The Weekly Pakistan

Pakistan's perspective on news, current affairs & much more!

[The Weekly Pakistan @WeeklyPakistan]

Apple has added Pakistan's PayPak network to the iOS 27 backend code, the strongest sign yet that Apple Pay is preparing to launch here. The same pattern appeared before RuPay support rolled out in India.

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PTA is planning an AI powered upgrade of its Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System. The new DIRBS Digital Intelligence System aims to automate all routine device registration tasks.

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Apple Music is officially arriving in Pakistan, with local subscription plans now visible to users. The service is priced at Rs.379 per month for an individual plan and Rs.649 per month for a family plan. Both options include a one month free trial before automatic renewal begins

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foodpanda and itel Pakistan have signed an MoU to provide eligible delivery riders with smartphones at zero cost, improving connectivity, digital access and efficiency during daily deliveries.

[The Weekly Pakistan @WeeklyPakistan]

MoITT and Meta have launched the Small Business Growth Academy in Pakistan, aiming to train more than 1,000 businesses in digital marketing, AI tools, customer engagement and online growth.

[The Weekly Pakistan @WeeklyPakistan]

Pakistan’s federal cabinet has approved the Pakistan Information Security Framework 2026, introducing unified cybersecurity standards, stronger incident response, and enhanced protection for critical information infrastructure.

[The Weekly Pakistan @WeeklyPakistan]

The Pakistan Airports Authority is considering new greenfield airports in Sukkur, Faisalabad and Dera Ismail Khan as part of a major expansion drive across the country's aviation network.

[The Weekly Pakistan @WeeklyPakistan]

Turkish Petroleum will soon begin offshore drilling in Pakistan's territorial waters, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said. The government wants to boost local oil and gas exploration and cut heavy reliance on imported energy.

[The Weekly Pakistan @WeeklyPakistan]

Pakistan Railways is working with the PTA to bring LTE-R connectivity to major railway routes. The Karachi to Sukkur section of ML-1 is already under consideration for a dedicated LTE-R band.

[The Weekly Pakistan @WeeklyPakistan]

Pakistani technology professional Syed Badar Shah has been appointed Senior Apps Growth Manager at Google. His background covers mobile app growth, user acquisition, performance marketing and data driven strategy.

[The Weekly Pakistan @WeeklyPakistan]

Heavy Industries Taxila has unveiled the D-248 and S-369 kamikaze drones at the Indus Robotics and Autonomous Systems Expo 2026. Both systems are now Pakistan's largest and longest range loitering munitions.

[The Weekly Pakistan @WeeklyPakistan]

Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan have signed a joint defence agreement in Jeddah. The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement follows the Makkah Al Mukarramah Summit held at the invitation of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

[The Weekly Pakistan @WeeklyPakistan]

1LINK has welcomed its new Board of Directors. Atif Bajwa of Bank Alfalah is the new Chairman.

The Board includes leaders from HBL, Faysal Bank, Allied Bank and NBP. Over 450 employees met the Board at a Town Hall.

[The Weekly Pakistan @WeeklyPakistan]

Ignite has launched the 5th Digital Pakistan Cybersecurity Hackathon with a package of over Rs. 51.5 million.

Workshops will be held in 16 cities, followed by Red and Blue Teaming contests in six cities. Registration is now open.

[The Weekly Pakistan @WeeklyPakistan]

Mohsin Naqvi has announced a China style Investigation Centre in Islamabad. It will combine detention, investigation and trials for minor cases.

Foreign training will now be permanent for police officers. New drones and new uniforms are also part of the plan.

[The Weekly Pakistan @WeeklyPakistan]

Seven companies have formed a consortium to bid for FESCO privatization. Nishat, Saigol and Nishat Chunian groups are involved. Pakgen will lead.

FESCO serves over 5.5 million consumers in central Punjab. The government is offering 51 to 100 percent ownership with control.

[The Weekly Pakistan @WeeklyPakistan]

Pakistan and Uzbekistan have signed a landmark agreement to use AI and machine learning for customs operations and cargo tracking. The initiative will speed up trade, reduce clearance times, strengthen border security and boost digital customs cooperation.

[The Weekly Pakistan @WeeklyPakistan]

Pakistan is boosting its digital economy by making PayPak cards mandatory for government salaries and social safety programs. Tax incentives and cashback rewards will encourage wider use of the local payment network over international alternatives.

[The Weekly Pakistan @WeeklyPakistan]

Global cross border payments platform Sunrate is launching in Pakistan on August 12, 2026. Supporting 130 plus currencies, it will help IT firms, freelancers, ecommerce sellers and digital agencies receive international payments faster and more efficiently.

[The Weekly Pakistan @WeeklyPakistan]

PM Shehbaz Sharif reviewed expanded consular services for overseas Pakistanis, including digital document attestation, QR based power of attorney services, a one step Apostille system linked with HEC and NADRA, and a mobile app for certificate attestation.