Pakistan's healthtech industry is entering a new phase after Zong launched a new product, executives and investors told WritePures this week.
Universities are responding too. COMSATS has added new courses in mobile payments, and enrolment in computer science programmes rose 30% this year.
Government officials welcomed the development. A spokesperson for the Ministry of IT and Telecom said the initiative "aligns with the national digital agenda" and promised faster approvals for similar projects.
The bigger picture
Industry observers say the timing is significant. Pakistan's e-commerce sector grew 27% last year, according to the Special Technology Zones Authority, even as venture funding across South Asia slowed sharply.
"We are not chasing valuations any more. We are chasing profitability, and that is a healthier place to be."
Zainab Qureshi, research director at SadaPay
For consumers, the immediate impact is likely to be modest. Prices are expected to stay flat until at least June, and the new features will roll out gradually across the country.
What users should expect
The service will initially be available in Multan, Sialkot and Islamabad, with a nationwide launch planned for later in 2026.
Key points
- Roughly 20 jobs expected over the next two years
- Partnership with GIKI to train local engineers
- Pricing to remain unchanged until at least July
- Competitors including Zong are expected to respond within months
Employees will be offered training through a partnership with Aga Khan University, the company said, with a focus on cloud engineering, data analysis and product management.
The broader picture is one of steady growth. Internet penetration now exceeds 12% of the population, and mobile broadband subscriptions have more than doubled since 2021.
Reporting by the WritePures newsroom. Have a tip? Contact our editors.
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