Connect with us

Latest News

Is Starlink finally arriving in Pakistan? Here is the most recent update.

Published

on

Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication, announced that Pakistan is negotiating with Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet startup, to launch its services in the country.

The announcement was made during a Senate Standing Committee hearing on IT and Telecommunication, presided over by Senator Palwasha Khan.

Khawaja informed the committee of the government’s initiatives to enhance Pakistan’s digital infrastructure, including intentions to sell the 5G spectrum in April 2024.

“We are negotiating with Starlink to introduce their services in Pakistan,” she stated, highlighting the initiative as a remedy for ongoing internet access challenges, especially in underprivileged and distant regions.

The statement occurs as Pakistan contends with extensive internet interruptions, which have profoundly impacted users across the nation, including freelancers, students, and enterprises. Industry players have indicated losses up to billions of rupees, urging prompt measures to stabilize the digital environment.

Obstacles in the Information Technology sector

The minister recognized multiple obstacles hindering the nation’s digital advancement, such as insufficient investment in the IT sector over the last three years and increasing pressures on internet infrastructure. Officials identified technical difficulties, including inadequate firewall management and increasing data use, as major factors in the poor speeds and disruptions.

Simultaneously, Sajjad Syed, the Chairman of the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), emphasized the essential importance of dependable internet for the IT sector, which he observed is expanding at an annual rate of 30%. Syed advocated for a cooperative strategy between the government and the private sector to tackle these difficulties.

Concerns around VPN licenses and data security

The Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Major General (retd) Hafeezur Rehman, informed the committee about the implementation of a VPN license scheme commencing on January 1, 2024. The project seeks to mitigate data security issues associated with unregulated services while facilitating seamless operations for enterprises dependent on virtual private networks.

Senator Afanullah Khan emphasized the technological challenges of establishing such systems, urging for enhanced regulatory clarity to alleviate their effects on internet users and businesses.

The minister said that the government will conduct the 5G spectrum auction in April 2024, representing a crucial advancement in digital transformation. Industry experts have endorsed the announcement but warned that fundamental issues, such as reliable internet connection, must be resolved first.

Concentrate on Starlink

Starlink, recognized for its satellite-based technology, guarantees expedited and more dependable internet services. If implemented in Pakistan, it might be revolutionary for distant regions with little connectivity. Nonetheless, its success will hinge on surmounting regulatory and logistical obstacles.

The government’s continuous discussions with Starlink signify a comprehensive initiative to establish a resilient digital environment that can sustain the nation’s expanding IT sector.

Khawaja emphasized that dependable internet is essential for Pakistan’s digital future, reaffirming the government’s dedication to overcoming these difficulties and promoting a healthy IT ecosystem.

Latest News

Parliament, not the courts, should discuss the problem of electronic voting: Mandokhel, Justice

Published

on

By

The constitutional bench rejected a petition about the electronic voting system at a Supreme Court hearing, stating that it was ineffectual.

The technique was employed in the 2018 by-elections, according to the Director-General (Law) of the Election Commission, and a report had been sent to Parliament.

Insisting that the Senate Committee take up the issue, Justice Jamal Mandokhel underlined that such issues ought to be discussed in Parliament.

The necessity for correction was emphasized as he questioned why the hearing went on even after the case was over.

Continue Reading

Latest News

Punjab starts a youth skills program to help people find work in the Gulf markets.

Published

on

By

CM’s Skilled Punjab Program-International Placement is a ground-breaking program that the Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) has developed with the goal of providing Pakistani youth with access to the world.

By giving young Pakistanis the skills they need to succeed overseas, the program will improve both their prospects and the country’s economy.

Their crucial influence in the country’s economy is demonstrated by the fact that remittances accounted for a substantial 21% of Pakistan’s GDP in 2021 (Source: Asian Development Bank).

Given this, PSDF has determined that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and Saudi Arabia in particular, is a crucial market for Punjab’s young people. PSDF will support this ambition by offering skill development that is in line with the unique requirements of the global labor market.

Ten thousand young people in GCC markets will receive demand-driven skill training and be placed in foreign jobs during the program’s first phase. The initiative will also address the rising demand for skilled workers worldwide in industries including retail, construction, healthcare, and hospitality. In addition to promoting remittance inflows, this two-year scheme will aid in Pakistan’s overall economic expansion.

During the meeting, Chairperson of the CM Task Force on Skills Development, Adnan Afzal Chattha, stated, “We have carefully identified specific trades in which Punjab’s youth will be trained to enhance their chances for international placement. This program is intended to give learners thorough instruction in a variety of fields, greatly increasing their chances of landing a job abroad.

Additionally, by facilitating the sharing of best practices and technological know-how, this enhanced engagement will improve information flow and promote international innovation.

In addition to giving young people financial security, the initiative seeks to improve resource allocation and lessen the nation’s fiscal burden. Increasing the number of qualified professionals working overseas can also benefit Pakistan by generating remittances that can boost the country’s economy.

“This initiative can enhance Pakistan’s international standing as a provider of highly qualified talent, thereby drawing additional international cooperation and investment,” stated Ahmed Khan, CEO of PSDF.

Continue Reading

Latest News

The Silk Road Culture Centre ushers in a new era of cross-cultural interaction.

Published

on

By

According to Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal, the Belt and Road Initiative is reimagining the historic Silk Road, which was a 7,000-kilometer trading corridor.

Speaking during the Silk Road Cultural Center’s opening ceremony in Islamabad, Ahsen Iqbal underlined the center’s critical role in bridging people and cultures throughout the region.

Additionally, he emphasized the value of the creative industries as an essential part of cultural and economic advancement, pointing out that such endeavors improve Pakistan’s standing internationally.

The Silk Road Culture Centre officially opened in a grand event attended by diplomats, ambassadors, and cultural enthusiasts from across Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

The Silk Road Culture Centre marks a new chapter in cultural exchange.

Continue Reading

Trending