Tech

Akram Ali Becomes First in Pakistan to Unbox Official PTA-Approved iPhone Duo from Mercantile
Tech

Akram Ali Becomes First in Pakistan to Unbox Official PTA-Approved iPhone Duo from Mercantile

Akram Ali of ProPakistani has become the first person in Pakistan to unbox the official, PTA-approved iPhone Duo, Apple’s first foldable iPhone, supplied by Mercantile with a one-year official Apple warranty. The unboxing took place on the device’s global launch day, as shipments began. In a video shared on Instagram, Ali opens the sealed retail box featuring Mercantile’s gold authenticity sticker and QR code before unfolding the device to showcase its large inner display and dual rear cameras. iPhone Duo Unboxing Highlights Official Availability in Pakistan The unboxing highlights the arrival of officially supplied, PTA-approved units in Pakistan. Mercantile’s authenticity sticker and the one-year official Apple warranty distinguish the device’s official supply channel. Watch the unboxing video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/De1C0JpNlP3/?cplk=aGV4OHQxdmIwOWF5 iPhone Duo Features a 7.6-Inch Foldable Display The iPhone Duo introduces a foldable design to Apple’s iPhone lineup, featuring a 7.6-inch inner display, described as the largest ever on an iPhone, alongside a 5.4-inch outer screen for everyday use when the device is folded. Both displays support Apple Pencil, while the inner screen incorporates an under-display camera. Apple has also used a nanotexture finish intended to reduce the visibility of the crease, with a Grade 5 aluminium hinge connecting the two halves. The device measures 5.2mm in thickness when unfolded and 11.3mm when folded, weighing 254 grams. A20 Pro Chip, eSIM Connectivity and Extended Battery Life The iPhone Duo runs on Apple’s A20 Pro chip paired with the C2 modem. It uses eSIM-only connectivity, meaning the device does not include a physical SIM card tray. Apple claims the phone can deliver up to 44 hours of video playback on its outer display, highlighting battery performance as another feature of the foldable device. Dual 48MP Cameras and Touch ID Security On the rear, the iPhone Duo features two 48-megapixel cameras: a main camera and an ultrawide camera with 2x optical zoom. The device does not include a dedicated telephoto lens. For biometric security, Apple has integrated Touch ID into the side button instead of using Face ID. Users can also unlock the phone through an Apple Watch. With its foldable display, slim design and flagship hardware, the iPhone Duo marks a new development in Apple’s smartphone lineup. Its official unboxing in Pakistan on launch day also draws attention to the availability of PTA-approved units through Mercantile.

Pakistan’s Record IT Earnings Put Spotlight on Stablecoin as Payoneer Research Shows Global Platforms Moving Beyond Pilots
Tech

Pakistan’s Record IT Earnings Put Spotlight on Stablecoin as Payoneer Research Shows Global Platforms Moving Beyond Pilots

Pakistan’s record earnings from information technology and services exports are drawing attention to the growing role of stablecoins in cross-border payments, as global marketplaces and businesses increasingly integrate digital dollar-based payments into their financial operations. New research by Payoneer, a global financial technology company focused on cross-border business payments, indicates that stablecoins are moving beyond experimental projects to become part of mainstream financial infrastructure. The report, titled Stablecoin Steps Up, was unveiled at Money20/20 in Las Vegas. Payoneer Research Finds Stablecoin Adoption Expanding The report surveyed 265 senior payments, treasury and finance leaders at US-based marketplaces, platforms and enterprises with annual revenues of at least $100 million. According to the findings, 69% of respondents said their organisations were already using stablecoins in live operations, while 41% reported adoption at meaningful scale. Faster settlement was identified as the leading proven benefit, cited by 50% of respondents. Better access to markets and currencies followed at 41%, while 40% highlighted an improved recipient experience. The findings suggest that businesses are increasingly exploring stablecoins not only to accelerate payments but also to improve the efficiency of international financial transactions. Stablecoins Move Beyond Cross-Border Payments The research indicates that stablecoin adoption is expanding beyond the transfer of funds into broader financial services. One-third of surveyed organisations already offer stablecoin capabilities to their own customers, while half plan to introduce them within three years. Overall, 82% expect stablecoins to become part of their financial infrastructure over the same period. Payoneer noted that adoption often begins when a payment recipient wants to hold a dollar-denominated balance rather than immediately convert funds into local currency. This demand could be relevant for Pakistan’s estimated three million freelancers, many of whom work with international clients and platforms. However, the report also highlights practical challenges, including the “last mile” of converting digital dollars into spendable local currency. Regulatory requirements, transaction reconciliation and integration with existing financial systems remain additional obstacles to wider adoption. Pakistan’s Freelance Earnings Reach Record $197 Million The findings come as Pakistan’s freelance and digital services sector records strong earnings. According to State Bank of Pakistan data cited in the announcement, Pakistani freelancers earned a record $197 million in September 2026. This lifted earnings for the first quarter of fiscal year 2027 to approximately $550 million, representing a 46% increase year-on-year. The growth highlights the expanding importance of international digital services and the payment systems that connect Pakistani professionals with overseas clients. For freelancers and technology exporters, efficient cross-border payment infrastructure can influence settlement times, transaction costs and access to foreign currency earnings. Pakistan Develops Regulatory Framework for Virtual Assets Pakistan is also developing its regulatory framework for virtual assets. The Virtual Assets Act 2026 established the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) to license and supervise the sector. The regulatory development comes as policymakers examine ways to improve the efficiency of international transfers and reduce the cost of sending money into the country. According to the regulator’s estimate cited in the announcement, reducing transfer costs by one percentage point on approximately $40 billion in annual remittances could save Pakistan around $400 million each year. The potential role of stablecoins in the country’s financial system will depend on regulatory compliance, secure transaction arrangements and the availability of reliable channels for converting digital assets into local currency. Payoneer Highlights Integration and Recipient Access Rowland Berry, Payoneer’s Vice President for Stablecoin, said the company’s research showed that marketplaces and enterprises were using stablecoins to improve cross-border payments, manage treasury operations and develop new financial services for customers. He said the success of stablecoin adoption would depend on integrating the technology into existing systems, meeting regulatory requirements and ensuring recipients could access and use the funds they receive. For Pakistan, the combination of rising freelance earnings, expanding digital services exports and evolving virtual-asset regulation puts payment infrastructure in focus. While stablecoins may offer potential benefits in settlement speed and access to dollar-denominated balances, practical adoption will depend on compliance, integration and convenient conversion into usable local currency.

BingX Launches BXUSD, Bringing Fund-Based Yield Opportunities to Its Multi-Asset Ecosystem
Tech

BingX Launches BXUSD, Bringing Fund-Based Yield Opportunities to Its Multi-Asset Ecosystem

Pakistan, October 20, 2026 – BingX, the world’s leading multi-asset trading platform, today announced the launch of BXUSD, a yield-bearing savings product backed by investments in a U.S. money market fund managed by Franklin Templeton. The product introduces yield opportunities to the BingX ecosystem, allowing eligible users to receive daily yield distributions while retaining the flexibility to redeem their holdings or use them as margin for USDT-margined futures trading, subject to applicable product terms. Through its partnership with Franklin Templeton, BingX has invested in the fund to support the new offering. BXUSD is a yield certificate available exclusively within the BingX platform. Eligible users can subscribe with as little as 0.1 USDT, with no subscription fee. Subscriptions are credited instantly to users’ spot accounts at a ratio of 1 BXUSD per USDT. “BXUSD reflects our continued focus on making the multi-asset trading experience more versatile and accessible,” said Kevin Lee, Chief Strategy Officer at BingX. “By bringing fund-based yield into our platform, we’re giving eligible users more ways to put their assets to work while maintaining the flexibility to move between savings and trading. It’s another step in our broader effort to connect digital assets with opportunities across traditional financial markets.” The launch marks another step in BingX’s expansion of its TradFi offerings, broadening the platform’s capabilities beyond trading to include fund-based savings. BXUSD offers three core features: BXUSD further advances BingX’s broader multi-asset strategy by integrating a fund-based savings product into an ecosystem spanning crypto spot and futures trading, copy trading and traditional financial markets. Through continued product development, BingX aims to give users more flexible ways to access and manage opportunities across asset classes within a unified platform. About BingX Founded in 2018, BingX is the world’s leading multi-asset trading platform, serving more than 40 million users worldwide. From crypto to traditional markets, BingX connects users with a broad range of assets and opportunities across global markets through one unified platform. With perpetual futures, TradFi offerings, spot trading and copy trading, alongside AI-powered innovations, BingX delivers a reliable, intelligent, and responsive trading experience designed to help traders navigate evolving markets and act on opportunities with greater confidence and efficiency. BingX has been the Principal Partner of Chelsea FC since 2024 and became the Official Team Partner of Scuderia Ferrari HP in 2026. For more information, please visit: https://bingx.com/

Binance AI-Driven Risk Systems Help Protect More Than 8 Million Users and Prevent US$4.6 Billion in Potential Losses in H1 2026
Tech

Binance AI-Driven Risk Systems Help Protect More Than 8 Million Users and Prevent US$4.6 Billion in Potential Losses in H1 2026

Abu Dhabi, UAE — [10-10-2026] — Binance’s AI-driven risk systems helped protect more than 8 million users and helped prevent approximately US$4.6 billion in potential losses during the first half of 2026, as the company continues to deploy artificial intelligence across its security, anti-fraud and compliance infrastructure. The systems cover abnormal trading activity, account takeover attempts, scams and transaction fraud, with AI increasingly embedded across the user journey wherever real-time risk decisions are required. In H1 2026, Binance intercepted millions of scam and phishing attempts, blacklisted more than 42,000 malicious addresses, and issued more than 14,000 real-time warnings every day. Binance currently operates more than 100 AI models across its anti-fraud and anti-scam controls. The infrastructure is built, trained and supervised in-house, with human risk analysts setting thresholds, reviewing edge cases and retraining models as new scam patterns emerge. Across fraud controls, AI models now make 80% to 90% of real-time risk decisions, while also assisting in approximately 45% of human review workflows. Human reviewers remain central to cases requiring more detailed validation and contextual judgment. AI Embedded Across The User Journey AI is deployed across identity verification, account security, payments and broader transaction protection and screening. Each action is evaluated as it occurs, with the large majority of decisions resolved automatically. This enables risk protection to operate at platform scale without slowing down legitimate users, with most users not seeing the checks taking place in the background. Within Know Your Customer (KYC) identity verification processes, Binance’s AI-enabled review pipelines have delivered up to 100x operational efficiency gains over manual processes in specific workflows, while specialists remain involved in higher-risk cases. Binance uses a hybrid approach combining proprietary technology with external AI and foundation models. Its in-house models are designed around risks observed specifically on the platform, while external models are used for broader reasoning tasks. The company also operates an internal Red Team that tests its defenses by examining how emerging technologies could potentially be used against the platform. Jimmy Su, Chief Security Officer at Binance, said: “These exercises help us identify weaknesses before attackers do, validate that our controls work under realistic conditions, and continuously strengthen the people, processes and technology protecting our users. In security, you cannot simply assume your defenses will work – you have to challenge them.” Layered Protection Against Social Engineering Social engineering remains an area where multiple AI technologies work together, particularly in peer-to-peer trading. Binance’s in-house computer vision models detect fake proof-of-payment images by analyzing transaction details and subtle image manipulations. AI is used for high-volume discovery and screening, while human reviewers provide more detailed validation and contextual judgment. Findings from emerging attack patterns are subsequently used to fine-tune the models, creating a continuous feedback loop in which AI provides scale and human specialists provide accuracy. Binance also applies structured model governance throughout the AI model lifecycle, covering development, validation, deployment and ongoing monitoring. AI Supporting Compliance And Internal Operations Beyond direct user protection, Binance’s compliance teams use AI-assisted automation to support areas including KYC fraud detection and transaction-monitoring execution. More than 24 AI initiatives have been deployed across user onboarding, screening escalations and partner due diligence. AI is also being adopted across Binance’s internal operations. The company’s internal agentic tool currently has approximately 72% uptake across teams, supported by company-wide training, prompt-engineering programs and structured oversight. Binance says its AI systems operate within a privacy-first framework built around data minimization, purpose limitation and user-rights safeguards. These principles are incorporated into how AI models are developed and deployed, with the objective of protecting users from financial abuse and harm without compromising data privacy. As increasingly sophisticated forms of deception become easier and cheaper to produce, Binance continues to invest in a combination of AI-driven scale and human judgment, including retraining models, refining thresholds and keeping experienced analysts involved in cases requiring more detailed review. Disclaimer: This content is presented on an “as is” basis for general information and educational purposes only, without representation or warranty of any kind. It should not be construed as financial advice, nor is it intended to recommend the purchase of any specific product or service. Digital asset prices can be volatile. The value of your investment may go down or up and you may not get back the amount invested. You are solely responsible for your investment decisions and Binance is not liable for any losses you may incur. Not financial advice. For more information, see our Terms of Use and Risk Warning. The products, services and activities described above may be provided by different Binance entities depending on the relevant jurisdiction and may not be available in your region.

BingX Brings Its Five KOL Trading Legends Finalists to Copy Trading
Tech

BingX Brings Its Five KOL Trading Legends Finalists to Copy Trading

Pakistan, September 15, 2026 — BingX, the world’s leading multi-asset trading platform, today announced that the five finalists of KOL Trading Legends, its futures trading competition for leading crypto content creators, are now available on Copy Trading. Each of the five traded a full session in public during the competition, with every entry, exit and drawdown visible on a live leaderboard, giving users a full view of how each trader operates before choosing to mirror their positions. KOL Trading Legends was designed to show how each creator trades rather than what they say about it. Competitors worked from the same starting capital, over the same hour, in the same market conditions, with every position visible on a public leaderboard. A three-day qualifying round from August 24 to 26 (UTC+8) narrowed the field to five, who met in a 60-minute final streamed live on BingX’s Official X Account on September 8. The competition ran on BingX VST Demo Funds, demo trading tokens with no real-world value, and carried a prize pool of 18,000 USDT. Ashtrix took the title with a return on investment of +212.25%. The full standings: “Copy trading works when you know something real about the person you are following,” said Kevin Lee, Chief Strategy Officer at BingX. “The five competitors traded a full session in public, under identical conditions, with their drawdowns as visible as their winners. As we continue our evolution as a multi-asset trading platform, our aim is to keep making what happens inside a trade visible to the people considering it.” “From blowing my capital multiple times to receiving 10,000 USDT in prize money, I have come a long way,” said Ashtrix. “To everyone who is learning to trade, I want to say one thing: don’t give up.” Copy Trading is a function of the BingX platform: users allocate an amount they choose to a Lead Trader, mirror that trader’s positions automatically, and can stop at any point, with capital at risk as in any live trading. The finalists’ Copy Trading pages are live now: Ashtrix, Joshua Kasi, CPDOTSOL.BlckSquare, Chris NtraderPH and ultm8x. The full final is available to watch here. About BingX Founded in 2018, BingX is the world’s leading multi-asset trading platform, serving more than 40 million users worldwide. From crypto to traditional markets, BingX connects users with a broad range of assets and opportunities across global markets through one unified platform. With perpetual futures, TradFi offerings, spot trading and copy trading, alongside AI-powered innovations, BingX delivers a reliable, intelligent, and responsive trading experience designed to help traders navigate evolving markets and act on opportunities with greater confidence and efficiency. BingX has been the Principal Partner of Chelsea FC since 2024 and became the Official Team Partner of Scuderia Ferrari HP in 2026. For more information, please visit: https://bingx.com/

BingX Names Five KOL Trading Legends Finalists and Opens Champion Vote
Tech

BingX Names Five KOL Trading Legends Finalists and Opens Champion Vote

Pakistan, September 1, 2026 — BingX, the world’s leading multi-asset trading platform, today named the five finalists advancing to the grand final of KOL Trading Legends, its futures trading competition for leading crypto content creators, and opened a public voting campaign inviting eligible users to pick the eventual champion. Voting runs until September 7 for a share of up to $1,000,000 in trading vouchers, ahead of the 60-minute live final on September 8. The competition opened with a three-day qualifying round from August 24 to 26 (UTC+8), in which invited creators competed and were ranked by return on investment on a public leaderboard. Only the top five advanced. They now meet in a single 60-minute head-to-head final, streamed in full on  BingX’s Official X Account on September 8. The finalists, in qualifying order: From September 1, 00:00 to September 7, 23:59 (UTC+8), registered BingX users can visit the campaign page and vote for the finalist they believe will take the title. Each participant may back one finalist. Where a participant votes more than once, the first vote stands. Participants who pick the eventual champion receive a $50 position voucher, redeemable with no minimum trading requirement. Participants whose pick does not win receive a $15 position voucher, which unlocks after $5,000 in trading volume. Both vouchers support leverage of up to 10x and are valid for seven days from the date they are issued. The finalist who attracts the most votes receives a $500 trial fund, applied at a 50 per cent offset ratio, subject to a futures balance requirement and valid for seven days. “KOL Trading Legends reflects our belief that the future of trading is built on transparency and community,” said Kevin Lee, Chief Strategy Officer at BingX. “Five leading creators will compete under identical conditions with their results in full public view, and the campaign gives our users a direct stake in the outcome. As we continue our evolution as a multi-asset trading platform, initiatives like this deepen the relationship between BingX, its creators, and the communities they serve.” The 60-minute final will be streamed live on BingX’s Official X Account on September 8, at 20:00 (UTC+8). A limited airdrop will also be distributed during the broadcast with one entry per viewer. About BingX Founded in 2018, BingX is the world’s leading multi-asset trading platform, serving more than 40 million users worldwide. From crypto to traditional markets, BingX connects users with a broad range of assets, markets, and opportunities through one unified trading platform. With perpetual futures, TradFi offerings, spot trading and copy trading, alongside AI-powered products and solutions, BingX delivers a reliable and responsive trading experience designed to help traders navigate evolving markets and act on opportunities with greater confidence and efficiency. BingX has been the Principal Partner of Chelsea FC since 2024 and became the first Official Crypto Exchange Partner of Scuderia Ferrari HP in 2026. For more information, please visit: https://bingx.com/

PTA And Google Sign MoU To Strengthen Child Online Safety In Pakistan
Tech

PTA And Google Sign MoU To Strengthen Child Online Safety In Pakistan

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Google LLC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening child online safety and promoting responsible use of digital platforms across Pakistan. The agreement was signed in Islamabad on August 20, 2026, with the initiative focusing on children, parents, teachers and caregivers. Under the MoU, PTA and Google will jointly work on a Child Safety Program designed to improve awareness, education and capacity-building around online safety. Child Safety Program To Focus On Awareness And Education The partnership will provide parents and teachers with practical tools and resources to help children navigate the increasingly digital environment safely. The program will focus on developing greater awareness of online risks while encouraging responsible and informed use of digital platforms. A key part of the initiative will be the development of online safety awareness content in English as well as local languages, allowing information to reach a wider audience across Pakistan. Training Programs Planned For Educational Institutions PTA and Google will also collaborate on training programs in educational institutions. The sessions are expected to help teachers, parents and other caregivers better understand online safety issues and provide them with practical resources for guiding children in their digital activities. The initiative recognises that protecting children online requires more than technological safeguards. Digital literacy, parental awareness and responsible online behaviour are also important components of a safer digital environment. Nationwide Outreach Campaign Planned The MoU also includes plans for a nationwide outreach campaign aimed at connecting millions of Pakistani families with localized online safety resources and tutorials. The campaign could help expand access to information about safe online practices beyond schools and formal training sessions. By providing resources in locally relevant languages, the initiative aims to make online safety guidance more accessible to families across different parts of Pakistan. PTA Highlights Need For Collective Action Speaking at the signing ceremony, PTA Chairman Maj. Gen. (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman, HI (M), SI highlighted the importance of collective efforts and cooperation among stakeholders to protect children in an increasingly digital environment. The PTA chairman stressed the need for collaboration between relevant institutions and technology stakeholders as children become increasingly exposed to online platforms and digital services. Digital Literacy A Key Part Of Online Protection Dr. Khawar Siddique Khokhar, Member (Compliance & Enforcement), PTA, emphasised the importance of promoting digital literacy and responsible use of online platforms. Greater digital awareness can help children and families better understand online risks while making more informed decisions about digital services and content. The focus on parents and teachers is particularly important because they often play the first line of guidance for children using smartphones, social media, educational platforms and other online services. Building A Safer Digital Environment The PTA-Google partnership reflects a shared effort to strengthen online safety awareness in Pakistan. As internet access and digital services continue to expand, children are becoming increasingly connected to the online world. This creates opportunities for education, communication and creativity but also increases the importance of protecting young users from potential online risks. The new collaboration seeks to address this challenge through awareness campaigns, localized educational material, institutional training and practical online safety resources. PTA And Google Partnership Could Expand Digital Safety Awareness The MoU represents an important step toward improving child online safety awareness in Pakistan. Its effectiveness will ultimately depend on the reach and implementation of the planned programs, particularly whether localized resources and training can reach families and educational institutions across the country. With millions of Pakistani children increasingly engaging with digital platforms, strengthening the ability of parents, teachers and caregivers to guide young users could play an important role in creating a safer, more responsible and digitally literate online environment.

PM Shehbaz Felicitates Google on Opening of Pakistan Office, Terms It Milestone in Digital Partnership
Pakistan, Tech

PM Shehbaz Felicitates Google on Opening of Pakistan Office, Terms It Milestone in Digital Partnership

ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday unveiled the foundation plaque of Google’s Pakistan office, and described it as a significant milestone in the country’s digital transformation journey. Prime Minister Welcomes Google Delegation Addressing the delegation here at the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shehbaz Sharif said it was the delegation’s first visit to Pakistan, adding that he hoped it would be followed by many more in the times to come. He said Google was a household name not only in Pakistan but across the world, and that there existed great scope for building a wonderful partnership with the company to enhance bilateral engagement in multiple areas. Pakistan’s Digital Transformation and Youth Potential The prime minister termed it an interesting coincidence that the visit was taking place at a time when Pakistan was undergoing a major digital transformation across various areas of governance, and noted that the country’s youth bulge could be leveraged to turn around Pakistan’s economic fortunes. Google Highlights Long-Term Commitment to Pakistan Vice President of Google, Wilson L. White, said it was a profound honour to be on his first visit to Pakistan, calling it a great milestone achieved on the day. He said the occasion marked the culmination of a long-standing commitment, as Google had been investing in and committed to Pakistan for over a decade, and that the opening of its local office was a very special moment. Google Supports Pakistan’s IT Export Ambitions He said the prime minister’s ambition of making Pakistan a US$30-billion IT export hub was very much aligned with Google’s own goals. He informed the meeting that over the past ten years, Google had contributed to more than Rs 3.9 trillion of economic activity for local Pakistani businesses and households, supporting over 960,000 jobs, adding that this was just the beginning. Google Commits to Pakistan’s IT Export Goals The Google Vice President said the company was committing to Pakistan’s IT export goals in three major ways: by investing in Pakistani people, in manufacturing and infrastructure around export hardware, and in local businesses. He said Pakistan’s digital transformation was only possible through investment in its people, and that Google had already contributed to the upskilling of over one million Pakistanis through its career certificate programmes, in collaboration with schools and teachers, to prepare them for the digital transformation ahead. Free Google Gemini Subscriptions for Students He further announced that Google Gemini subscriptions would be made free for all students in Pakistan for one year, with a formal announcement to follow later in the week. Senior Officials Attend Foundation Plaque Unveiling The prime minister, along with the Google delegation, was flanked by United States Charge d’Affaires Natalie Baker and Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja during the unveiling of the foundation plaque of the Google Pakistan office. PM Felicitates Google Team and Pakistani Officials Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif felicitated the Google team and Pakistani officials on the occasion, calling it a wonderful day for the partnership and a stepping stone towards a long journey of collaboration in a field he described as both attractive and the need of the hour. Government to Empower Youth Through Technology He said the government would empower Pakistan’s youth through modern tools, techniques and technology, and thanked Google Vice President Wilson for visiting Pakistan, expressing hope that the visit would translate into dozens of such visits every year. He remarked that the partnership would blossom like a beautiful flower.

Pakistan To Develop Lithium-Ion Battery Standards For Electric Vehicles
Tech

Pakistan To Develop Lithium-Ion Battery Standards For Electric Vehicles

The Ministry of Industries has directed the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) to develop standards for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs), as Pakistan moves to strengthen safety and quality requirements for its emerging electric mobility and energy storage industries. The move comes as the government works with industry stakeholders to finalise the Next Generation Energy Storage Policy 2026-2033. Engineering Development Board (EDB) Chief Executive Hammad Mansoor is expected to present an updated version of the policy at an upcoming stakeholders’ meeting. A senior official of the Ministry of Industries said PSQCA had been asked to develop the necessary standards while the broader energy storage policy was being prepared. The initiative aims to establish a regulatory framework for EV-grade batteries, including requirements covering safety, durability, thermal management, battery management systems and performance under Pakistan’s road and weather conditions. Pakistan Needs EV-Grade Battery Standards Pakistan currently has no dedicated standards for advanced lithium-ion battery packs designed for four-wheeled electric vehicles. The official explained that the country mainly has access to basic consumer-grade lithium batteries used in products such as mobile phones and laptops. However, EV battery systems operate at much higher voltages and capacities and require more advanced industrial safety and performance standards. Electric vehicle battery packs must be capable of handling significant electrical loads while maintaining safety during charging, driving, accidents, extreme temperatures and other demanding conditions. The government therefore wants PSQCA to establish standards that can be incorporated into the proposed Next Generation Energy Storage Policy. The standards could also provide clearer requirements for manufacturers, assemblers and importers entering Pakistan’s growing EV market. EV Industry Seeks Local Battery Manufacturing Several EV assemblers operating in Pakistan have expressed willingness to work with the Engineering Development Board on establishing facilities for lithium-ion battery assembly or cell manufacturing. The development of local battery production could support the government’s broader efforts to increase domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on imported components. However, officials believe safety standards must be established before the industry expands significantly. The standards would also apply to imported batteries to ensure that products entering Pakistan meet minimum requirements for safety, durability and performance. The ministry official said standards were necessary to ensure that imported lithium-ion batteries are safe and durable under local operating conditions. Battery Safety And Abuse Testing One of the major components of the proposed framework is Cell Safety and Abuse Testing. The standards are expected to include extreme stress validation to determine how battery cells behave under potentially dangerous conditions. The proposed testing framework could require cells to undergo computerised and physical destruction tests, including mechanical crushing, overcharging and thermal abuse. The objective would be to ensure that batteries do not catch fire or become dangerously unstable when subjected to severe stress. Such testing is particularly important for EV batteries because damage to individual cells can potentially trigger thermal events that spread across an entire battery pack. The proposed standards would therefore establish minimum safety requirements before batteries can be used in electric vehicles. Battery Management Systems Need Regulation Another key area identified by the ministry is the Battery Management System (BMS). BMS technology monitors and manages battery cells during charging and operation. It can track parameters such as voltage, temperature and battery condition and intervene when operating conditions become unsafe. According to the ministry official, Pakistan currently has no dedicated regulations covering BMS technology for EV batteries. The proposed standards would require smart BMS systems capable of responding rapidly to abnormal voltage conditions. Microsecond-level cutoffs could be required to protect battery cells from overvoltage and undervoltage conditions. Such problems can contribute to cell swelling and other battery failures. Establishing BMS requirements would therefore become an important part of the country’s EV battery safety framework. Thermal Safety And Fire Containment Pakistan’s climate also creates specific challenges for lithium-ion battery operation. The proposed standards include requirements for Thermal Defect Logging to ensure batteries remain functional and safe under local temperatures and environmental conditions. Another important requirement would be a Fire Containment mechanism. Under the proposed framework, finished battery packs could be required to incorporate materials such as aerogel or fire-retardant epoxy sheets. These materials can help limit heat transfer between battery modules if a single cell experiences a failure. Containing heat within a damaged section could reduce the risk of thermal propagation and help prevent a single-cell failure from developing into a larger battery fire. Batteries To Face Pakistan-Specific Durability Tests The proposed framework would also introduce a Pakistani Road Durability requirement. Under this standard, battery packs would have to withstand a one-metre drop onto bare concrete without developing structural cracks, leaks or internal damage. The requirement is intended to ensure that battery packs can withstand the physical stresses associated with Pakistan’s road conditions and vehicle operating environments. The standards would also address environmental protection. Battery packs would need suitable dust shields and weatherproofing, including protection against water exposure. This is particularly important in Pakistan because heavy rainfall, flooding and monsoon conditions can expose vehicles and their electrical systems to significant amounts of water. Water-submersion resistance would therefore be an important consideration for EV battery design. Policy Could Support Pakistan’s EV Industry The development of lithium-ion battery standards could provide greater certainty to EV manufacturers, assemblers, importers and potential battery producers. A clearly defined regulatory framework could help manufacturers understand the technical requirements for selling or producing EV batteries in Pakistan while giving consumers greater confidence in battery safety and reliability. The initiative also fits into the government’s broader efforts to promote electric mobility and develop domestic energy storage capabilities. With the Next Generation Energy Storage Policy 2026-2033 under development, battery standards could become a key component of Pakistan’s transition toward electric transportation and cleaner energy technologies. The final standards will determine how EV-grade batteries are tested, certified and regulated in Pakistan. Their implementation could also influence future investment in local battery assembly and manufacturing.

Pak Datacom Shifts NBP, OGDCL & AGPR Satellite Connectivity to UAE Based Yahsat, Raising Security Concerns
Tech

Pak Datacom Shifts NBP, OGDCL & AGPR Satellite Connectivity to UAE Based Yahsat, Raising Security Concerns

Pak Datacom has shifted the satellite based connectivity of around 400 National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) branches, along with connectivity serving Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) and the Accountant General Pakistan Revenues (AGPR), from its previous Paksat based network to Yahsat, a satellite operator based in the United Arab Emirates. The move has triggered a serious debate over Pakistan’s control of sensitive communications infrastructure, particularly because National Bank of Pakistan handles government accounts, including accounts linked to defence related operations. The concerns were raised by former Pak Datacom Chief Executive Officer Brigadier Syed Zulfiqar Ali, Retired, in a complaint and letter addressed to the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication. Why the Pak Datacom Satellite Connectivity Shift Matters For around five years, Pak Datacom reportedly provided satellite based backup connectivity to approximately 400 NBP branches through VSAT hubs located in Karachi and Islamabad. Paksat was used as the satellite platform. The former CEO described that arrangement as a secure and largely indigenous setup. The new arrangement, however, reportedly involves both the satellite and the hub being located in the UAE. That distinction is critical. Satellite connectivity is not merely a commercial telecommunications service when it supports a financial institution responsible for government accounts. The infrastructure can become part of the broader security architecture through which sensitive financial and administrative information is transmitted. The former CEO has therefore urged the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication to examine whether shifting such connectivity outside Pakistan creates unacceptable strategic vulnerabilities. NBP Government Accounts Put Security Risk Under Spotlight The strongest criticism concerns NBP’s unique position within Pakistan’s financial system. National Bank of Pakistan serves as a major banking channel for government transactions. According to the complaint, this includes government accounts associated with defence. That makes the question considerably bigger than a routine technology procurement decision. If critical backup connectivity depends on infrastructure physically controlled outside Pakistan, policymakers need to establish exactly what information can be exposed, where network management is performed, who controls the infrastructure and what legal protections apply if a security incident occurs. The issue is particularly sensitive because the former CEO has warned that the satellite and hub are both located in the UAE. Can a VPN Completely Address the Concern? Pak Datacom reportedly maintains that the connectivity is protected through a Virtual Private Network over Yahsat. However, the former CEO argues that using a VPN does not automatically eliminate the underlying security risks. This criticism deserves serious consideration rather than being dismissed as a technical disagreement. A VPN can strengthen confidentiality and network security, but it does not change ownership of the underlying satellite infrastructure or physical location of network equipment. Pakistan’s authorities should therefore conduct an independent security assessment rather than assuming that encryption alone resolves the strategic concerns. Pakistan Needs Indigenous Satellite Infrastructure The controversy also highlights a larger weakness in Pakistan’s digital security strategy. Pakistan has increasingly digitized banking, government payments and critical infrastructure, yet dependence on foreign controlled communications infrastructure remains a strategic concern. An indigenous satellite connectivity architecture could provide greater control over critical communications, particularly for institutions handling sensitive government, financial and defence related information. The government should therefore investigate the decision transparently, assess the security implications and determine whether adequate safeguards exist under the new arrangement. The central question is not simply why Pak Datacom moved from Paksat to Yahsat. The more important question is whether Pakistan is comfortable placing critical connectivity infrastructure outside its jurisdiction when domestic alternatives are available. That question now requires a clear answer from the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication.

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