Yango Signs MoU with Islamabad Capital Territory Police to Enhance Rider Safety Through Smart ICTP and Taxi Verification Integration
Yango Pakistan, part of the tech company Yango Group, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Islamabad Capital Territory Police (ICTP) to strengthen urban safety through the integration of ICTP’s public security tools into Yango’s technology ecosystem. This collaboration aims to raise public awareness and encourage the use of the Smart ICTP app and the Taxi Verification App, both developed by the ICTP, to help citizens access essential safety services. Under the agreement, Yango will feature the Smart ICTP app in its safety widget within the Yango Super App, allowing users to connect with law enforcement in real-time during urgent situations easily.
This Tiny Machine Makes Petrol Using Just Air and Water:
California-based startup Aircela has unveiled what it calls the first working machine in the US that creates petrol directly from air. The prototype, roughly the size of a large refrigerator, was publicly demonstrated on a New York City rooftop in late May.The Aircela system works by capturing carbon dioxide from the air and combining it with hydrogen obtained through electrolysis of water. The resulting mixture is then synthesized into methanol, which is chemically converted into gasoline using a process called methanol-to-gasoline (MTG).
Govt to Impose 5% Tax on Local and International Tech Companies Generating Revenues in Pakistan:
The federal government is introducing the “Digital Presence” Proceeds Levy Act, 2025, which imposes a new tax on foreign vendors like Amazon, Facebook, Google, Temu etc., and local vendors like Daraz and Pak Wheels supplying digitally ordered goods and services to consumers in Pakistan.Senior-level sources told ProPakistani that all banks, financial institutions, and payment gateways involved in making payments to foreign vendors will be required to deduct the levy at the time of outward remittance.
NCERT Issues Urgent Social Media Safety Alert: 66.9 Million Users at Risk:
The National Computer Emergency Response Team (nCERT) has released a comprehensive advisory warning users in Pakistan about the increasing risks associated with the use of social media platforms. The advisory, titled “Safe, Diligent, and Responsible Usage of Social Media”, highlights a range of online threats that are exploiting users’ trust and lack of awareness.As of January 2025, more than 66.9 million user identities, 26.4% of the national population, are active on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, and YouTube, prompting urgent national-level guidance.
Pakistanis Used 28 Billion GBs of Internet in FY2024-25:
Pakistan’s Broadband Data consumption in Pakistan’s telecom sector has reached unprecedented levels, with an estimated 27,897 petabytes used through mobile and fixed broadband services in FY 2025. This dramatic surge in data usage highlights the growing reliance on digital connectivity across all facets of Pakistani society and signals an urgent need for continued investment in broadband infrastructure. Both the government and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) have acknowledged the strategic importance of broadband connectivity in accelerating economic growth and promoting digital inclusion.
Pakistan Ranks Among Top 10 Countries for Cheapest Internet in the World:
Pakistanis are enjoying some of the world’s most affordable mobile data, with the cost of 1 GB dropping to just Rs 27.0 during the first half of FY 2025, a 65 percent decline from Rs 77.1 per GB in FY 2018, according to the Economic Survey 2024-25. This steep reduction is the result of proactive regulatory measures and a fiercely competitive broadband market, which have made Pakistan’s telecom prices among the lowest globally.At just US$0.10 per GB, Pakistan now boasts the lowest data rates in the region and the sixth-lowest worldwide.
Here’s How Much Revenue Telecom Sector Generated in FY2024-25:
Pakistan’s telecom sector generated Rs. 803 billion in revenues during the first nine months of FY2025 (July–March), while attracting $621 million in investment and contributing Rs. 271 billion to the national exchequer through taxes and duties, according to the Economic Survey 2024-25 released ahead of the federal budget. Despite economic challenges, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) continued efforts to meet growing consumer demand for reliable and accessible digital services. The sector saw steady progress in expanding nationwide connectivity, supported by updated regulatory frameworks and infrastructure development.
Here’s How Much Money Freelancers Earned in FY2024-25:
Pakistan’s growing number of freelancers contributed $400 million in foreign exchange earnings through remittances during the outgoing fiscal year, according to the Economic Survey 2024-25, unveiled by the federal government ahead of the Budget 2025-26. According to the economic survey FY2023-24, freelancers contributed $350.15 million to national exchequer. The survey highlights the expanding role of the digital and freelance economy in strengthening Pakistan’s external account, as initiatives to support tech startups, online work, and digital skills training gain momentum.
OpenAI Eyes $3B Acquisition as AI Replaces Developers:
Startups developing artificial intelligence tools for code generation are drawing unprecedented investor attention, as demand grows for technologies that simplify software development through natural language inputs. Cursor, a code-generation platform that converts plain English commands into functioning software, has reached $100 million in annual recurring revenue within two years of launch. The company, which employs only 60 people, recently secured $900 million in funding, pushing its valuation to $10 billion, Media reported.
Crypto Minister Meets the Wrong Musk to Discuss Pakistan’s Digital Asset Agenda:
The Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Crypto and Blockchain Bilal Bin Saqib met Errol Musk, father of Elon Musk, in New York this week during his visit to promote Pakistan’s digital asset agenda.Saqib posted a photo of the meeting on platform X, where Musk was quoted as saying, “The market has finally picked up. Let’s not ruin it.”Saqib is making an effort to push Pakistan’s image as a player in blockchain and financial innovation. Earlier in the week, he met over a dozen US lawmakers and officials in Washington to present Pakistan’s crypto roadmap, including the launch of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, use of stablecoins for remittances, and efforts to draft a virtual asset regulatory framework.
Faysal Digimall Eid Offer: Oppo Phones From Rs 1,837 Per Month:
Faysal Bank is offering customers a limited-time opportunity to upgrade their smartphones at a reduced cost. Through Faysal Digimall, customers can avail discounts of up to PKR 13,000 on selected OPPO devices, with the additional benefit of 0% profit for three months on installment plans. The offer, valid until June 30, 2025, features significant markdowns on three popular OPPO smartphone models: the Reno13 5G, the A79 5G, and the A38. These devices come with various installment options, allowing customers to select a payment plan that fits their budget.
PTA Raids Shop Selling Cloned Mobile Phone Devices in Faisalabad:
In a significant move to combat illegal IMEI tampering and mobile device cloning, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Zonal Office Faisalabad, in collaboration with NCCIA Faisalabad, conducted a successful raid on a mobile shop located in the D-Ground Dragon Mall mobile market.The raid led to the confiscation of two cloned handsets. The shop owner, found engaged in the illegal sale of cloned devices, was taken into custody by NCCIA. Further investigation is underway to recover any additional illegal inventory.
Xbox handheld console finally revealed after a decade of speculation:
Microsoft has finally revealed its highly-anticipated handheld console, years after it was first rumoured. The ROG Xbox Ally will let gamers access their Game Pass subscription library on-the-go, in effect meaning members will start off with hundreds of games. It is being made in partnership with Asus, which has been making handheld gaming devices since 2023, and will be released at the end of 2025 – though it is unknown what it will cost. Speculation over Microsoft making a handheld Xbox has been widespread for more than a decade, with the company starting and scrapping various efforts over the years.
Teachers can use AI to save time on marking, new guidance says:
Teachers in England can use artificial intelligence (AI) to speed up marking and write letters home to parents, new government guidance says. Training materials being distributed to schools, first seen exclusively by the Media, say teachers can use the technology to “help automate routine tasks” and focus instead on “quality face-to-face time”. Teachers should be transparent about their use of AI and always check its results, the Department for Education (DfE) said. The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) said it could “free up time for face-to-face teaching” but there were still “big issues” to be resolved.
Can Gaelic football finally have its video game hit?:
It was 20 years ago that video-gaming Irish sports fans had their prayers answered. Fifa, Pro Evolution Soccer, Madden NFL – back in 2005, these were the sports games dominating living rooms. Indeed, some still are today, helping to make the sports video game industry a £17bn-per-year behemoth. But while most sports, from snooker to bizarre basketball superstar kung-fu tie-ins, had a title to offer, fans of Ireland’s national sports – Gaelic football and hurling – had never seen their heroes in pixelated glory. That is until Gaelic Games: Football dropped in November 2005.The highly anticipated release, which saw eager gamers queued outside one store in Belfast, became one of Sony’s biggest selling games in Ireland.And, as was the pre-peak online gaming style at the time, those who wanted to beat their mates had to invite them over and gather around a defiantly non-flat screen TV.
Millions more to get test results via NHS app, government says:
The NHS app will become the default method of communication for millions more patients in England and save the health service £200m over the next three years, the government has said. More test results, screening invitations and appointment reminders will be sent directly to smartphones as part of a £50m investment in the app, in a move away from traditional communication methods such as letters. It is estimated that at least 50 million letters are sent to patients each year. The Department of Health and Social Care said that people who cannot access app messaging – including elderly patients – will receive text messages and then a letter as a last resort, and NHS phone lines would be freed up.
Resident Evil, Game of Thrones and the Wu-Tang Clan: Five things from Summer Game Fest:
So gaming’s biggest weekend for new announcements is here, with dozens of titles being shown off for the first time. Summer Game Fest kicked off the annual preview marathon in the US last night as some of the industry’s major studios tried to grab attention with new reveals and glossy trailers. Like previous years, some of the biggest stars from film and music were there to add some stardust too. It’s all as lots of firms are cutting jobs, with people spending less on new games and instead playing long-running titles like Fortnite, Grand Theft Auto and Minecraft. That means they need to work a lot harder to convince you to splash your cash on new games.
Island DJ climbing UK charts with remix made for his mum:
A song remixed for his mum’s birthday could see a DJ from the Isle of Lewis land himself at the top of the UK charts. Levi Heron, 29, from Stornoway, added his own touch to a song, The Glen by the Scottish band Beluga Lagoon, which his mother Shona wanted him to perform for her birthday. The remix has now earned him a recording contract with Sony Records and is climbing the UK top 40. Levi calls his style of ‘Cèil-tech’ a combination of Ceilidh and Techno music and has gained fans across the globe.
On board the driverless lorries hoping to transform China’s transport industry:
They rumble down the highway between Beijing and Tianjin port: big lorries, loaded up and fully able to navigate themselves.
Sure, there is a safety driver in the seat, as per government regulations, but these lorries don’t require them, and many analysts say it won’t take long before they are gone. When “safety driver” Huo Kangtian, 32, first takes his hands off the wheel, and lets the lorry drive itself, it is somehow impressive and disconcerting in equal measures. For the initial stages of the journey, he is in full control. Then – at a certain point – he hits a few buttons, and the powerful, heavy machine is driving itself, moving at speed along a public road to Tianjin. “Of course, I felt a bit scared the first time I drove an autonomous truck,” says Mr Huo. “But, after spending a lot of time observing and testing these machines, I think they are actually pretty good and safe.”
States of Guernsey appoints new IT provider:
The States of Guernsey has appointed a new provider of day-to-day IT support. The government said C5 Alliance would begin its initial two-year contract on 1 August and there would be an option to extend it for a further two years. The termination of the States’ contract with IT provider Agilisys is set to take effect by midnight on 31 July. The States said the budget for the provision of the IT helpdesk for staff was about £750,000 per year.This is the first agreement in the government’s new multi-vendor model for IT services which the States said would improve accountability and the reliability of services for islanders.
Medicines watchdog to open ‘digital hub’ in city:
The UK’s drug safety watchdog is to open a new “digital hub” in West Yorkshire. The site, to be located in Leeds city centre, would focus on digital delivery, software development and data science, according to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The MHRA regulates new medicines, healthcare products and healthcare technologies for patients to use. Lawrence Tallon, MHRA chief executive, said opening the new site in the city was aimed at “strengthening our ability to collaborate with partners across the north of England”.There had been a “huge growth” in healthcare technologies driven by changes in software and AI which were going to revolutionise the way the NHS worked, and the new Leeds hub would help regulate those technologies, Mr Tallon said.
Adidas says customer data stolen in cyber attack:
Adidas has disclosed it’s been hit by a cyber attack in which customers’ personal information has been stolen. The sportswear giant said criminals had obtained “certain consumer data” which “mainly consists” of the contact information of people who had been in touch with its help desk. Adidas said passwords and credit card and other payment data were not compromised. “We remain fully committed to protecting the privacy and security of our consumers, and sincerely regret any inconvenience or concern caused by this incident,” it said in a post on its website.” Adidas customers will understandably be worried that their personal data has fallen into the hands of hackers who might try to exploit it, so it is vital that Adidas provides clear and timely updates to affected shoppers and supports them in taking steps to protect themselves,” said Lisa Barber, from consumer group Which? She advised people who might be affected to keep a close eye on bank accounts and credit reports for suspicious activity. She added they should also be wary of unexpected phone calls, emails or social media messages purporting to relate to the hack as these could be from scammers trying to take further advantage of the cyber attack It comes as retailers including Marks & Spencer and Co-op have been targeted in major cyber attacks.