ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Tuesday stated that the government has significantly accelerated its digital transformation agenda through strategic policy reforms, the expansion of fibre infrastructure, and enhanced spectrum management. Speaking at the GSMA Digital Nation Pakistan event, the minister expressed confidence that these concerted efforts would strengthen nationwide connectivity, attract vital foreign investment, and contribute billions of dollars to the national economy in the coming years. The event highlighted the government’s ongoing policy-driven approach to economic stability.

Government Commitment to Digital Governance

The minister noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has long prioritized technological advancement, citing his tenure as Chief Minister of Punjab where he pioneered e-facilitation centres, e-libraries, and public Wi-Fi hotspots. According to Shaza Fatima, this legacy of technology-driven governance continues to shape current national strategy. Following her assumption of office, digital transformation and improved connectivity were identified as primary government mandates. The Prime Minister has provided direct support to the national fibreisation programme and necessary spectrum reforms, including the landing of new submarine fibre-optic cables to bolster international links.

Spectrum Auction and 5G Readiness

Shaza Fatima highlighted that the recent spectrum auction generated $509 million in revenue and secured 480 MHz of spectrum, marking a significant milestone for the country. She emphasized that the rollout of these services has enabled the introduction of 5G technology in Pakistan. This achievement resulted from a ‘whole-of-government’ approach involving the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), regulatory bodies, and high-level stakeholders, including Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. Furthermore, the government’s flagship Digital Economy Enhancement Programme, supported by the World Bank, is expected to yield long-term dividends for the national economic framework.

Bridging the Gender and Rural Digital Divide

Addressing the issue of digital inclusion, the minister cited the GSMA Gender Gap Report, which shows that Pakistan has achieved rapid progress in reducing the mobile internet gender gap. The disparity dropped from 38 per cent in 2024 to 8 per cent in 2026. To further this goal, the government, in collaboration with telecom partners, has distributed 10 million free SIMs and digital wallets to women. Additionally, projects implemented by the Universal Service Fund (USF) have extended connectivity to underserved rural populations.

National Collaboration and Strategic Planning

Emphasizing the necessity of coordinated efforts, Shaza Fatima urged provincial governments to align their digital strategies with federal initiatives to avoid resource duplication. She acknowledged the support provided by provinces, noting their progress in adopting artificial intelligence and digital services. As the global telecom sector is projected to reach $11 trillion by 2030, the minister stressed that Pakistan must ensure regulatory consistency and legal certainty to maintain investor trust. Pakistan remains a prime market for digital expansion, boasting over 240 million people with a median age of 22 years.

Infrastructure Challenges and Future Outlook

The minister candidly discussed current connectivity bottlenecks, noting that while broadband demand has surged by 70 per cent over the last five years, the country had faced limited spectrum availability since the introduction of 3G and 4G services. Furthermore, she addressed the need for enhanced fibre-to-the-home connectivity, confirming that the federal government has abolished right-of-way fees for fibre deployment. Similar cooperation from provincial governments has been instrumental in removing barriers to critical infrastructure investment, as the administration works to raise tower fibreisation rates from the current 20 per cent.