Intel reported record quarterly earnings on Wednesday, the latest sign that global technology companies are paying closer attention to South Asian markets.
The company said the initiative would create roughly 25 jobs over the next two years, most of them in Lahore and Peshawar. It did not disclose the size of the investment, but people familiar with the plans put the figure at between $25 million and $400 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 view from investors
The numbers tell part of the story. Freelancers in Pakistan brought in $200 million in Q4 2025, and the country remains one of the largest suppliers of online talent in the world.
"Our customers told us they wanted something simple, local and in their own language. That is what we shipped."
Danish Ali, spokesperson at Foodpanda Pakistan
The challenge now is execution. Previous attempts to build large-scale technology infrastructure in the country have stalled because of financing gaps and bureaucratic delays.
Key takeaways
The service will initially be available in Multan, Sialkot and Islamabad, with a nationwide launch planned for later in 2028.
Key points
- Roughly 50 jobs expected over the next two years
- New features will support Urdu alongside English
- Partnership with NUST to train local engineers
- Regulatory approval from NADRA still pending
Government officials welcomed the development. A spokesperson for the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority said the initiative "aligns with the national digital agenda" and promised faster approvals for similar projects.
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.
Reporting by the WritePures newsroom. Have a tip? Contact our editors.
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