Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stated that the promotion of the information technology sector and the increase in IT-related exports remain among the government’s highest priorities. He made these remarks while chairing a high-level review meeting on the affairs of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication.
During the meeting, the prime minister emphasized that Pakistan’s youth possess tremendous talent and potential in the field of information technology, and the country must fully utilize these capabilities to strengthen the national economy and improve digital innovation. He stressed that expanding the IT industry could create significant employment opportunities and help Pakistan compete in the global digital market.
The prime minister directed authorities to accelerate work on establishing “Asaan Khidmat Centers” in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He also instructed officials to coordinate with provincial governments to expand these digital service facilities to other provinces across the country.
According to the prime minister, cooperation between federal, provincial, and district-level governments is essential for reducing the digital divide between urban and rural areas. He highlighted the importance of ensuring equal access to IT services, internet connectivity, and digital opportunities for citizens living in remote and underdeveloped regions.
During the briefing, officials presented updates regarding ongoing initiatives aimed at promoting the IT sector nationwide. It was revealed that the number of household internet connections across Pakistan increased significantly from 1.9 million in 2024 to 5.10 million in 2026, reflecting rapid growth in digital access and connectivity.
Officials also informed the meeting that Pakistan is expected to achieve IT exports worth between 4.5 and 4.6 billion US dollars during the current fiscal year. The projected increase in exports demonstrates the growing contribution of the technology sector to the country’s economy and foreign exchange earnings.
The meeting was further informed about the recent auction for 5G services in Pakistan, which was described as the world’s largest auction of its kind since 2016. According to officials, the auction generated approximately 509 million US dollars in revenue for the country. The introduction of 5G technology is expected to improve internet speed, digital infrastructure, and technological innovation across multiple industries.
The government also highlighted efforts to promote artificial intelligence (AI) in Pakistan. Officials stated that the “Indus AI Week” was organized in February 2025 to encourage innovation and collaboration in the field of AI. Events were reportedly held in 30 cities across the country, while more than 100 international delegates participated in the initiative.
According to the briefing, 88 pavilions were established during Indus AI Week, showcasing technological advancements, startups, digital projects, and emerging innovations in artificial intelligence and related technologies. The event was considered an important step toward positioning Pakistan as a growing participant in the global AI ecosystem.
Officials further informed the meeting that government schools and health units in Islamabad have already been provided with fiber-optic connectivity to improve digital learning and healthcare services. Authorities stated that these initiatives aim to modernize public services through better internet access and digital infrastructure.
The meeting was also told that the project to provide free internet hotspots in Islamabad has entered its final phase. In addition, e-learning pods are being installed at Saidpur Model Village and Fatima Jinnah Park to support online education and digital learning opportunities for students and citizens.
Several senior government officials attended the meeting, including Ahsan Iqbal, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Ahsan Iqbal, Ahad Khan Cheema, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, and Bilal Azhar Kayani, along with senior government officials from relevant departments.
The government’s renewed focus on digital transformation, internet expansion, artificial intelligence, and IT exports reflects Pakistan’s broader strategy to strengthen its technology sector and create new economic opportunities in the digital age.
