Pakistan’s telecom and digital sectors have recorded remarkable growth in recent years, positioning the country as one of Asia’s fastest-emerging digital economies, said Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja.
Speaking at the 26th South Asian Telecommunication Regulators’ Council (SATRC-26) meeting, the minister highlighted milestones achieved under the Digital Nation Pakistan agenda, including over 200 million mobile subscribers and 150 million broadband users, reflecting rapid data adoption.
She noted a 70% rise in data usage over five years, with telecom revenues growing 17% annually, contributing Rs. 1.5 trillion to the national exchequer. E-commerce has reached $7.7 billion, projected to exceed $10 billion next year, while ICT exports continue to grow nearly 20% annually.
The minister also emphasized digital governance progress, with 98% of federal offices adopting e-office systems and over 50 online citizen services, expected to increase to 150 by the financial year-end. Pakistan’s National Data Exchange Layer and Pakistan Stack, launching in December, will enable secure data sharing, digital identities, and lifelong digital services for citizens.
Under the Connect 2030 Vision, Pakistan plans to increase internet speed to 100 Mbps, expand fiber networks, free up 1,000 MHz of spectrum, and roll out 5G in alignment with global standards, potentially generating billions in economic benefits.
Shaza stressed digital inclusion, trust, transparency, and efficiency as the pillars of Pakistan’s digital society, and highlighted the government’s push toward a cashless economy, supported by Right-of-Way reforms, 5G Spectrum Policy, and satellite internet regulations.
Affordability measures include the Smartphones for All Policy and annual distribution of 100,000 laptops to students, alongside Google’s local assembly of Chromebooks, expected to boost domestic manufacturing.
The minister also called for regional cooperation in South Asia, emphasizing technology, governance, and investment alignment. She praised the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) and SATRC for facilitating coordinated digital policies and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a connected, inclusive, and digitally resilient South Asia.
Related stories:
Pakistan, China explore digital technology cooperation
Google Launches Chromebook Assembly Line in Pakistan
