Tech

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