. Its future credibility and inclusivity depend on policies and investment that embed women’s participation as fundamental – linked to rights, safety, and equal economic citizenship.
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
Satellite feed of Pakistan’s Geo News hacked, unauthorized content aired
Date: March 2, 2026 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: Journalism Pakistan (JP)
Pakistan’s Geo News said its satellite feed was hacked, briefly airing unauthorized content and interrupting broadcasts; its website and social streams stayed online, and the channel urged authorities to investigate the breach and identify those responsible.
Cybercrime investigation unit approved for Punjab
Date: March 3, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: The Nation, Source 3: Pakistan Today
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz approved the establishment of Punjab’s first cybercrime investigation unit. The decision was made during a special meeting focused on intensifying efforts against digital terrorism and enhancing surveillance of cyber networks across the province.
CERT launches probe into cyberattacks on television channels, websites
Date: March 3, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Pakistan Today
Multiple Pakistani television channels, websites and mobile applications came under coordinated cyberattacks, prompting the National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) to launch a formal investigation.
Government approves 600 new posts for NCCIA
Date: March 4, 2026 – Source: Dawn
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) informed the Islamabad High Court that although it had initially sought approval for 850 positions to fulfill its operational needs, authorization was granted for only 600 recruitments.
PTA warns against unauthorized value-added services activation
Date: March 4, 2026 – Source: Express Tribune
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) acknowledged receiving consumer complaints about unauthorized activation of value-added services (VAS), which lead to unexpected deductions from mobile balances. In a statement, the authority urged users to stay vigilant and monitor their balances.
Government stresses firewall for Pakistan’s cyber defense
Date: March 6, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Pakistan Today
The National Assembly was informed that a functional firewall was necessary for the country’s cyber defense and that further investments would be made to protect Pakistan’s digital boundaries.
Date: March 7, 2026 – Source: Dawn
Censorship in Pakistan is widespread, with media barred from reporting even on deforestation. Criminalizing online speech weakens citizens’ and journalists’ ability to hold the state accountable. Firewalls should defend against cyberattacks, not enable surveillance or suppress free expression.
Cyber threat: IBCC suspends certificate verification
Date: March 7, 2026 – Source: Express Tribune
The Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) temporarily suspended the verification of matriculation and intermediate certificates across Pakistan following a cybersecurity advisory issued after recent cyberattacks targeting government and media websites.
Supreme Court declares secret recording of private conversations illegal
Date: March 10, 2026 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Pakistan Today
The Supreme Court held that secretly recording private conversations for extortion or other unlawful ends constituted criminal conduct, affirming that the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) treated unauthorized surveillance as a punishable offence.
Rise of AI ‘vibe coding’ raises cyber risk for Pakistan’s freelance, IT sector
Date: March 19, 2026 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Pakistan Today
The growing use of artificial intelligence-driven “vibe coding” is introducing new cybersecurity risks for Pakistan’s freelance and information technology export sector, as developers increasingly rely on automated systems to build and execute code.
Government appoints chairman of social media regulatory body
Date: March 20, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: The News, Source 3: Pakistan Today
The federal government appointed Advocate General of Islamabad Ayaz Shaukat as the first chairman of the newly established Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority (SMPRA), set up under the amended Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) of 2025.
Government warns of cyber threats to critical state infrastructure
Date: March 25, 2026 – Source: Dawn
The National Computer Emergency Response Team (N-CERT) issued a cybersecurity advisory, warning that hostile actors may exploit supply chains to target critical national infrastructure, including power, banking, and defense systems.
SECTION 4: Digitalization
- Digitalization in governance sectors / e-governance
- Digitalization in social and development sectors
- Digitalization in business and commercial sectors
Approval process for medical devices largely digitized, claims DRAP
Date: March 1, 2026 – Source: The News
The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has accelerated medical device approvals through sweeping digital and administrative reforms, with 70 percent of all regulatory procedures under DRAP now conducted through digital processes.
Pakistan’s listed tech posts Rs2 billion loss despite telecommunication recovery
Date: March 1, 2026 – Source: Express Tribune
Pakistan’s listed technology sector remained in the red in 2025 despite improved pricing and subscriber growth, underscoring the structural profitability challenges facing the country’s digital economy even as broader corporate earnings expanded during the year.
AI in Pakistan’s corporate sector
Date: March 2, 2026 – Source: Dawn
Artificial intelligence in Pakistan’s corporate sector has moved from a distant vision to present reality. Once limited to isolated experiments, it has grown into a decade-long drive for digital transformation. Backed by policy and investment, AI is now a necessity for businesses striving to remain competitive.
Fresh development funding sought for Karachi IT Park
Date: March 4, 2026 – Source: The News
The Ministry of Information Technology sought fresh funding for the establishment of an IT Park in Karachi in the upcoming fiscal year 2026-27 under the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP), as no company submitted a bid despite the tender being issued twice.
127 million people reaping benefits of digital banking, Prime Minister told
Date: March 4, 2026 – Source: Business Recorder (BR)
During a review meeting on advancing a cashless economy, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was informed that at least 127 million people across the country were now reaping benefits of digital banking.
High court judge flags drawbacks of live streaming of hearings
Date: March 5, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Digital Rights Foundation (DRF)
Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) voiced concern over the live-streaming of superior court proceedings, noting that in several cases the practice had produced “very negative outcomes”.
Pakistan moves to digital cargo tracking
Date: March 6, 2026 – Source: Dawn
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) launched the design phase of a Digital National Cargo Tracking System (CTS) and an e-Bilty mechanism to curb smuggling, fake and flying invoices, and facilitate legitimate trade.
Chinese aerospace firm eyes $10 billion investment in Pakistan
Date: March 6, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Business Recorder (BR), Source 3: Arab News
The Chinese Aerospace Industry Investment Group expressed interest in investing up to $10 billion in Pakistan across various sectors, including mining and minerals, advanced technology industries, and industrial development.
HEC unveils major reforms, makes AI course mandatory for undergraduates
Date: March 6, 2026 – Source: The News
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) mandated a three-credit artificial intelligence (AI) course for all undergraduate programs, aiming to equip students with core knowledge of emerging technologies and prepare them for the digital economy.
AI tools used to unearth competition law breaches
Date: March 7, 2026 – Source: Express Tribune
The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) detected at least 200 potential competition law violations and merger cases during the past two years using artificial intelligence and automated digital tools developed by its Market Intelligence Unit (MIU).
This AI moment needs data governance
Date: March 10, 2026 – Source: The News
AI ecosystems depend on global standards. Countries that align gain access to digital trade and partnerships, while weak governance risks isolating Pakistan and burdening its firms. Without stronger safeguards, even AI-enabled exports may falter abroad.
Pakistan’s new sovereign AI play
Date: March 12, 2026 – Source: The News
Pakistan’s freelancing boom is both a success and a warning. As AI delivers instant “good enough” output, routine work loses value while trust and accountable systems gain it. The choice is stark: cling to a fading model or climb the AI value chain by building credibility and exportable applications.
Technology fails to break mandi monopoly
Date: March 12, 2026 – Source: Express Tribune
Global technology firms once celebrated “disruption” for reshaping markets, yet they have barely dented Pakistan’s exploitative fruit and vegetable supply chains still dominated by entrenched middlemen and constrained by rigid state regulations.
Cyber law vital for digital investment
Date: March 12, 2026 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Pakistan Today
Federal IT and Telecommunication Minister Shaza Khawaja said that strengthening cybersecurity was essential for building investor confidence and ensuring the success of Pakistan’s digital transformation.
Maryam Nawaz approves Punjab’s first AI roadmap
Date: March 13, 2026 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: Express Tribune, Source 3: Business Recorder (BR)
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz unveiled the province’s first AI Roadmap, aiming to position Punjab as South Asia’s leading AI-driven region by 2029. Central to the plan is the creation of the world’s first AI Delivery Unit to accelerate adoption across governance and public services.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa digitizes more than 100 public services
Date: March 16, 2026 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Business Recorder (BR)
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government digitized more than 100 public services, from property transfers to land record issuance. Through e-Summary and e-Office platforms, over 1,500 summaries and 600 files have already been processed online.
Pakistan expands Roshan Digital Accounts to foreign nationals and firms
Date: March 17, 2026 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: Express Tribune, Source 3: Pakistan Today
Pakistan expanded the scope of its Roshan Digital Accounts program, allowing foreign nationals, foreign companies and institutional investors to open accounts and invest in government securities and Naya Pakistan certificates.
PEIRA initiates digital registration by issuing its first e-certificate
Date: March 18, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Daily Times
The Islamabad Capital Territory Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (PEIRA) issued its first fully digital e-registration certificate. Its new online system eliminates physical visits, enabling applications and tracking of registrations with ease.
Share of retail payments via digital channels in Pakistan rise to 92pc
Date: March 20, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: The News, Source 3: Business Recorder (BR)
Pakistan’s digital payment ecosystem is witnessing rapid expansion, with around 92 percent of retail transactions carried out through digital channels during the October-December quarter of 2025, reflecting a shift towards a cashless economy.
Fostering a green digital transformation
Date: March 23, 2026 – Source: Dawn
Pakistan’s development trajectory is at a pivotal juncture shaped by two defining global transitions: the digital revolution and the shift towards green, low-carbon economies. The emergence of the digital green transformation offers developing countries the unique opportunity to bypass obsolete models.
No unicorns despite $4 billion startup base in Pakistan
Date: March 24, 2026 – Source: Express Tribune
Pakistan’s startup scene has over 170 venture-backed companies worth $4 billion, multiplying by the third since 2020 – faster than India and many global hubs. Yet with zero unicorns and no firm topping $100 million in revenue, the gap is not talent, it’s capital.
Mobile app-based fuel quota system on the cards
Date: March 26, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Express Tribune, Source 3: Pakistan Today
The federal government finalized a mobile application-based quota system for fuel for two- and three-wheelers, which may possibly include up to 800cc vehicles, to ensure a targeted subsidy to the low-income strata and to minimize oil consumption through pricing signals.
621,000 acres of forest area mapped through satellite imagery
Date: March 27, 2026 – Source: Dawn
The Punjab Forest, Wildlife and Fisheries Department has digitally mapped 621,000 acres of forest area, using satellite imagery, to ensure more effective monitoring and planning in the province.
Government approves digital fuel rationing program
Date: March 28, 2026 – Source: Express Tribune
In a move to tackle the ongoing energy challenge, the government decided to introduce a targeted subsidy mechanism through a mobile application, with authorities agreeing to fast-track a technology-driven system to ensure transparent and efficient delivery of relief.
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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.
