DIGITAL PAKISTAN MONITOR – FEBRUARY 2026
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. 2 – February 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
Pakistan puts Starlink approval on hold
Date: February 8, 2026 – Source: Express Tribune
The federal government has delayed issuing an operational license for Starlink, citing concerns over data security, the ongoing Musk-Trump fallout, and the growing competition from Chinese satellite companies, a pause reflecting Islamabad’s caution over who controls the country’s digital skies.
PTA upgrades 5G auction guidelines
Date: February 15, 2026 – Source: Dawn
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) revised the Information Memorandum (IM) for the 5G spectrum auction, with an informational session scheduled for prospective applicants.
Government eyes at least $300 million from spectrum sale
Date: February 19, 2026 – Source: Dawn
The federal government anticipates revenues between $300 and 700 million from the 5G spectrum sale, as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) offers 597 megahertz across multiple bands, with each participating telecommunication operator required to secure a minimum of 100 megahertz.
PTA announces separate 5G spectrum auction for Gilgit-Baltistan, AJK following national rollout
Date: February 20, 2026 – Source 1: Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), Source 2: Dawn
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced that a separate auction for 5G spectrum will be held for Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir regions “within months” following the nationwide 5G rollout.
AJK waives right of way charges to boost IT infrastructure
Date: February 21, 2026 – Source: Dawn
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government waived the right of way (ROW) charges for IT-related infrastructure and introduced a one-window mechanism for issuance of no-objection certificates (NOCs) for installation of telecommunication towers and fiber deployment.
Licensing delays blamed for stalled satellite internet rollout in Pakistan
Date: February 21, 2026 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Pakistan Today
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite operators blamed delays in launching internet services in Pakistan on sluggish licensing and regulatory approvals, urging greater clarity. Experts highlighted that despite a $400 million investment in two GEO satellites, these assets have yielded minimal commercial returns.
Senate panel approves Virtual Assets Bill 2025 to regulate country’s digital economy
Date: February 26, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Express Tribune
The Senate passed the Virtual Assets Bill, 2025, paving the way for the establishment of a dedicated regulatory authority to license, regulate and supervise virtual asset activities across the country.
Ahead of 5G spectrum auction, government denies “firewall” shutdown
Date: February 27, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: The News, Source 3: Pakistan Today
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology was informed that reports about the shutdown of the so-called firewall ahead of the 5G spectrum auction were incorrect.
Date: February 28, 2026 – Source: The News
The government appears to be following the maxim of “if persuasion fails, sow confusion” in its handling of IT affairs. After viral claims suggested the notorious firewall would be dismantled, officials clarified that the system remains intact. Authorities now rebrand it as a “Web Management System” (WMS).
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
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
Government bans personal email accounts for official use
Date: February 3, 2026 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Pakistan Today
The federal government banned the use of private and personal email accounts for official correspondence across all public sector institutions, in a move aimed at strengthening data security and protecting sensitive state information.
State Bank launches “cyber shield” to protect banking system, customers
Date: February 17, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Express Tribune, Source 3: Business Recorder (BR)
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) launched “Cyber Shield”, a comprehensive cyber resilience strategy, to counter growing global and domestic cyber threats to the financial ecosystem, aligning with international best practices.
Cybersecurity drive launched in schools
Date: February 27, 2026 – Source: Express Tribune
Acting on directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, federal authorities instructed all educational institutions in Islamabad to complete mandatory online training in cybersecurity and digital safety.
SECTION 4: Digitalization
- Digitalization in governance sectors / e-governance
- Digitalization in social and development sectors
- Digitalization in business and commercial sectors
Biometric verification enforced for matric, intermediate examinations in Punjab
Date: February 1, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Pakistan Today
Marking a reform in Punjab’s examination system, students appearing in the 2026 Matriculation and Intermediate exams will be verified through digital biometric attendance, a first in the province, aimed at eliminating impersonation and strengthening transparency.
Islamabad administration launches electronic stamp paper system
Date: February 1, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: The News, Source 3: Pakistan Today
Property transactions in Islamabad are set to become faster and more secure with the launch of an electronic stamp paper system by the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration. The new system aims to streamline the process by digitizing sale and purchase transactions and ownership verification.
Punjab, World Bank partner to digitize tax collection
Date: February 2, 2026 – Source: Digital Pakistan (DP)
The World Bank and Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) agreed to digitize tax collection by linking PRA systems with the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), aiming to enhance transparency, reduce evasion, and advance a cashless economy in the province.
5G lifts prospects for local mobile handset market
Date: February 5, 2026 – Source: Express Tribune
Pakistan’s fast-growing mobile phone industry is preparing to benefit from the expected launch of next-generation 5G services by mid-2026, with handset manufacturers stepping up readiness on both hardware and software fronts.
Pakistan assumes chairmanship of digital forum
Date: February 6, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Express Tribune, Source 3: Business Recorder (BR)
Pakistan officially assumed the presidency of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) during a ceremony held alongside the body’s 5th General Assembly in Kuwait.
Implementation of AI policy falters months after approval
Date: February 7, 2026 – Source: Dawn
The implementation of Pakistan’s National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy has stalled more than six months after its approval due to a government decision to amend the composition of the AI Council and a lack of response from provincial governments.
Government plans inclusion of international experts in National AI Council
Date: February 7, 2026 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Pakistan Today
The federal government decided to include international artificial intelligence (AI) experts in the proposed National AI Council to oversee implementation of Pakistan’s National AI Policy, aiming to reduce bureaucratic dominance and strengthen execution capacity.
Pakistan shortlists two for space debut with China
Date: February 8, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Business Recorder (BR)
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced that two candidates had been shortlisted for its Human Spaceflight Program. The selection follows a 2025 agreement with China, where after training, one candidate would join a mission aboard Beijing’s Tiangong space station.
Pakistan’s IT talent export to Saudi Arabia hits new high
Date: February 8, 2026 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Business Recorder (BR)
According to official data, as many as 530,256 Pakistani workers settled in various cities across Saudi Arabia in 2025, the highest-ever migration figure, compared to 452,562 in the previous year, reflecting a 17 percent year-on-year increase, or an additional 77,694 workers.
Data governance must before AI policies, say experts
Date: February 10, 2026 – Source: Dawn
Speaking at the Indus AI Summit 2026 in Islamabad, experts stressed that Pakistan needed to have data governance prior to artificial intelligence (AI) governance, adding AI should not be confused with information technology as the two were different.
Prime Minister announces $1 billion investment in AI by 2030
Date: February 10, 2026 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Business Recorder (BR)
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced an ambitious plan to invest $1 billion in artificial intelligence (AI) by 2030, declaring that Pakistan was ready to embrace emerging technologies and compete globally in the digital economy.
Progressing to digital literacy
Date: February 12, 2026 – Source: The News
Pakistan must redefine literacy to be ‘digital literacy’ to include the ability to access, understand, evaluate, create and responsibly use digital technologies and online resources. A digitally literate citizen should be able to operate and participate civically in a technology-driven environment.
Sindh launches digital property registration system for overseas Pakistanis
Date: February 12, 2026 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Business Recorder (BR)
A new digital property registration system for overseas citizens was introduced in Sindh, with provincial Information Minister Sharjeel Memon calling the initiative “helpful” in eliminating hurdles faced by Pakistan expatriates in buying and selling properties.
E-commerce sector: FBR implements new system for tax collection
Date: February 12, 2026 – Source: Business Recorder (BR)
To facilitate effective tax collection in the e-commerce sector, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) implemented a new system where sales tax on digitally ordered goods will be withheld at source.
Pakistan launches second satellite from China’s space center
Date: February 13, 2026 – Source: Dawn
Pakistan launched its second domestically built Earth Observation Satellite (EOS) from China’s Yangjiang Launch Center. Developed by SUPARCO, the EO-2 satellite is engineered to advance the country’s high-resolution imaging and earth-monitoring capabilities.
QR registration for digital ride-hailing services revived in Islamabad
Date: February 13, 2026 – Source: Dawn
The federal capital’s administration resolved to reinstate QR-based registration for digital ride-hailing services, reviving a previously suspended initiative. Officials stated that all cars and motorcycles operating under these platforms must now register with the administration.
Date: February 13, 2026 – Source: Business Recorder (BR)
Efforts to attract private sector investment in establishing AI-focused data centers is hampered by an opaque and evolving policy environment, offering little assurance to potential stakeholders. Progress on data protection and cyber security legislations has also been minimal, leaving critical gaps in the legal and technical ecosystem.
Digital push: Ministry proposes two major initiatives
Date: February 13, 2026 – Source: Business Recorder (BR)
The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication unveiled two flagship initiatives for 2026: a $1 billion National AI Ecosystem Development Program (NAIEDP) and a Rs70 billion Pakistan Digital Infrastructure Connectivity Plan – covering mobile broadband, fiber expansion, and regional corridors.
A new era of digital assets regulation
Date: February 15, 2026 – Source: The News
The global crypto market has reached a regulatory turning point where digital assets are no longer treated as a fringe innovation but a component of financial infrastructure. The regulatory shift shows that governments now view these markets as taxable, traceable, sanction sensitive and relevant.
Pakistani freelancers earn $557 million in first half of FY2026
Date: February 15, 2026 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Pakistan Today
Pakistani freelancers earned $557 million in foreign exchange during the first half of the current financial year 2025-2026, marking a rise from $352 million during the same period last year, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
Analysts say USD1 stablecoin may cut remittance costs for Pakistan
Date: February 15, 2026 – Source: The News
A diverse cohort of financial analysts viewed Pakistan’s adoption of the USD1 stablecoin as a revolutionary measure for the country’s remittance channel, promising to slash costs and bypass traditional banking delays.
Valuations for Pakistani startups cross $4 billion, outpacing peers
Date: February 15, 2026 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Pakistan Today
A little over $4 billion. That is the combined enterprise value of Pakistan’s venture capital-backed startups, up 3.6 times since 2020 – a pace that has quietly outperformed larger ecosystems such as India, New York, Paris and Dubai over the same period.
Digital payments: P2M uptake slow in Pakistan’s markets
Date: February 15, 2026 – Source: Express Tribune
The integration of digital payments into Pakistan’s retail sector demands a well-defined roadmap and strong collaboration among stakeholders. Such coordinated efforts will foster a culture of cashless transactions and expand financial inclusion across the economy.
Private schools in Islamabad ordered to go online
Date: February 16, 2026 – Source: Express Tribune
Under a new arrangement, all private educational institutions in Islamabad will be required to submit applications for registration and renewal exclusively through an online portal, discontinuing the submission of hard-copy applications.
Reimagining our economy in the AI age
Date: February 16, 2026 – Source: Express Tribune
Pakistan must embrace for the fourth industrial revolution (FIR), powered by science, digital technologies, and artificial intelligence (AI). The country lags on most innovation indicators, with no AI hardware industry and limited software development.
Pakistan mulls “Super App” for public services, document verification
Date: February 16, 2026 – Source 1: Business Recorder (BR), Source 2: Arab News
Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said that Pakistan had entered the implementation phase of its first-ever National AI Policy, with the government preparing to launch digital IDs and a “super app” to deliver public services through mobile phones.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa moves to digital health oversight
Date: February 17, 2026 – Source: Express Tribune
In a push towards modernizing healthcare administration and enhancing transparency, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department initiated the transition of annual performance reports for employees, including doctors, to a fully digital system.
AI adoption in Pakistan’s public sector to take time, say experts
Date: February 18, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Pakistan Digital Post (PDP)
The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in Pakistan’s public sector will require time, institutional reform, and capacity building, experts agreed at an Islamabad workshop titled AI Shaping Pakistan’s Digital Future.
PTCL losses widen to Rs10 billion fiscal year 2025
Date: February 18, 2026 – Source: Express Tribune
Continuing its loss-making streak, Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) posted a net loss of over Rs10.46 billion in fiscal year 2025 despite earning revenue of Rs168.8 billion, while its total assets stood at Rs485.23 billion, the finance ministry reported.
Pakistan’s mobile imports may face excise duty
Date: February 18, 2026 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Pakistan Today
The federal government plans to impose a 20 percent excise duty on completely-built mobile phones, ending the current zero-duty regime. In addition, a 10 percent customs duty will apply to notebooks, desktops, tablets, and CKD kits.
Apple plans iPhone manufacturing, refurbishing in Pakistan
Date: February 19, 2026 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Pakistan Today
Apple is set manufacture and refurbish iPhones in Pakistan under the proposed Mobile and Electronics Manufacturing Framework. The company has reportedly requested discounted land rates, an eight percent performance incentive, and plans to begin by repairing older devices.
Businesses ordered to go digital for tax tracking
Date: February 20, 2026 – Source: The News
In a bid to gauge the real income of selected businesses, including online sales, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) directed them to integrate their operations with the Board’s computerized system through electronic invoicing hardware and software, aiming to broaden the income tax base.
Over 31 million births registered with UCs yet to be recorded in NADRA’s digital system
Date: February 21, 2026 – Source: Dawn
According to an annual performance report, 31.9 million births registered with union councils (UCs) in 2025 are yet to be added to the record in the National Database and Registration Authority’s (NADRA) central database.
SECP moves to digitize shares of unlisted firms
Date: February 21, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: The News, Source 3: The Nation
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) approved the full digitization of share ownership for unlisted companies, replacing physical share certificates with electronic records to improve transparency and investor protection.
ADB to support AI adoption in Pakistan’s health sector
Date: February 22, 2026 – Source: Dawn
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved $950,000 in technical assistance to help Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Pakistan adopt artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. The initiative will assess AI use in promotion, screening, diagnosis, and treatment, and outline a roadmap for deployment.
5G mobile devices to hit Pakistani market soon
Date: February 22, 2026 – Source: Dawn
With the 5G spectrum auction scheduled, the Ministry of Industries is simultaneously moving to introduce advanced compatible devices as operators prepare rollout. The auction, spanning multiple bands, will expand 4G coverage nationwide, but also drive a greater demand for smartphones.
Why Pakistan must embrace the gig economy
Date: February 22, 2026 – Source: The News
The gig economy offers immense potential for Pakistan’s youth, but its growth hinges on reliable internet access and proper skill development. The government must ease regulatory hurdles, simplify banking and international payment processes, and extend social protection to gig workers.
Date: February 23, 2026 – Source: The News
The real danger is not exclusion from the artificial intelligence revolution. It is far more insidious: participation at the lowest-value-added tiers while regional competitors capture higher-value segments in textiles, manufacturing and information technology services.
Government eyes $2.5 billion in mobile exports
Date: February 26, 2026 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Pakistan Today
Pakistan has set a $2.5 billion export target for mobile and IT equipment by 2033, aiming to shift from mere gadget assembly to full-scale manufacturing. The goal is anchored in the country’s newly introduced device and electronics manufacturing policy.
‘Efficient’ use of AI a challenge, admits minister
Date: February 27, 2026 – Source: Express Tribune
Federal Minister for Climate Change Musadik Malik said Pakistan had yet to deploy operational artificial intelligence agents but expected to see their emergence within the next few years, stressing that technological advancement must remain inclusive – particularly in the face of growing climate risks.
Digital exports driving services growth in Pakistan
Date: February 27, 2026 – Source: Business Recorder (BR)
Pakistan’s services exports maintained strong momentum during the first seven months of fiscal year 2026, rising 19 percent year-on-year to $5.6 billion compared to $4.7 billion in the same period last year. The expansion reflected a structural shift toward modern, knowledge-intensive services.
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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.
