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The Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA) has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Zurich-based DFINITY Foundation today. This strategic partnership aims to establish a “Pakistan Subnet” on the Internet Computer Platform (ICP), effectively giving Pakistan its own sovereign, tamper-proof cloud infrastructure.
PDA x DFINITY: Sovereign Infrastructure for Pakistan
The core of this agreement focuses on data sovereignty. By utilising DFINITY’s Internet Computer, Pakistan will host sensitive data, national-scale applications, and AI systems strictly within the country. This ensures that the nation’s digital assets operate independently of foreign cloud providers and intelligence agencies.
According to the official release, the collaboration will also birth a national messenger application. This app promises private, verifiable communications for the country.
1,500 Licenses to Boost Digital Capacity
A major component of this deal involves “Caffeine”, DFINITY’s AI-incubated platform. To kickstart adoption, DFINITY is issuing 1,500 licenses for the platform.
Per the agreement terms:
- 1,000 licenses are allocated specifically for the Government of Pakistan to modernise public institutions.
- 500 licenses are dedicated to the startup ecosystem, fueling innovation among local entrepreneurs.
Local Presence & Leadership
DFINITY is not just sending software… they are establishing a physical local presence in Pakistan to ensure long-term technical engagement. Dr Sohail Munir, Chairperson of the PDA, stated:
This partnership marks an important step in Pakistan’s digital evolution.
He emphasised that this move strengthens national resilience and creates opportunities for public institutions and students alike.
Dominic Williams, Founder and Chief Scientist at DFINITY, echoed this sentiment. Williams noted:
Pakistan is taking a forward-looking approach.
The country is laying the groundwork for software and AI applications that are secure, verifiable, and built to serve national priorities.
