1. PTA to Enforce Data Localization and Stricter Cybersecurity for Telecos
The PTA has finalised draft regulations titled CTDISR-2025, requiring telecom firms to localize data, maintain disaster-recovery and business continuity plans, adopt a Zero Trust security model, appoint CISOs and steering committees, and report serious cyber incidents within 24 hours. The regulations align with international standards and aim to replace the 2020 framework.
2. ChatGPT to Run on Amazon Web Services Following Nearly $40 Billion Deal
An agreement has been reported whereby ChatGPT’s parent company will host its services on AWS infrastructure, leveraging large-scale compute resources and Nvidia GB200/GB300 GPU clusters. The full deployment is expected by end-2026 with further expansion in 2027.
3. Here’s How You Can Cancel a Wrong Traffic Challan From Home
The Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) has launched an online portal allowing motorists to request cancellation of erroneous or duplicate traffic challans from home. Users must enter vehicle registration and CNIC, select “Review”, and explain the error. A mobile app also supports this process.
4. Apple’s Glorified “AI Siri” May Just Be Google’s Gemini in the Background
Reports claim that Apple Inc. is working behind the scenes with Google Gemini to power the next-generation Siri. Apple reportedly conducted internal tests comparing models (including Anthropic’s Claude and Gemini) and chose Gemini for financial reasons; users would still see “Siri”, not Gemini branding.
5. You Can Get Nothing Phone (3a) Pro for Rs. 8,400/Month With a Free Smartwatch
In a new offer, Jazz postpaid customers can acquire the Nothing Phone 3a Pro (12 GB + 256 GB variant) by paying an upfront Rs 94,000 followed by 12 monthly instalments of Rs 8,400. The bundle includes a free CMF Watch Pro smartwatch. Total cost: ~Rs 194,800. The device supports 5G and features a transparent design, Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, 50 MP + 50 MP + 8 MP rear cameras.
6. Pakistan “Launches” Its First Google Chromebook Assembly Line
The government announced the launch of Pakistan’s first local assembly line for Google Chromebooks at the NRTC facility in Haripur. The initiative, described by Deputy PM & FM Ishaq Dar as a “momentous occasion”, aims to make Chromebooks more affordable for students, boost local manufacturing, create jobs, strengthen supply chains, and lay the foundation for exports.
