AGP Executive Report

Space & Climate: Pakistan will host a UN conference on using space technology for disaster warnings and climate action. Officials also say the country’s first astronaut is scheduled to fly on a Chinese mission on November 25. AI & Jobs: A World Bank assessment warns that 61% of Pakistan’s service workers face high exposure to AI, as the government develops digital infrastructure for trusted AI services. Cybersecurity: National CERT warned Pakistani organizations about attacks through third-party vendors, while Ufone and Telenor Pakistan joined a PTA workshop on telecom security. Digital Economy: Google says Pakistani apps recorded 4.6 billion downloads in a year. Its Think Apps event and Pehla Qadam bootcamp aim to support the country’s app, gaming and tech talent. Tech Partnerships: A Pakistani delegation presented AI, cloud, fintech and other solutions to US companies, while Jazz and Samsung announced plans for 5G phone instalments and trade-in offers.

Privacy and Surveillance: Punjab has ordered strict enforcement of its ban on camera-equipped smart glasses and concealed spy devices, citing harassment, blackmail and risks to women’s and children’s privacy. AI and Digital Government: Pakistan says it is building digital infrastructure to support trusted AI services. NITB is also seeking a provider to connect government platforms to one payment system, including Raast, cards, QR payments and bank transfers. Tech Partnerships: Pakistan-US Tech Connect brought 16 Pakistani firms in AI, cloud, fintech and health technology together with US counterparts to pursue business partnerships. Digital Workforce: Industry leaders are calling for a national plan to strengthen freelancers’ technical and business skills. Freelancers earned about $550 million in exports in the first quarter of FY2026-27, up 46% year on year. Space: Pakistan’s first astronaut is scheduled to fly on a Chinese mission on November 25; the country is also pursuing a lunar landing by 2035 with China’s help.

AI & Digital Services: OpenAI is bringing ChatGPT ads to Pakistan as part of an expansion to 26 new markets; ads will appear on Free and Go plans, not paid subscriptions. Pakistan is also expanding digital infrastructure for AI, while officials say 5G has reached 24 cities and internet speeds have risen 68.1%. Defence Technology: Pakistan, Türkiye, Qatar and Indonesia signed the Badr MoU to cooperate on defence manufacturing, technology transfer, training, research and development. Science Cooperation: D-8 and COMSATS agreed to pursue joint research and technology projects spanning digital transformation, cybersecurity, agriculture and public health. Space: Pakistan’s first astronaut is scheduled to fly on a Chinese mission on November 25, while the country is aiming for a lunar landing by 2035 with China’s support. Tech Economy: IT and telecom exports rose 18% to $1.25 billion in the first quarter of FY2027.

AI Learning: Pakistan’s Arbisoft has teamed up with Saudi training firm Tamkeen to bring AI-enhanced courses to businesses and public agencies, supporting workforce development under Saudi Vision 2030. Digital Infrastructure: Pakistan says 5G is live at more than 1,700 sites across 24 cities, with download speeds up 68.1% over two years. Space: Pakistan plans to send its first astronaut on a Chinese mission on November 25 and is targeting a crewed Moon landing by 2035. Green Industry: WWF and the State Bank launched a toolkit to help small textile firms save energy and water, cut pollution and access financing for cleaner technology. EVs and Manufacturing: Pakistan’s draft auto policy targets $6 billion in exports by 2031 and proposes incentives for electric vehicles. Defence Technology: Pakistan, Türkiye, Qatar and Indonesia are expected to sign a pact in Doha to expand joint production and technology transfers.

5G and Access: Pakistan’s internet speeds have risen 68.1% as 5G expands to 24 cities, the IT minister says. The government is also working on a smartphone installment scheme. Cybersecurity: The SECP has launched a Security Operations Center to strengthen protection of the country’s financial sector. AI and Networks: Jazz and Samsung have partnered to accelerate AI and 5G adoption in Pakistan. Space: Pakistan’s first astronaut is expected to travel to the space station on November 25, a milestone announced by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal. IT Exports: The sector earned $435 million in September, up 18% year over year.

Green Buildings: Sindh is consulting on rules to cut electricity and water use in new buildings, aiming to make construction more resource-efficient and climate-resilient. Biotech: The federal government plans a national livestock-vaccine plant using local resources, with the goal of strengthening disease protection and supporting meat and dairy exports. Space: Pakistan plans to send its first astronaut to the Chinese space station on November 25, with a lunar landing targeted for 2035. AI & Connectivity: Jazz and Samsung have partnered to advance AI and 5G adoption in Pakistan, while IBA Karachi, AKU and Habib University are working together on AI-driven teaching and learning. Digital Economy: Pakistan’s IT and telecom exports rose 18% to $1.25 billion in the first quarter of FY2027. The country is also set to become the first to sign the Digital and AI Compact.

AI in Education: IBA Karachi, Aga Khan University and Habib University are teaming up to explore how AI can improve teaching and learning. Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed a Gauth AI initiative offering 4,000 free subscriptions to Pakistani students and teachers. Livestock Science: The government plans a national livestock vaccine plant at the National Agricultural Research Centre, with officials asked to prepare a strategy within a week. Space: Pakistan’s first astronaut is expected to travel to China’s space station on November 25, a milestone in the country’s growing space cooperation with China. Digital Policy: Pakistan is set to become the first country to sign a Digital and AI Compact, though the announcement does not confirm a signing date. Tech Exports: IT and telecom exports rose 18% to $1.25 billion in the first quarter of FY2027, strengthening a key source of export earnings. AI and Competition: The Competition Commission has developed an AI system to detect cartelisation and bid-rigging in public procurement.

Digital Policy: Pakistan is set to become the first country to sign the Digital and AI Compact, with IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja presenting the country’s roadmap at a global summit in South Korea. Space: Pakistan’s first crewed space mission is planned for November 25 from China, while the country has also set a 2035 goal for a lunar landing. AI Talent: An Alibaba Cloud–Alkhidmat hackathon drew 16,000 applications, with 430 shortlisted teams presenting working AI solutions in Karachi. Tech Economy: IT and telecom exports rose 18% to $1.25 billion in the first quarter of FY2027. Climate-Smart Farming: Pakistan’s rice sector is exploring water-saving cultivation and carbon finance, including through alternate wetting and drying practices.

Space Programme: Pakistan’s first astronaut is due to fly from China on November 25 as a payload specialist aboard the Tiangong space station. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal also set a 2035 Moon-landing target and announced plans for a space museum at the University of Narowal. Digital Economy: IT and telecom exports rose 17.7% to $1.246 billion in the first quarter of FY2027, while freelancers earned a record $197 million in September. AI and Infrastructure: Pakistan is preparing to sign a Digital and AI Compact, and Sindh has invited Huawei to help build technology labs and digital infrastructure in Karachi. Research Partnerships: AI Geo Navigators opened an office at the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and signed an agreement to advance AI-driven geoscience research and disaster resilience.

Digital Infrastructure: Telecom operators are seeking industrial electricity rates, warning that high power costs could threaten $2 billion in planned investment in 5G, fibre and AI-ready data centres. AI Enforcement: Pakistan’s competition watchdog has developed an AI system to flag possible bid-rigging in public contracts. The tool has been featured in a Stanford antitrust report. Tech Exports: IT exports rose 18% to $435 million in September. Online Safety: UNICEF says 1.5 million children in Pakistan faced online sexual abuse in a year, warning that AI-generated fake images are an emerging threat. Research & Agriculture: Islamia University of Bahawalpur and China’s Sichuan Agricultural University extended their research partnership for five years; their collaboration has helped bring intercropping technology to more than 12,000 hectares of farmland.

Digital Exports: Pakistan’s IT exports rose 18% year-on-year to $435 million in September, the second-highest monthly total on record. Freelance earnings also hit a record $197 million, helping push first-quarter IT exports to $1.25 billion. AI in Government: The Competition Commission’s AI-powered system for flagging suspicious public-contract bids was featured in a Stanford antitrust report. It aims to help monitor procurement spending estimated at $60 billion a year; the system is preparing for deployment. Startup Growth: NIC Karachi selected 35 startups for its latest cohort from more than 700 applicants. The centre says its alumni have generated over Rs13 billion in revenue and attracted more than Rs13 billion in investment. Smart-City Push: Sindh is pursuing cooperation with Huawei on technology labs and AI-powered development, including Karachi smart-city projects.

Digital Exports: Pakistan’s IT exports reached $435 million in September, while freelancers earned a record $197 million, up 49% year on year. Public Services: The government plans to stop issuing machine-readable passports within a month and switch to chip-enabled e-passports; existing passports remain valid until expiry. AI & Government: Sindh signed an MoU with Huawei to develop an “AI-native digital province,” including e-governance, cloud infrastructure, smart-city systems and ICT training. Connectivity: Pakistan says rules for satellite internet are nearing completion, as 5G and fibre networks expand. Cybersecurity: JazzWorld and the PTA held a seminar on protecting networks and users as 5G, eSIMs and AI reshape digital services. Medical Technology: A public hospital in Lyari has completed 100 robotic surgeries, making advanced procedures available free of charge.

Digital Exports: Pakistan’s IT exports reached $435 million in September, the second-highest monthly figure on record. Freelancers also posted a record $197 million in earnings, lifting first-quarter IT exports to $1.25 billion. Investment & Innovation: Sindh secured Chinese investment and signed cooperation agreements covering digital technology, AI, manufacturing and electric vehicles. Digital Payments: Mastercard and BankIslami will expand card and payment services for consumers and businesses, including Shariah-compliant options. Connectivity: Pakistan is nearing final rules for satellite internet, which could widen access alongside expanding 5G and fibre networks. Cybersecurity: A report puts cyber-enabled fraud losses at 2.5% of Pakistan’s GDP, the highest share in Asia, underscoring the scale of the challenge.

Electric Mobility: Nora plans to launch two city-focused electric quadricycles in Pakistan, each claiming a range of up to 300km and an expected price below Rs3 million; final prices are not confirmed. Investment & AI: Sindh says 34 MoUs signed at its Shanghai conference cover sectors including technology, agriculture and energy, with plans spanning AI, data centres and electric vehicles. Digital Inclusion: At an Asia-Pacific telecom symposium, experts said network coverage alone won’t close Pakistan’s digital divide without affordable smartphones and services, warning that AI could deepen inequality. Energy Storage: Pakistani firm Quantum Data Technologies has partnered with China’s Great Power to pursue local assembly of battery storage systems for homes, industry, data centres and EV infrastructure. Tech Exports: More than 50 Pakistani entrepreneurs and technology leaders met Silicon Valley founders and investors to explore partnerships in AI, fintech and cloud services.

Cybersecurity: An IMF-World Bank paper says cyber-enabled financial fraud costs Pakistan an estimated 2.5% of GDP, the highest share in Asia. A separate study warns that 1.5 million children in Pakistan face online sexual abuse and exploitation each year. Digital Agriculture: SECP has proposed a national online spot market linking farmers with buyers, banks and warehouses, using electronic receipts and transparent bidding to improve prices and access to finance. E-Commerce and AI: Pakistan and Alibaba discussed cooperation on digital payments, e-commerce, AI and cloud infrastructure, with a focus on supporting small businesses and exports. Medicine Tracking: DRAP’s new rules require registered medicines to carry unique barcodes and serial numbers, helping authorities trace products and tackle counterfeits. Space Research: Pakistan’s ICUBE-Q lunar mission featured in a call for international space collaboration, following its flight aboard China’s Chang’e-6 mission.

Biotech: DRAP has approved Getz Pharma’s adalimumab biosimilar, HANDAYUAN, its first approval outside China. Electric Mobility: Pakistan’s GUGO Motors and China’s Shengtang Group signed an MoU to explore local electric-bus manufacturing and technology transfer. Digital Risk: Pakistan’s cyber-enabled fraud losses are estimated at 2.5% of GDP, the highest share in Asia, according to an IMF–World Bank framework. Water Innovation: Karachi startup Paani+ is developing products to tackle flooding and water scarcity, but faces the challenge of convincing customers to invest before a crisis. Digital Infrastructure: The government says a satellite internet framework is nearing completion; meanwhile, Quantum Data plans local lithium-battery assembly under a China deal. Tech Sector: IT entrepreneur Ali Imran says Pakistan must move beyond low-cost outsourcing and build products, intellectual property and specialised expertise.