Shehbaz Sharif on Monday chaired a review meeting on the performance of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, where officials informed him that domestic internet connections in Pakistan had increased sharply from 1.9 million in 2024 to 5.10 million this year.
During the meeting, officials also said the country’s IT exports are expected to reach $4.6 billion during the current fiscal year.
Government prioritizing IT sector growth
The prime minister said promoting the IT sector and increasing technology-related exports remained among the government’s top priorities.
He emphasized that Pakistan’s youth possessed significant potential in the information technology field and that the government was committed to fully utilizing this talent.
Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to accelerate the establishment of Asaan Khidmat Centers in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
He also instructed officials to coordinate with provincial governments to launch the facilities across the country.
Focus on reducing digital divide
The prime minister stressed the importance of cooperation with provincial and district administrations to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas.
Officials briefed the meeting on several initiatives aimed at expanding digital access and improving technology infrastructure across Pakistan.
Pakistan holds major 5G auction
During the briefing, officials informed the meeting that Pakistan recently conducted a 5G spectrum auction described as the world’s largest such auction since 2016.
The auction reportedly generated $509 million in revenue for the country.
Authorities also highlighted the organization of “Indus AI Week” in February 2025 to promote Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies.
The event featured activities in 30 cities, participation from more than 100 international delegates and 88 exhibition pavilions.
Internet and e-learning projects underway
The meeting was informed that fiber internet connectivity has already been provided to government schools and health units in Islamabad.
Officials added that the installation of free internet hotspots in the capital city was in its final stages.
The government is also setting up e-learning pods in Saidpur Model Village and Fatima Jinnah Park to improve digital learning opportunities.
The meeting was attended by federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Ahad Khan Cheema, Shaza Fatima Khawaja and Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani along with senior government officials.