A monthly report on trends relating to digital rights, policies, practices & media
Tracking: Internet and digital policies and regulations
Digitalization in governance and socio-economic domains
Digital rights violations and protections
Digital rights advocacy and defense
Digital media and online free speech
Vol. 6, No. 5 – May 2026 Edition
Produced by Freedom Network – www.fnpk.org
SECTION 1: Internet and digital policies and regulations
- Federal and provincial governments (ministries and departments)
- Internet regulators
- Media regulators
- Telecom regulators
- Internet access / connectivity
PTCL refutes reports of potential change in investment position of e& in Pakistan
Date: May 1, 2026 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: Business Recorder (BR), Source 3: Mettis Global
The Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) dismissed reports suggesting that Emirati firm e&, formerly Etisalat, was reconsidering its presence in Pakistan’s telecommunication sector, potentially leading to an exit from PTCL ownership.
Etisalat’s $800 million dues draw Senate scrutiny
Date: May 1, 2026 – Source: Express Tribune
The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology revisited the $800 million Etisalat owes Pakistan, with Senator Palwasha Khan inquiring whether the funds had been recovered. A government representative said talks remained ongoing, noting it is a privatization-related shareholder matter.
Fiber deficit is bottleneck for 5G
Date: May 3, 2026 – Source: Express Tribune
Despite Pakistan’s 5G rollout, internet speeds remain sluggish in major cities and even weaker in regions like Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Balochistan. As of June 2025, only 18 percent of the country’s 58,423 cell sites were fiberized, underscoring the scale of the connectivity gaps.
5G rollout in August, devices scarce
Date: May 7, 2026 – Source: Express Tribune
Amid limited availability of 5G handsets, telecommunication companies plan to launch commercial 5G services nationwide by mid-August, promising consumers access to high-speed internet.
PTCL warns of week-long country-wide internet disruption
Date: May 11, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Express Tribune, Source 3: Arab News
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) warned users that they may face week-long internet service disruptions due to maintenance work on one of its submarine cables, undertaken by the International Cable Consortium (ICC).
Internet slowdown linked to power outages, fiber cuts: IT minister
Date: May 15, 2026 – Source: The News
Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima informed the National Assembly that prolonged and repeated power outages across the country were among major causes of slow internet services and deterioration of telecommunication quality.
President committed to expand and improve digital services
Date: May 17, 2026 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Pakistan Today, Source 3: Daily Times
In a message on World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, President Asif Ali Zardari said the federal government, in collaboration with provincial governments, remained committed to policies that expand digital access and improve connectivity across the country.
SECTION 2: Digital rights advocacy and defense
- Pakistan-based citizens and civil society organizations
- Independent international digital rights organizations
- UN and global multilateral organizations
- Governmental and other sources
Phone costs lock 52pc of Pakistan’s population out of internet
Date: May 15, 2026 – Source: Express Tribune
Pakistan is facing a governance paradox: taxing smartphones like luxury products while simultaneously pursuing an ambitious digitalization agenda. This contradiction is widening the country’s digital divide and limiting access to education and e-commerce opportunities, according to a new policy report.
SECTION 3: Digital rights violations and protections
- Citizens and netizens – including case studies
- Media, journalists and other information practitioners
- Online free speech
- Online access to information
- Privacy violations
- Data protection
- Surveillance
- Misinformation / disinformation / fake news
- Cybercrime
Finance Minister calls for cyber resilience drive
Date: May 3, 2026 – Source: Dawn
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb urged the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and the Pakistan Banks’ Association (PBA) to review existing frameworks, identify gaps, and strengthen cyber risk management and institutional preparedness.
N-CERT warns of rise in cyberattack threats to government websites, digital platforms
Date: May 9, 2026 – Source: The News
The National Cyber Emergency Response Team (N-CERT) warned of rising enemy cyber threats against government websites and advised shifting them to a “read-only” mode for increased cybersecurity.
Date: May 12, 2026 – Source: The News
Pakistan’s digital spaces are increasingly unsafe: with 140 million users online, 20 percent of social media accounts allegedly fake, and cybercrime – from fraud to harassment – has surged, reflected in 154,000 complaints filed with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in a single year.
Cybercrime agency ordered to probe Cambridge paper leak
Date: May 15, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: The News, Source 3: Express Tribune
The federal government ordered a probe into the alleged leak of Cambridge examination papers, directing the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to investigate in coordination with Cambridge Assessment International Educational (CAIE).
Date: May 18, 2026 – Source: Dawn
Online harassment in Pakistan is often downplayed, through it thrives through coded language and hate campaigns. The Digital Rights Foundation’s (DRF) helpline handled 5,041 cases between May 2024 and December 2025, with most users reporting swift support, improved safety, and reduced risk.
PTA warns WhatsApp accounts linked to inactive SIMs could become inaccessible
Date: May 20, 2026 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Pakistan Today
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) warned that WhatsApp accounts linked to inactive or unregistered SIMs risk being blocked unless users update their details. It also imposed a nationwide ban on SIM sales between midnight and 6AM.
Online harassment: NCCIA summons actress, member of parliament
Date: May 21, 2026 – Source: Dawn
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) summoned television actress Momina Iqbal and provincial lawmaker Saqib Chadhar after her allegations of online harassment and death threats purportedly issued by the lawmaker went viral on social media.
Man held by NCCIA over online blackmail
Date: May 21, 2026 – Source: Express Tribune
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) arrested and charged a suspect accused of harassing and blackmailing a woman by recording explicit videos and uploading over 130 clips to 30 international porn websites.
Pakistan’s growing banking and cyber fraud crisis
Date: May 21, 2026 – Source: Business Recorder (BR)
FIA’s 2024 Annual Report recorded over 73,000 cybercrime complaints, yet only 1,604 cases were registered. Visa reported that half of Pakistanis faced online financial fraud the same year, while just 350 investigators handled 160,000 cases – an average workload of 6,000 complaints each.
NCCIA busts gang selling government officers’ data abroad
Date: May 23, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Express Tribune, Source 3: Business Recorder (BR)
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) busted a gang accused of selling sensitive personal data of Pakistani citizens, including government officers, to foreign entities, arresting four suspects in South Punjab.
Date: May 26, 2026 – Source: Express Tribune
Pakistan’s digital transformation is accelerating, but data protection remains overlooked. Recent revelations of networks stealing and selling citizens’ sensitive information highlight the dangers of complacency.
SECTION 4: Digitalization
- Digitalization in governance sectors / e-governance
- Digitalization in social and development sectors
- Digitalization in business and commercial sectors
Prime Minister orders making virtual assets framework functional
Date: May 2, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: The News, Source 3: Pakistan Today
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to swiftly operationalize the regulatory framework for virtual assets, aiming to strengthen Pakistan’s digital economy and boost investor confidence.
Government urged to formalize 40 million digital asset users
Date: May 3, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Pakistan Today
State Minister Bilal bin Saqib said Pakistan was advancing a regulatory framework for digital assets, aiming to bring 40 million users into the formal economy. He added that blockchain technology could enhance the efficiency of remittance inflows.
Pakistan to benefit from ADB’s $70 billion AI-based electricity trade
Date: May 4, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Pakistan Today
Pakistan’s power sector could gain relief through a $70 billion regional AI-driven energy and digital initiative unveiled by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which seeks to expand cross-border electricity trade via interconnected grids.
Date: May 4, 2026 – Source: Dawn
Pakistan can no longer postpone the challenge of AI-proofing its future. Artificial intelligence (AI) is now a necessity, not a distant aspiration. The country has launched a nationwide AI training program, pledged $1 billion by 2030, and set plans to equip a significant share of its workforce with AI skills.
Biometric cure for circular debt?
Date: May 4, 2026 – Source: Express Tribune
Biometric registration alone cannot fix Pakistan’s circular debt. With trillions locked in receivables and past short-term fixes failing, structural reform is unavoidable. However, digital registration can improve transparency, accountability, and a fairer utility sector – helping break the debt cycle.
Date: May 5, 2026 – Source: Dawn
Freelancing is fast emerging as the backbone of Pakistan’s economic growth. Policymakers must recognize its importance and extend support to ensure the sector continues driving national prosperity.
Date: May 6, 2026 – Source: Dawn
Pakistan must act now to shape its artificial intelligence (AI) future. Establish data sovereignty with clear rules on storage and use. Define liability so accountability is clear before deployment. Build public awareness to guard against misuse and ensure remedies. Nothing radical – everything foundational.
Punjab launches AI-based sanitation monitoring
Date: May 6, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Express Tribune, Source 3: Business Recorder (BR)
The Punjab government introduced an artificial intelligence (AI)-based monitoring for sanitation under the Suthra Punjab program, launching a “smart cleanliness” drive. The system will track around 40,000 vehicles and 176,000 sanitation workers.
Telecommunication operators stuck in policy deadlock
Date: May 7, 2026 – Source: Business Recorder (BR)
Pakistan’s telecommunication operators remain locked in a policy deadlock over smartphone sales on installments, stalling what industry officials call a critical step toward mass 5G adoption and broader digital inclusion.
Pakistan’s telecommunication sector seeks budget tax relief
Date: May 8, 2026 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Pakistan Today
Pakistan’s telecommunication industry proposed budget measures for fiscal year 2026-27 to lower connectivity costs, expand broadband access, and attract investment in next-generation infrastructure.
Digital payments: Need for structural reform
Date: May 10, 2026 – Source: The News
Cash will not disappear from Pakistan, nor does it need to. The goal is a “less-cash, more-trust” society, where digital money becomes the natural choice through steady structural fixes that quietly drive reform and progress.
Government plans 20,000 AI training programs
Date: May 10, 2026 – Source: Express Tribune
The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication will launch 20,000 artificial intelligence (AI) training programs for graduates, officials, professionals, teachers, and freelancers via an advanced learning management system (LMS).
AI job fears vary across regions
Date: May 10, 2026 – Source: Express Tribune
Gallup International’s End of Year Survey 2025 revealed mixed attitudes in Pakistan toward AI-driven job displacement. About 13 percent worry, while 10 percent were not concerned. Over half reported not doing paid work, underscoring broader labor market challenges, and 26 percent declined to answer.
Plans to make 5G handsets ‘affordable’ hits roadblock
Date: May 11, 2026 – Source: Dawn
A policy proposal to expand 5G handset access in Pakistan has stalled, with the federal government still awaiting operational feedback from key telecommunication stakeholders.
Roshan Digital Account inflows have doubled since July 2024: banks association
Date: May 11, 2026 – Source: Dawn
The Pakistan Banks’ Association (PBA) reported that monthly inflows under the Roshan Digital Account doubled from $161 million in July 2024 to $321 million in April 2026, highlighting stronger overseas investment and remittances.
Information technology drives 17pc surge in services exports
Date: May 12, 2026 – Source: Dawn
According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the country’s services exports rose 17 percent in the first nine months of the current fiscal year, driven mainly by higher information technology (IT) earnings.
FBR to probe civil servants’ assets through AI-powered monitoring system
Date: May 15, 2026 – Source: The News
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) will be empowered to investigate civils servants whose declared assets for three consecutive years appear beyond legitimate means, with an AI-based system flagging unusual increases in wealth or holdings for scrutiny.
Government eyes $4.5 billion IT exports
Date: May 15, 2026 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Pakistan Today, Source 3: Business Recorder
Minister for Information Technology (IT) and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima said Pakistan’s IT exports were expected to surpass $4.6 billion during the current fiscal year, adding that the government was aiming to increase them to $25 billion over the next five years.
Date: May 16, 2026 – Source: Dawn
When the National Assembly chair urged Pakistan’s public representatives to adopt the parliament’s new paperless system, many pushed back, citing “slow internet” as the main obstacle. Even after provision of e-tablets to replace paper, most legislators showed little interest in changing their habits.
State Bank expands cashless payments to cattle markets
Date: May 16, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Pakistan Today, Source 3: Arab News
The State Bank launched a nationwide “Go Cashless” campaign, promoting digital payments in 96 cattle markets with support from 22 banks offering kiosks, account openings, and QR solutions for buyers, sellers, and transporters.
NUST rector appointed national chair on AI, robotics
Date: May 16, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: The News
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) appointed National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) rector Dr Zahid Latif as national chair on artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, entrusting the university with spearheading the strategic national drive in these two transformative domains.
Center seeks provincial input on digital master plan before budget
Date: May 17, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Pakistan Today, Source 3: Business Recorder (BR)
The federal government aims to conclude provincial consultations on the National Digital Master Plan (NDMP) before the 2026-27 budget to fast-track digital governance nationwide.
Mobile phone imports surge to $1.75 billion as tax distortions fuel gray economy, reveals new report
Date: May 17, 2026 – Source: The News
A PRIME Institute report noted that Pakistan’s mobile phone imports had jumped from $500 million to $1.75 billion. It called for a flat 18 percent GST, arguing the current tiered tax – 18 percent under $500 and 25 percent above – fueled grey markets, revenue losses, and higher consumer costs.
Pakistan’s AI push needs good governance
Date: May 17, 2026 – Source: Express Tribune
Pakistan needs an indigenous artificial intelligence (AI) governance framework, drawing lessons from global models but tailored to local needs. The priority is shifting from policy talk to regulatory action by establishing a statutory AI authority. Robust data protection laws must also underpin the ecosystem.
Government eyes tokenization of bonds via blockchain
Date: May 19, 2026 – Source: Dawn
Government officials, in a meeting at the Finance Ministry, discussed linking Naya Pakistan Certificates (NPCs) and sovereign bonds to a regulated blockchain via Digitally Native Notes (DNNs) to enable swift settlement for retail investors, particularly overseas Pakistanis.
National Assembly launches AI-enabled paperless system
Date: May 20, 2026 – Source: Dawn
The National Assembly rolled out the country’s first AI-enabled parliamentary system, a major step toward a paperless and more efficient legislature. The innovation is designed to streamline proceedings, enhance transparency, and modernize governance.
Balochistan CM hails AI lab establishment for women entrepreneurs
Date: May 23, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Express Tribune
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti termed the establishment of the first artificial intelligence (AI) laboratory for women entrepreneurs in the province a “historic step” towards economic stability and women’s empowerment.
Pakistan highlights drone-blockchain convergence at drone congress
Date: May 23, 2026 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: Express Tribune
Pakistan highlighted the convergence of drone technology, blockchain and digital assets as a foundation of the next phase of industrial development, as State Minister Bilal bin Saqib addressed the 10th World Drone Congress in Shenzhen.
Domestic mobile phone production falls 35pc MoM in April
Date: May 23, 2026 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: Pakistan Today
Local mobile phone manufacturing and assembly declined in April 2026, with Pakistani companies producing 1.81 million units during the month, down 35 percent from 2.79 million units in March, according to data released by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
AI chip race, taxes hurt mobile phone output
Date: May 24, 2026 – Source: Express Tribune
Pakistan’s mobile phone industry faces mounting pressure from global AI-driven demand and domestic taxation, as rising AI chip costs and weakening consumer demand threaten the viability of a sector once celebrated as a national success story.
Date: May 25, 2026 – Source: Dawn
Pakistan’s Bakra Eid economy moves Rs600 billion in cash sales of seven million animals, yet digital payments remain under one percent. The State Bank’s “Go Cashless” campaign has grown rapidly, with transactions up eight-fold but still hindered by wallet limits and poor connectivity.
Railways launches digital transformation drive
Date: May 25, 2026 – Source: Express Tribune
Pakistan Railways is moving ahead with a technology-driven transformation under a digitization program featuring a 1,700-kilometer fiber optic network and smart railway systems aimed at modernizing operations, freight management and passenger services across the country.
Date: May 25, 2026 – Source: Express Tribune
Karachi’s fire safety record shows years of neglect. The city’s new mobile application centralizing fire safety data marks progress, as audits identify high-risk structures and issue compliance notices. It’s impact, however, hinges on sustained enforcement rather than a standalone fix.
Pakistan’s mobile phone imports surge to Rs456 billion in 10 months
Date: May 26, 2026 – Source: The News
Official documents revealed Pakistan imported mobile handsets worth Rs455.73 billion in the first 10 months of the current fiscal year, underscoring the country’s growing reliance on imported phones.
Pakistan Digital Authority member appointed
Date: May 26, 2026 – Source: The News
Following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s approval, Aamir Rana was appointed as member of the Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA). His appointment, made on a contract basis, will span five years.
Combined 37pc tax hampering mobile sector growth in Pakistan
Date: May 26, 2026 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: Pakistan Today
Consulting firm Frontier Economics reported that Pakistan imposes a combined 37 percent tax on mobile services – among the highest globally – hampering growth, market penetration, and industry revenues.
Pakistan, Alibaba sign AI and digital economy deals
Date: May 26, 2026 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: Pakistan Today
The federal government and Alibaba Group signed multiple MoUs to deepen cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, digital skills, healthcare technology, and e-commerce – part of a broader push to accelerate Pakistan’s digital transformation.
Banks need AI for faster onboarding
Date: May 26, 2026 – Source: Express Tribune
Pakistani banks must adopt artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to accelerate customer onboarding, strengthen Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance, and broaden their customer base. AI systems enhance efficiency, curb misuse and fraud, and lower operational costs.
Pakistani freelancers out-earn regional rivals
Date: May 30, 2026 – Source: Dawn
Pakistani freelancers earned over $950 million in foreign exchange during 10 months of the current fiscal year, a 49 percent rise. The Pakistan Freelancers Association (PFA) said they outperformed peers in China, India, the United Arab Emirates, and others despite global and domestic challenges.
Freelance export earnings set to hit $1 billion
Date: May 31, 2026 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: Express Tribune, Source 3: Business Recorder (BR)
According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), freelance export receipts topped $950 million in the first 10 months of the current fiscal year, bringing the country close to the $1 billion milestone. Despite challenges, Pakistan’s digital workforce managed to outperform its regional competitors.
P@SHA alleges misuse of freelancer tax system
Date: May 31, 2026 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Pakistan Today
The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) stressed the need to clearly distinguish between genuine project-based freelancers and full-time remote employees working for overseas companies, warning that blurred definitions were creating tax distortions in the digital economy.
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OBJECTIVES: This series of monthly report aims to:
- Track developments revolving around the framework of digitalization in Pakistan including policy and advocacy on digital rights, policy enforcements and digital rights violations, covering viewpoints of government, civil society, human rights community including digital rights campaigners, media, citizen journalists and other information practitioners, and regulators of electronic media, internet and telecom sectors, and netizens.
- Monitor the interface between digital rights and Pakistan’s overall legal framework and how developments around them impact freedom of expression and access to information online as well as diversity and pluralism in Pakistan’s digital landscape, cyberspace and internet domains.
- Follow developments around the themes of digital rights, freedom of expression, access to information, privacy, surveillance, data protection, access to internet services, telecom policies, etc.
INFORMATION SOURCES: This report monitors, among others, the following sources of information:
- Government: Federal and provincial cabinets
- Ministries: Related ministries, including Information and Broadcasting, Information Technology (IT) and Telecom, Human Rights, Science and Technology, Commerce and Industry, etc.
- Legislatures: Senate, National Assembly, provincial assemblies, relevant standing committees
- Regulators: Pakistan telecommunications Authority (PTA), Pakistan Electronic Media regulatory Authority (PEMRA), Press Council of Pakistan (PPC), State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), etc.
- Global organizations: UN/Unesco, International Media Support (IMS), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Amnesty International (AI), Human Rights Watch (HRW), etc.
- National organizations: Digital Rights Foundation (DRF), BoloBhi, Media Matters for Democracy (MMFD), Institute for Research, Advocacy and Development (IRADA), Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), etc.
- Media: Dawn, The News, Express Tribune, The Nation, Pakistan Today, The Friday Times, etc.
- Social Media:Facebook, Twitter, etc.
- Local networks: Journalists Safety Hubs Network, Alliance on Diversity & Pluralism in Media, etc.
- Research groups: Gallup Pakistan, IPSOS Pakistan, etc.
