AGP Executive Report

Digital Security: Pakistan is exploring locally developed microchips to protect passport data, with NUST presenting research and possible joint work to immigration officials. Industry & Mobility: Sazgar has opened its first overseas three-wheeler assembly plant in the Philippines, with capacity for about 12,000 passenger, commercial and electric vehicles a year. Public Health: Pakistan’s eighth polio case this year is a 13-month-old girl from Khyber district. A vaccination campaign from Nov. 2–8 aims to reach nearly 24 million children in 97 districts. Smart Cities: Lahore’s traffic agency is seeking Rs590 million for AI-enabled signals that use cameras to track traffic and adjust timings. Climate Tech: Officials are calling for satellite-based floodplain mapping and space technology to improve disaster warnings.

Cyber Safety: NCCIA is expanding online-fraud and cyber-harassment awareness sessions to schools, community groups and households, with practical advice on phishing, account security and scams. Smart Cities: Lahore’s traffic agency has sought Rs590 million for AI-powered signals that use cameras to track congestion and adjust timings in real time. Disaster Technology: Climate Minister Musadik Malik says satellite imagery, AI and precise alerts should help Pakistan prevent disasters and warn vulnerable communities before hazards strike. Export Innovation: Sazgar has opened a three-wheeler assembly plant in the Philippines, designed to produce about 12,000 electric and petrol vehicles a year. Digital Finance: ABHI Microfinance Bank plans an IPO to raise Rs2–3 billion, mainly to grow lending and strengthen its capital base. Halal Industry: The science and technology minister says stronger standards, certification and innovation could help Pakistan compete in the global halal market.

Cybersecurity: Pakistan’s cyber emergency team warned that malicious online ads can install spyware without a click, putting phone data at risk. The government is also proposing a national cybersecurity and social media awareness council, while the NCCIA plans to take safety sessions into schools and homes. Disaster Response: Officials want satellite imagery, AI and digital modelling to guide flood planning, with an annual satellite-based report identifying construction in floodplains before the next monsoon. Mobile Manufacturing: Pakistan is targeting 50% local value addition in phone production, a push to build more of the industry at home. Digital Finance: The State Bank has proposed open-banking rules and invited public feedback, as it considers wider access to banking data for fintechs. AI Skills: Pakistan plans a 15-day AI training programme for IT graduates.

Digital Finance: The State Bank has invited public feedback on draft open-banking rules that would allow customers to share financial data securely and approve payments through authorised providers. Cybersecurity: PTA and UNDP’s awareness campaign highlighted rising risks from AI-enabled scams, identity theft and online fraud. IT Minister Shaza Fatima said cybersecurity now affects national security and everyday life. Industry & AI: COMSATS Lahore and a China-linked trade group plan to explore cooperation in AI, agriculture, automotive supply chains, biopharma and technology transfer. Mobile Manufacturing: Pakistan is targeting 50% local value addition in phone production, aiming to deepen domestic manufacturing. Space & Climate Tech: A SUPARCO-hosted UN-Pakistan conference explored how satellite data, GeoAI and AI tools can improve disaster warnings and climate resilience. Pakistan has also confirmed plans for its first space mission.

Digital Finance: OPay began trading on the New York Stock Exchange, bringing a platform with more than 50 million users—including customers in Pakistan—to public markets. Healthcare Technology: The Lahore High Court ordered Punjab to replace hospital patient slips with a technology-based management system within four weeks to cut queues and delays. AI and Security: Pakistan called for responsible AI use to protect maritime trade, while Islamabad’s police chief reviewed AI-powered security monitoring and emergency response systems. Local Manufacturing: Pakistan is targeting up to 50% local value addition in mobile phone production, aiming to move beyond assembly and build a domestic components industry. Pakistan–Singapore Ties: Officials discussed cooperation in AI, digital technology, research and innovation, alongside plans to resume direct flights and deepen business links.

Space and Climate: At the Pakistan-UN conference in Islamabad, experts highlighted how satellite data can improve climate-risk monitoring, disaster warnings and agricultural planning. AI and Digital Services: Google is expanding AI search ads to Pakistan, while the government has selected 10 services for a digital ID rollout and launched an e-passport with improved security features. Local Tech Industry: Pakistan produced more than 20 million mobile phones in the first nine months of the year as imports declined. Cybersecurity: Telenor Pakistan was named the country’s top performer in cybersecurity excellence for a third consecutive year. Agricultural Innovation: A Pakistan-China training programme has helped establish 15 agri-startups and train more than 50,000 farmers and professionals. Research: NUST says 45 of its researchers rank among the world’s top 2% of scientists.

AI & Search: Google is expanding ads in AI Mode to Pakistan and nine other countries; Alphabet shares fell 12% after executives said AI Mode searches earn less. Digital Pakistan: PM Shehbaz has ordered timelines for Alibaba-backed AI and digitisation projects, while a 15-day AI training programme is planned for IT graduates. Phones & Platforms: Pakistan produced more than 20 million mobile phones in nine months as imports declined. TikTok says it removed 23.2 million videos in Pakistan in Q2, with 94.5% taken down within 24 hours. Clean Tech: Pakistan has announced a $10 million fund for clean-air startups; Punjab says it demolished 197 brick kilns in a month. Science & Space: A UN-Pakistan conference on space technology brought stakeholders together, while 45 NUST researchers ranked among the world’s top 2% of scientists.

AI and Digitalisation: Shehbaz Sharif set a November deadline for Alibaba-backed projects, including AI training for IT graduates, cancer detection, farm automation and digital tools to improve exports and public services. Space Technology: A UN-Pakistan conference explored satellite monitoring, flood forecasting and space-based early-warning systems to help protect communities from disasters. Research: Forty-five NUST researchers and four Sindh Agriculture University scholars were named among the world’s top 2% of scientists, highlighting Pakistan’s work across science and agriculture. Clean-Air Innovation: The government announced a $10 million fund to support startups developing solutions to air pollution. Digital Learning: A nationwide Chromebook scheme aims to provide devices to 500,000 students, expanding access to digital education.

AI and Digital Services: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered work on AI for early cancer diagnosis and technology to monitor fuel supplies. The government also reviewed digital trade-document checks and a programme to help small businesses reach overseas markets. Pakistan is also set to offer a 15-day AI course for IT graduates. Online Safety: IT Minister Shaza Fatima called for age checks and stronger protections for children online, while warning that a blanket social-media ban could push them to less safe platforms. Digital Access: The government’s Chromebook scheme aims to provide 500,000 devices to students, expanding access to digital learning. Space and Climate Tech: SUPARCO hosted a UN-Pakistan conference on using space technology for climate action and early warnings of disasters. IT Economy: Pakistan’s IT freelancers earned $1.16 billion, with tax relief extended until 2029.

Air Quality: Lahore again ranked as the world’s most polluted city, with an AQI of 358 as health risks from smog rise. Crypto Oversight: Pakistan has brought virtual-asset regulator PVARA under the Anti-Money Laundering Act as part of a wider crackdown on illicit finance. Space and Climate: A five-day UN-Pakistan conference hosted by SUPARCO is exploring how satellites and AI can strengthen disaster warnings and climate resilience. Digital Learning: The government’s Chromebook scheme plans to provide 500,000 refurbished devices and a year of free internet to high-performing students. China-Pakistan Tech Links: The newly launched Information Corridor includes digital connectivity, media cooperation and a fact-checking mechanism.

Digital Economy: Pakistan’s IT freelancers earned $1.16 billion, with tax relief extended until 2029. Cybersecurity: The government approved changes to its anti-money-laundering framework, including stronger use of AI and updates to oversight of virtual assets. Separately, officials warned of phishing and malware attacks through WhatsApp. Digital Access: A new scheme will distribute 500,000 Chromebooks to students, while Pakistan’s nationwide 5G rollout is still expected to take two years. Clean Energy: Airlink plans to launch electric bikes in Pakistan on November 4, as calls grow to make the country’s booming solar power more accessible to households without panels. Environment: Experts warn Punjab’s toxic air threatens wildlife, but a lack of specialized monitoring leaves its effects poorly understood.

Cybersecurity: Pakistan issued a high-alert warning over WhatsApp phishing and malware, while Microsoft patched an Android Authenticator flaw that could let malicious apps steal work-account tokens. Digital Finance: CDC and EClear are expanding Raast services in Pakistan’s capital market, adding merchant payments, dynamic QR codes and CNIC–IBAN verification. Digital Learning: The government has launched a two-year plan to distribute 500,000 Chromebooks with MiFi connectivity to deserving students. AI & Elections: The ECP is proposing rules to curb AI-generated deepfakes and election disinformation. Space & Climate: SUPARCO will host a UN-Pakistan conference in Islamabad from Nov. 2 on space technology for climate action and disaster risk reduction.

AI and Elections: The Election Commission has proposed rules requiring clear labels on AI-generated campaign material and banning deceptive deepfakes and fake engagement. Space Technology: SUPARCO opens a five-day UN-Pakistan conference in Islamabad on Oct. 27, focusing on satellite data and early warnings for floods, droughts and other hazards. Digital Learning: The government plans to distribute 500,000 Chromebooks and internet devices to students over two years. Drones: Pakistan placed second at an international military drone competition in Türkiye. Smartphones: Prices in Pakistan have jumped by as much as Rs30,000, adding to pressure on consumers.

Digital Learning: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched a scheme to distribute 500,000 Chromebooks with MiFi connectivity to deserving students over two years, including learners at religious seminaries. AI Alliances: Pakistan is among the founding members of China’s proposed World AI Cooperation Organization, as countries weigh access to US chips against China’s more affordable AI systems. Tech Partnerships: At Pakistan–U.S. Tech Connect 2026, officials and businesses explored links between Pakistani technology firms and US companies. Space Technology: SUPARCO and the UN open a five-day Islamabad conference on using satellite data to improve early warnings, climate monitoring and disaster planning. Smartphone Costs: Karachi consumers face steep price hikes, with basic 4GB/64GB phones now around Rs40,000, up from roughly Rs22,000 a few months ago.

Digital Learning: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched a merit-based scheme to provide 500,000 students with Chromebooks and internet devices over two years, including students at religious seminaries. AI and Elections: The Election Commission has proposed rules requiring disclosure of AI-generated election content and banning deceptive deepfakes; feedback is invited by November 20. Space Research: SUPARCO will host a five-day UN-Pakistan conference on space technology, climate action and disaster warnings. Tech Partnerships: Pakistan-U.S. Tech Connect brought Pakistani firms and Midwest businesses together to explore investment and digital-economy partnerships. Telecoms: Pakistan’s nationwide 5G rollout is still expected to take two years. Drone Skills: Pakistan placed second among 33 countries at an international military drone competition in Türkiye, where Captain Talha also won silver.

Health Technology: Siemens plans to visit Pakistan to pursue agreements on healthcare technology and capacity building after talks with President Zardari in Berlin. Cooperation could cover cancer, stroke and other diseases, but no new programme has yet been announced. AI and Research: Karachi University has proposed a Pakistan-China centre for AI and cybersecurity, alongside joint research and training. The government has also allocated Rs352.5 million for technology research programmes. Connectivity: Pakistan has deployed 1,782 5G sites across 24 cities, but a nationwide rollout is still expected to take two years. The PTA has also flagged network problems at 166 sites. Digital Learning: The government plans to distribute 250,000 Chromebooks to students annually and introduce a unified AI policy, while AI-driven changes to jobs make digital skills and workforce training increasingly important.