Regulators weigh new rules for AI as the State Bank of Pakistan launches consultation

Executives say the move will accelerate growth, but analysts warn that regulation and infrastructure remain the biggest hurdles.

RAWALPINDI - TPL Trakker said on Monday that it signed a partnership with a global technology firm, a move analysts say could reshape the country's cybersecurity sector.

The company said the initiative would create roughly 25 jobs over the next two years, most of them in Multan and Lahore. It did not disclose the size of the investment, but people familiar with the plans put the figure at between $25 million and $900 million.

Security experts have urged users to enable two-factor authentication and to update their apps promptly, noting that attackers increasingly target mobile-first markets.

The regulatory angle

Still, questions remain about long-term sustainability. Margins in the software exports business are thin, and customer acquisition costs have risen sharply since 2019.

"The infrastructure gap is real, but it is closing faster than most people realise."
Rabia Ahmed, policy adviser at Daraz

Not everyone is convinced. Critics point to a shortage of skilled engineers, unreliable power supply and a tax regime that changes almost every budget cycle as reasons for caution.

Winners and losers

The broader picture is one of steady growth. Internet penetration now exceeds 42% of the population, and mobile broadband subscriptions have more than doubled since 2022.

Key points

Competitors including Easypaisa are expected to respond within months
Regulatory approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan still pending
New features will support Urdu alongside English
Funding round values the company at about $25 million

Employees will be offered training through a partnership with NED University, the company said, with a focus on cloud engineering, data analysis and product management.

Industry observers say the timing is significant. Pakistan's gaming sector grew 27% last year, according to the Federal Board of Revenue, even as venture funding across South Asia slowed sharply.

Reporting by the WritePures newsroom. Have a tip? Contact our editors.