Tech

Islamabad: The Spectrum Advisory Committee (SAC), chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, convenes today to finalize Pakistan’s inaugural 5G spectrum auction framework, despite 154 MHz in the critical 2600 MHz band remaining locked in litigation. US-based NERA consultants, hired for valuation and strategy, arrived in Islamabad and will present their report covering pricing, band allocation, rollout obligations, and policy guidelines.Originally targeted for December 2025 per Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directive, the auction—now likely in February-March 2026—has been delayed by the stalled PTCL-Telenor merger and legal disputes. Of the planned 562 MHz, 140 MHz remains contested. Officials confirm availability in all ITU 5G bands (700, 2100, 2300, 2600, 3300+ MHz), enabling technology-neutral use for enhanced 4G and future 5G.IT Minister Shaza Fatima warned last month that high taxes, low ARPU, dollar-linked pricing, and litigation jeopardize rollout. GSMA estimates $1.8–4.3 billion in lost GDP over five years due to delays. Operators demand rupee-based fees, 15-year interest-free payments, and duty exemptions—requests complicated by IMF conditions. Pakistan’s 274 MHz spectrum allocation lags regional peers, causing chronic congestion.

Seoul Samsung Electronics has executed a bold redesign of its forthcoming Galaxy S26 flagship series, scrapping the anticipated slim Galaxy S26 Edge due to tepid sales of previous thin-profile devices like the Galaxy S25 Edge and iPhone Air, while resurrecting the Galaxy S26 Plus and simplifying the base model to plain Galaxy S26.Firmware leaks and industry filings reveal a streamlined trio: the S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra, potentially launching late January 2026. The shift signals Samsung’s retreat from the “thin phone” fad pioneered by its original Edge line, opting for balanced ergonomics—the S26 at 7.24mm thick and S26 Plus at 7.35mm.Camera upgrades unify the base and Plus models with a 50MP main (ISOCELL S5KGNG), a refreshed 12MP telephoto (S5K3LD, up from 10MP), and retained 12MP ultrawide (Sony IMX564), plus a 12MP front shooter (S5K3LU). This standardization avoids “low-res” stigma but skips a rumored 50MP ultrawide leap. Video prowess shines with Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec support for 4K 60FPS front/rear recording.Powering global units is the Exynos 2600 SoC (S5E9965), with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for US variants, paired with hefty batteries: 4,300mAh for S26 and 4,900mAh for Plus.The S26 Ultra refines with a flat 163.4 x 77.9 x 7.9mm frame, 24MP default shots (via Camera Assistant app), a focus speed slider, and HDR toggles. Its 12MP 3x telephoto upgrades from 10MP, with wider apertures on main/periscope lenses. Battery stays at 5,000mAh with 60W charging, and it’s Snapdragon-exclusive worldwide for uniform performance.Analysts view this as Samsung doubling down on reliability over gimmicks, amid fierce rivalry with Apple. “It’s a pragmatic evolution, prioritizing user demands like detail-rich photos,” said tech forecaster Ming-Chi Kuo. As leaks mount, excitement builds for Samsung’s AI-infused ecosystem push.

San Francisco — The global tech industry is entering 2025 with seismic changes reshaping AI leadership, data privacy, cybersecurity threats, and semiconductor supply chains. Artificial IntelligenceAI investments have crossed $600 billion globally as companies race toward building agentic systems capable of autonomous decision-making. Major firms such as OpenAI, Google, Meta, and Amazon continue to aggressively expand compute capacity, while smaller AI startups face rising barriers due to GPU shortages and energy constraints. Cybersecurity ChallengesCyberattacks have escalated by nearly 40% in the past year, targeting financial systems, healthcare networks, and cloud providers. Governments are pushing for stronger data protection laws and introducing AI-driven defensive systems to counter rising threats from state-backed and rogue cyber groups. Semiconductor CrisisAnalysts warn that semiconductor demand will outpace supply until at least 2027. Export restrictions between the U.S. and China continue to ripple across global manufacturing lines, impacting automakers, consumer electronics, and military suppliers. Taiwan and South Korea remain at the center of the geopolitical tech tension. Industry OutlookTech giants are doubling down on cloud infrastructure, energy-efficient chips, and sustainable data centers. Analysts predict a transition toward hybrid multi-cloud systems, greater regulation of AI models, and expanded investments in quantum computing. 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most transformative years in modern tech history — a convergence of innovation, geopolitical tension, and rapid digital evolution.

Islamabad Pakistan’s Federal Minister for IT & Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja has confirmed that tech giant Apple will enter the Pakistani market in December via a strategic partnership with Air Link, the country’s leading distributor and retailer of smartphones, smart TVs, and wearables.The collaboration will introduce Pakistan’s inaugural official Apple Store, likely at Dolmen Mall in Lahore, granting consumers direct access to authentic Apple devices, accessories, and official support services.This milestone bolsters Pakistan’s burgeoning technology and retail landscape, reducing reliance on grey-market imports and enhancing after-sales reliability. Air Link’s role as Apple’s premium partner underscores growing global confidence in Pakistan’s digital economy.

JIUQUANTwo Pakistani astronauts will undergo training alongside Chinese astronauts, and one of them will be selected to participate in a short-duration spaceflight mission as a payload specialist, the China Manned Space Agency announced at a press conference on Thursday. The selection process for Pakistani astronauts has officially commenced following a cooperation agreement between China and Pakistan signed in February this year, said Zhang Jingbo, spokesperson for the agency. Similar to the selection process for Chinese astronauts, this process is divided into three stages: preliminary selection, second round of selection and final selection. The preliminary selection is currently being conducted in Pakistan, while the second round and final selections will take place in China. Preparations for the second round of selection are already underway, including developing training programs, preparing teaching materials and equipment, and ensuring logistical support during the training period, Zhang said. Following the final selection, two Pakistani astronauts will undergo training alongside Chinese astronauts as planned. One Pakistani astronaut will be chosen to join a short-duration space mission as a payload specialist and conduct scientific experiments for Pakistan, as well as perform routine crew duties during the flight.

ISLAMABAD The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT), through its flagship organisation Ignite – National Technology Fund, on Friday launched two landmark initiatives — the Prime Minister’s Cloud Enablement Program for Startups and the Pakistan Startup Fund (PSF). The event marks a significant milestone in the Government of Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen the national innovation ecosystem and promote a knowledge-based digital economy. The ceremony was attended by Federal Minister for IT & Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Rafique Ahmed Burriro, CEO Ignite, along with founders, co-founders, CEOs, presidents, partners, VPs, directors, and general managers from leading private companies and startups, officials from MOITT and other dignitaries. Speaking at the occasion, Shaza Fatima Khawaja highlighted the government’s strong commitment to the Prime Minister’s Digital Nation Vision, emphasizing that these initiatives will accelerate innovation, empower entrepreneurs, and position Pakistan as a key player in the global technology landscape. “The launch of the Prime Minister’s Cloud Enablement Program, Pakistan Startup Fund, and BridgeStart Pakistan reflects our vision to empower startups, attract global investments, and position Pakistan as a competitive force in the global digital economy,” said Shaza.

ISLAMABAD Zong, Pakistan’s leading information services and technology innovation company, has inked a strategic understanding to establish the China–Pakistan Low-Carbon Intelligent Manufacturing International Joint Innovation Laboratory at NUCES-FAST University, Islamabad, marking a new milestone in bilateral scientific and technological collaboration between China and Pakistan. The Laboratory will serve as a collaborative research and development platform jointly established by Zong, Suzhou University of Science and Technology (USTS), Guangzhou Institute of Software Application Technology (GZIS), and NUCES–FAST (National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences), said a news release. This initiative aims to strengthen scientific research, promote knowledge exchange, and drive low-carbon innovation through advanced technologies. Research under this collaboration will initially concentrate on four core domains: low-carbon and environmental protection through the application of cloud and digital technologies; intelligent construction and manufacturing driven by artificial intelligence and 5G connectivity; clean and renewable energy systems enhanced by big data and smart energy management; and digital and intelligent applications integrating IoT, AI, and advanced analytics. Together, these focus areas reflect a strategic roadmap for a future where technological innovation complements sustainability goals. The China–Pakistan International Joint Innovation Laboratory will operate as a multidisciplinary platform to bridge academia and industry, driving the conversion of scientific achievements into market-ready solutions.

San Jose, CA PayPal Holdings Inc. unveiled a groundbreaking global partnership with OpenAI’s ChatGPT on Thursday, set to revolutionize e-commerce by integrating direct in-chat purchases via PayPal’s digital wallet beginning in 2026. The collaboration allows users to buy goods and services conversationally within ChatGPT interfaces—think ordering groceries mid-recipe chat or booking travel during a planning session—without leaving the app. Leveraging PayPal’s secure payment ecosystem and OpenAI’s AI prowess, the feature promises frictionless transactions with one-click approvals, biometric verification, and AI-driven recommendations. “Commerce is going conversational,” said PayPal CEO Alex Chriss. “This partnership bridges the gap between chat and checkout, making shopping as natural as texting.” OpenAI CEO Sam Altman echoed: “Empowering users with seamless buying tools enhances everyday AI utility.” Initial rollout targets iOS and Android apps in the US, EU, and select Asia-Pacific markets, with expansions planned. Privacy safeguards and regulatory compliance are priorities amid rising AI ethics scrutiny. Analysts forecast a 15% boost to PayPal’s transaction volumes by 2027.

IslamabadPakistan and China deepened their scientific collaboration as the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives signed an MoU with China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC). The agreement focuses on advancing joint research, innovation, and capacity building in emerging technologies, with a special emphasis on quantum computing. This partnership aims to harness cutting-edge technologies to drive innovation and economic growth. By fostering collaboration between Pakistani and Chinese scientists, the MoU strengthens bilateral ties and positions both nations as leaders in frontier technology development