DIGITAL PAKISTAN MONITOR – July 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. 7 – July 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
IT minister avoids PTCL-Telenor merger comments
Date: July 1, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
Federal Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja declined to comment on the PTCL-Telenor merger deal, currently under review by the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP).
5G spectrum auction stalled by delays in Telenor-PTCL merger
Date: July 3, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Pakistan Today
The 5G spectrum auction in Pakistan remains delayed as issues surrounding the proposed merger of Telenor Pakistan with Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) remain unresolved. The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) is awaiting documentation from PTCL to finalize its decision.
Mobile, internet services suspended in several cities
Date: July 5, 2025 – Source 1: The Nation, Source 2: Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)
Mobile phone and internet services were suspended in several cities across Pakistan as part of security measures for Muharram processions. In line with heightened security protocols, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi directed the establishment of a mobile control room in Islamabad.
Government looks to invite several satellite-based internet firms
Date: July 12, 2025 – Source: Dawn
The launch of satellite-based internets services in Pakistan has been delayed as the federal government looks to invite more players into the field and formulate stricter regulations for foreign satellite operators, following the India-Pakistan and Iran-Israel conflicts.
Residents demand restoration of uninterrupted mobile services in Kana
Date: July 22, 2025 – Source: Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)
Residents of Kana tehsil in Shangla district staged a protest, expressing concern over prolonged disruption of mobile phone and internet services, which they said had affected their daily lives and communication with family members abroad.
Telecommunication companies directed to ensure uninterrupted services amid heavy rains
Date: July 23, 2025 – Source 1: Geo News, Source 2: Daily Times, Source 3: Business Recorder (BR)
As flash floods and landslides wreak havoc across parts of Pakistan due to the ongoing monsoon spell, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) issued an advisory to telecommunication operators to ensure uninterrupted communication services and support relief efforts.
Government approves up to 360pc increase in radio service charges
Date: July 28, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Pakistan Today, Source 3: Daily Times
After nearly 25 years, the federal government approved an increase of up to 360 per cent in charges of radio-based services (RBS) for around 1,100 radio networks and mobile stations to “partially” cover administrative charges.
Cabinet approves national artificial intelligence policy
Date: July 31, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Pakistan Today
The federal cabinet approved the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy 2025, aimed at democratizing access to AI, enhance public services, and open up new employment and innovation avenues for the country’s mostly young population.
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: July 1, 2025 – Source: The News
The power of digital connectivity extends far beyond economics. It brings dignity, autonomy, and freedom of choice. For millions of Pakistani women, the mobile phone has become a tool of transformation – a gateway to information, education, income, and agency.
SBP joins global women finance code with $500 million ADB support
Date: July 8, 2025 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Pakistan Today
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) officially joined the global Women Entrepreneurs Finance Code (WEFC) in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which is supporting the initiative with a $500 million financing program for Pakistan.
Date: July 14, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
Pakistan’s delay in regulating satellite internet reflects policy inertia, blocking progress in digital access. With millions still offline, this is a vital chance to expand connectivity. Clear, future-focused regulation is essential to build a modern, inclusive internet ecosystem.
Jazz, UNESCO host dialogue on ethical, inclusive use of AI
Date: July 26, 2025 – Source: United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Jazz, in partnership with UNESCO, hosted a multi-stakeholder dialogue titled AI for Humanity: Ethical and Inclusive AI in Pakistan’, aimed at discussing the country’s artificial intelligence (AI) innovation ecosystem through the lens of Pakistan’s draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy.
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
PTA, Meta collaborate on digital counterterrorism workshop
Date: July 8, 2025 – Source 1: Business Recorder (BR), Source 2: Arab News
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in partnership with Meta, hosted a workshop titled Counter Terrorism in the Digital Age to explore strategies for tackling online extremism. The session brought together experts from Meta’s platforms and key government and law enforcement agencies.
Punjab launches cyber patrolling cell to counter online sectarianism during Muharram
Date: July 8, 2025 – Source: Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)
The Punjab Home Department launched its first Cyber Patrolling and Quick Response Cell to monitor and counter sectarian and inflammatory content online during the month of Muharram. It tracks hate speech, fake news, and provocative posts.
Government urges WhatsApp to block the spread of terrorist propaganda
Date: July 21, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
The federal government called on WhatsApp and the international community at large to take action against the proscribed organization Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which is using the messaging platform to spread violent propaganda.
Government asks social media firms to block account of terror outfits
Date: July 26, 2025 – Source: Dawn
The federal government requested social media companies to block 481 accounts it claimed were associated with terrorist groups and share information about users operating these accounts.
SECTION 4: Digitalization
- Digitalization in governance sectors / e-governance
- Digitalization in social and development sectors
- Digitalization in business and commercial sectors
Report launched on AI and public interest journalism
Date: July 1, 2025 – Source: The News
Artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance newsroom operations without undermining editorial integrity, experts noted at the launch of the study AI and Public Interest Journalism: Mapping the Readiness of Pakistani Independent Digital Newsrooms.
Supreme Court introduces e-filing in all registries
Date: July 4, 2025 – Source: Dawn
In a move towards digital transformation, the Supreme Court (SC) instituted an e-filing system across all its registries in Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Karachi and Quetta. The system allows for electronic submission of case files alongside traditional paper-based methods.
Pakistan’s mobile manufacturing hits 12.5 million units from January to May
Date: July 4, 2025 – Source: Business Recorder (BR)
A total of 12.5 million mobile handsets were either assembled or manufactured in Pakistan in the first five months (January-May) of the calendar year 2025, compared to 0.76 million imported commercially.
Government, Alibaba to boost e-commerce
Date: July 4, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
The federal government is set to partner with Alibaba in an effort to boost Pakistan’s exports globally. The collaboration is aimed at enhancing the country’s digital supply chain ecosystem by leveraging secure, real-time payment solutions like Raast, Pakistan’s instant payment system.
Government starts taxing all bank transactions
Date: July 4, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
The federal government has begun taxing all types of bank transactions for both filers and non-filers. Tax rates on cash withdrawals have been increased for non-filers, while filers are now subject to a withholding tax on withdrawals exceeding Rs50,000 per day.
Microsoft closes office in Pakistan, lays off staff
Date: July 5, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Express Tribune, Source 3: Gulf News
Microsoft shut down its Pakistan office as part of a global shift to a cloud-focused, partner-led model. The closure follows the company’s layoff of 9,100 employees worldwide – it’s largest since 2003. Microsoft had no commercial base in Pakistan, operating instead through liaison offices serving enterprise, education, and government sectors.
Regulatory body formed to oversee digital assets
Date: July 8, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Digital Rights Foundation (DRF)
The federal government announced the creation of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) to operate as an independent regulator for licensing, monitoring and supervising virtual asset providers (VASPs), ensuring alignment with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) guidelines.
FBR unveils AI-powered clearance system
Date: July 8, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Express Tribune, Source 3: Pakistan Today
The Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) launched an artificial intelligence (AI)-based Customs Clearance and Management System (RMS) aimed at enhancing transparency, reducing human intervention, and improving tax collection efficiency.
Pakistan’s telecommunication industry opts for diversification
Date: July 8, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
With telecommunication operators across emerging markets under pressure to diversify revenue streams and reduce reliance on infrastructure-heavy models, Pakistan’s telecommunication sector is beginning to show signs of strategic recalibration.
‘Cursor’ wows Islamabad tech crowd
Date: July 9, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
A team from Cursor, the AI-powered code editor valued at nearly $10 billion, made its debut in Pakistan at a meetup in Islamabad, where over a hundred developers, technology enthusiasts and students gathered to explore the future of programming.
Pakistan’s central bank to launch pilot for digital currency
Date: July 10, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Express Tribune, Source 3: Reuters
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is set to pilot a digital currency and was finalizing laws to regulate virtual assets, Governor Jameel Ahmed announced, as parts of efforts to modernize Pakistan’s financial system.
Punjab earns record Rs15 billion through digital cattle auction
Date: July 10, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Pakistan Today, Source 3: Business Recorder (BR)
The Punjab Cattle Market Management and Development Company (PCMMDC), in partnership with the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), conducted digital cattle market auctions in the province, generating Rs15.35 billion in revenue.
President issues ordinance to regulate virtual assets
Date: July 11, 2025 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Pakistan Today
President Asif Ali Zardari issued an ordinance to establish a Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) to regulate the services related to virtual assets in Pakistan with a view to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing.
PTCL faces deeper financial trouble despite rise in revenue
Date: July 13, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Daily Times
Despite higher revenue, Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) remains financially troubled, raising concerns over its long-term strategy and financial health. A Ministry of Finance report showed a Rs7.2 billion loss in the first half of fiscal year 2024-2025.
AJK bank inks deal with consortium for core banking, digital transformation
Date: July 13, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Business Recorder (BR), Source 3: Digital Pakistan (DP)
The Bank of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (BAJK) signed a contract agreement with Malaysia-based technology consortium Silverlake to implement a Core Banking System (CBS) envisaging digital transformation, enhance efficiency, and improve customer experience.
Pakistan launches national AI development project
Date: July 14, 2025 – Source: Digital Pakistan (DP)
The federal government rolled out a pioneering National AI Development Project that mobilizes twelve specialized working groups, each targeting a key development sector. The primary aim is to craft a detailed roadmap for each sector, complete with defined objectives, timelines, and resource strategies.
Automated tax filing system rolled out for salaried class
Date: July 15, 2025 – Source: Dawn
In a move to simplify tax filing procedures for the salaried class, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) introduced a new interactive return form, which will incorporate an auto-fill system that seamlessly integrates data about purchases, asset details and tax deductions at source.
Police IG proposes tech-based system of recording undertrials’ testimonies
Date: July 15, 2025 – Source: Dawn
Punjab Police Inspector General Dr. Usman Anwar proposed a technology-enabled criminal justice system for enforcement across the country to address the chronic issues of security of undertrials through video-link testimony (VLT).
ADP urges uniform 5pc GST to spur digital economy
Date: July 16, 2025 – Source: Dawn
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) urged Pakistan to implement a uniform 5 per cent general sales tax (GST) on all digital transactions – with an input tax credit for five years – to accelerate digital payments, promote e-commerce, and reduce cash-based inefficiencies in the economy.
Telecommunication sector welcomes ADB’s call for lower taxes
Date: July 18, 2025 – Source: The News
Pakistan’s telecommunication industry welcomed the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) latest policy recommendations, viewing them as long-overdue validation of its call for reforms to unlock the country’s digital potential.
Information technology exports hit record $3.8 billion in 2024-2025
Date: July 19, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: The News, Source 3: Business Recorder (BR)
Pakistan’s information technology (IT) exports reached a historic high of $3.8 billion in fiscal year 2024-2025, marking an 18 per cent increase over the previous year. This performance highlights the sector’s increasing importance in the national economy, driven by rising global demand for digitals services.
Date: July 19, 2025 – Source: The News
Pakistan’s lag in digital adoption highlights weak digital policy and contrasts sharply with India and Bangladesh, where stronger foundations – better education, infrastructure, and utilities – have enabled smoother digital transitions.
Google granted tax exemption in Pakistan
Date: July 19, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
Pakistan assured US-based Google that it will be exempt from the newly imposed five per cent digital tax, and parts of the company’s income will be taxed at even two-thirds reduced rates, further reducing the country’s earnings from foreign firms operating locally.
Online women police station, mobile application launched
Date: July 21, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Express Tribune, Source 3: Pakistan Today
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the Islamabad Safe City Headquarters, where he inaugurated two technology-driven initiatives: the Online Women Police Station and the One Info mobile application. The initiatives are a part of the digital modernization of urban policing in Pakistan.
Banking complaints in Pakistan surge with digitization
Date: July 22, 2025 – Source: Dawn
Amid Pakistan’s fast-paced banking digitization, customer complaints have surged, highlighting concerns over service quality and fraud. From January to June 2025, the Banking Mohtasib Pakistan resolved 16,006 complaints, granting Rs882 million in relief – up from Rs681 million across 12,568 cases in the same period last year.
Sindh launches one-stop online system for business licenses
Date: July 23, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Pakistan Today, Source 3: Daily Times
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah launched the Sindh Business One-Stop Shop (SBOSS), a digital platform designed to streamline business registration and licensing processes across the province.
OGRA launches online platform to digitize oil supply chain
Date: July 23, 2025 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Pakistan Today
The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) launched a digital platform to digitize Pakistan’s oil supply chain, covering everything from terminals to fuel dispensing stations. The initiative aims to eliminate inefficiencies, prevent pilferage, and restore public confidence in the energy sector.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir for implementing crypto policy in region
Date: July 26, 2025 – Source 1: Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), Source 2: Dawn
Two cabinet members in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) expressed their commitment to implementing Pakistan’s national cryptocurrency policy in the region to equip people with opportunities in the evolving digital economy.
SBP simplifies account opening and digital transactions for individuals, businesses
Date: July 26, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Pakistan Today
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) introduced a consolidated framework for customer onboarding, urging banks and regulated entities (RE’s) to provide digital payment solutions for merchants involved in in-store and online business activities.
Pakistan joins global AI community
Date: July 26, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
Pakistan officially joined the global artificial intelligence (AI) landscape with the launch of the Pakistan Chapter of the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI), founded in 1958. The launch event in Lahore was attended by executives, researchers, and other industry stakeholders.
Prime Minister approves digital overhaul of FBR to curb tax evasion
Date: July 27, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Express Tribune, Source 3: Pakistan Today
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the development of a digital ecosystem within the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) as part of ongoing reform efforts to streamline Pakistan’s tax system and curb evasion.
Higher education body takes a leap in digitization
Date: July 27, 2025 – Source 1: Higher Education Commission (HEC), Source 2: Dawn
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) hosted the Pakistan Digital Leap event, a digital transformation initiative aimed at replacing paper-based systems with digital solutions in public universities across the country.
Customs shifts tactics with trade input, digital surveillance
Date: July 27, 2025 – Source: The News
The Collector of Customs (Enforcement) Moinuddin Wani said new digital enforcement stations were being set up – with three in Karachi alone – to enable smarter, technology-led raid operations instead of depending solely on human intelligence.
Pakistan eyes better disaster response with new satellite
Date: July 28, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Express Tribune
Pakistan is set to launch another remote-sensing satellite from a Chinese launch center. The satellite will enhance Earth observation capabilities to support national resource management and bolster disaster response systems.
29 OMCs digitalized in oil supply chain overhaul
Date: July 29, 2025 – Source: The News
Pakistan’s oil industry took a major step towards digital transformation as 29 oil marketing companies (OMCs) deployed enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to integrate with the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority’s (OGRA) nationwide track and trace system.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa launches paperless e-summary system
Date: July 29, 2025 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Pakistan Today
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government formally launched an e-summary system to replace traditional paper-based approvals, with Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur signing the province’s first official e-summary through an online platform.
Government looks to fast-track crypto adoption
Date: July 30, 2025 – Source: Dawn
The federal government seems willing to fast-track the adoption of crypto currencies for banks, foreign exchange companies and gold trading, with State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) officials meeting with industry stakeholders to discuss process streamlining.
With an eye on trade deal, Pakistan plans tax exemptions of US technology firms
Date: July 30, 2025 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: Express Tribune
In a move to strike an expected trade deal with the Donald Trump administration, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) moved a summary for granting tax exemptions to US technology firms from payment of 5 per cent tax under the Digital Presence Proceed Act, 2025.
Punjab to roll out first-ever integrated criminal justice system
Date: July 30, 2025 – Source: The News
The Punjab Home Department initiated the development of Pakistan’s first-ever Integrated Criminal Justice System (ICJS), a digital platform aimed at eliminating systemic inefficiencies, strengthening institutional coordination, and improving public access to justice.
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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.
