In the fast-moving world of technology, Pakistan is emerging as a game-changer. With groundbreaking policies, a thriving startup ecosystem, and strategic global partnerships, the country is making waves on the international stage. Recognised as the Tech Destination of the Year at Gitex 2024, Pakistan is not just keeping pace with innovation - but setting new benchmarks. As it takes centre stage at AI Everything Global 2025, Pakistan is ready to showcase its dynamic tech landscape, world-class talent and vision for a digitally empowered future.
A digital nation on the rise
The Digital Nation Pakistan (DNP) Act marks a major leap forward in Pakistan’s digital transformation. Designed to foster innovation, attract investment and boost entrepreneurship, this policy strengthens digital infrastructure, enhances cybersecurity, and supports a knowledge-driven economy. With this bold initiative, Pakistan is positioning itself as a prime destination for global tech players seeking expansion and collaboration.
In parallel, the National AI Policy is in development, laying the foundation for AI-driven advancements across industries. The policy aims to establish innovation centres for AI and IoT, support local startups, and accelerate adoption through partnerships and federal funding.
Islamabad: the global capital of digital FDI
Pakistan is the first country to implement the Digital Foreign Direct Investment Initiative, launched by the World Economic Forum and the Digital Co-operation Organisation. By establishing Islamabad as the Davos of DFDI, Pakistan is pioneering a global model for digital investment, streamlining regulatory frameworks and attracting international tech giants to its shores.
AI and emerging tech
AI is at the forefront of Pakistan’s technological evolution. With strong government backing, private sector investment, and a booming startup culture, Pakistan is driving innovation in AI-powered health care, smart agriculture, and fintech solutions. The country’s AI ecosystem is rapidly expanding to create scalable, impactful technologies with global relevance.
The National Centre of Artificial Intelligence, a network of research labs across Pakistan’s leading universities, has been instrumental in advancing AI applications. NCAI has developed 221 AI products and designs, benefitting key sectors such as smart cities, precision agriculture, healthcare, media monitoring, manufacturing, and the judiciary. Notable initiatives include:
- Medical Imaging and Diagnostic Lab
- Smart City Lab
- Intelligent Transportation Lab
- Intelligent Criminology Lab
With these initiatives, Pakistan’s AI market is projected to grow at an impressive CAGR of 28.66 per cent, further solidifying its position as a regional tech leader.
A thriving startup ecosystem
With more than $800 million raised in venture capital funding in recent years, Pakistan’s startup ecosystem is flourishing. A young, tech-savvy population, combined with forward-thinking policies and increasing investor interest, has given rise to game-changing startups across AI, fintech, edtech, and e-commerce. At AI Everything Global, Pakistan will showcase these groundbreaking ventures, and invite global partners to invest in its high-potential market.
Why Pakistan? The ultimate tech destination
- Strategic location: A gateway to South Asia, the Middle East and Central Asia, offering access to diverse markets.
- World-class talent: More than 600,000 IT professionals and 75,000-plus IT graduates join the workforce annually.
- Proactive policies: Government-backed incentives, special tech zones, and investor-friendly regulations drive business growth.
- Digital infrastructure: Fast-growing broadband access, AI research hubs, and cloud computing advancements.
With progressive policies, world-class research, and a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem, Pakistan is redefining its technological landscape. From AI-driven health care innovations and smart city solutions to next-gen fintech and digital finance, the country is building a future-ready economy. As a rising hub for emerging technologies, Pakistan fosters collaboration between startups, global investors and industry leaders. With a young, tech-savvy workforce and forward-thinking regulations, the nation is primed for unprecedented growth.
At AI Everything Global 2025, the country extends an open invitation to investors, innovators, and tech leaders to be part of its extraordinary journey. Think tech, think Pakistan.
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
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Dubai works towards better air quality by 2021
Dubai is on a mission to record good air quality for 90 per cent of the year – up from 86 per cent annually today – by 2021.
The municipality plans to have seven mobile air-monitoring stations by 2020 to capture more accurate data in hourly and daily trends of pollution.
These will be on the Palm Jumeirah, Al Qusais, Muhaisnah, Rashidiyah, Al Wasl, Al Quoz and Dubai Investment Park.
“It will allow real-time responding for emergency cases,” said Khaldoon Al Daraji, first environment safety officer at the municipality.
“We’re in a good position except for the cases that are out of our hands, such as sandstorms.
“Sandstorms are our main concern because the UAE is just a receiver.
“The hotspots are Iran, Saudi Arabia and southern Iraq, but we’re working hard with the region to reduce the cycle of sandstorm generation.”
Mr Al Daraji said monitoring as it stood covered 47 per cent of Dubai.
There are 12 fixed stations in the emirate, but Dubai also receives information from monitors belonging to other entities.
“There are 25 stations in total,” Mr Al Daraji said.
“We added new technology and equipment used for the first time for the detection of heavy metals.
“A hundred parameters can be detected but we want to expand it to make sure that the data captured can allow a baseline study in some areas to ensure they are well positioned.”
The specs: 2019 Haval H6
Price, base: Dh69,900
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 197hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 315Nm @ 2,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 7.0L / 100km
THE BIO
Favourite car: Koenigsegg Agera RS or Renault Trezor concept car.
Favourite book: I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes or Red Notice by Bill Browder.
Biggest inspiration: My husband Nik. He really got me through a lot with his positivity.
Favourite holiday destination: Being at home in Australia, as I travel all over the world for work. It’s great to just hang out with my husband and family.
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
RACE CARD
6.30pm Maiden Dh165,000 (Dirt) 1,200
7.05pm Handicap Dh165,000 (D) 1,600m
7.40pm Maiden Dh165,000 (D) 1,600m
8.15pm Handicap Dh190,000 (D) 1,600m
8.50pm Handicap Dh175,000 (D) 1,400m
9.25pm Handicap Dh175,000 (D) 2,000m
The National selections:
6.30pm Underwriter
7.05pm Rayig
7.40pm Torno Subito
8.15pm Talento Puma
8.50pm Etisalat
9.25pm Gundogdu
RedCrow Intelligence Company Profile
Started: 2016
Founders: Hussein Nasser Eddin, Laila Akel, Tayeb Akel
Based: Ramallah, Palestine
Sector: Technology, Security
# of staff: 13
Investment: $745,000
Investors: Palestine’s Ibtikar Fund, Abu Dhabi’s Gothams and angel investors
Generation Start-up: Awok company profile
Started: 2013
Founder: Ulugbek Yuldashev
Sector: e-commerce
Size: 600 plus
Stage: still in talks with VCs
Principal Investors: self-financed by founder
SPECS
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The specs
Engine: 77.4kW all-wheel-drive dual motor
Power: 320bhp
Torque: 605Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh219,000
On sale: Now
Results
2pm: Maiden (TB) Dh60,000 (Dirt) 1,200m, Winner: Mouheeb, Tom Marquand (jockey), Nicholas Bachalard (trainer)
2.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh68,000 (D) 1,200m, Winner: Honourable Justice, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer
3pm: Handicap (TB) Dh84,000 (D) 1,200m, Winner: Dahawi, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi
3.30pm: Conditions (TB) Dh100,000 (D) 1,200m, Winner: Dark Silver, Fernando Jara, Ahmad bin Harmash
4pm: Maiden (TB) Dh60,000 (D) 1,600m, Winner: Dark Of Night. Antonio Fresu, Al Muhairi.
4.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh68,000 (D) 1,600m, Winner: Habah, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson
THE SPECS
Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine
Power: 420kW
Torque: 780Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh1,350,000
On sale: Available for preorder now
Despacito's dominance in numbers
Released: 2017
Peak chart position: No.1 in more than 47 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Lebanon
Views: 5.3 billion on YouTube
Sales: With 10 million downloads in the US, Despacito became the first Latin single to receive Diamond sales certification
Streams: 1.3 billion combined audio and video by the end of 2017, making it the biggest digital hit of the year.
Awards: 17, including Record of the Year at last year’s prestigious Latin Grammy Awards, as well as five Billboard Music Awards
TV: World Cup Qualifier 2018 matches will be aired on on OSN Sports HD Cricket channel
'Shakuntala Devi'
Starring: Vidya Balan, Sanya Malhotra
Director: Anu Menon
Rating: Three out of five stars
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
FIXTURES
All times UAE ( 4 GMT)
Saturday
Fiorentina v Torino (8pm)
Hellas Verona v Roma (10.45pm)
Sunday
Parma v Napoli (2.30pm)
Genoa v Crotone (5pm)
Sassuolo v Cagliari (8pm)
Juventus v Sampdoria (10.45pm)
Monday
AC Milan v Bologna (10.45om)
Playing September 30
Benevento v Inter Milan (8pm)
Udinese v Spezia (8pm)
Lazio v Atalanta (10.45pm)