Pakistan has achieved significant progress in its telecom and digital sectors, emerging as one of Asia’s fastest-growing digital economies, said Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja at the 26th South Asian Telecommunication Regulators’ Council (SATRC-26) meeting.
She outlined milestones under the Digital Nation Pakistan agenda — including over 200 million mobile subscribers and 150 million broadband users — with data usage up 70% in five years. Telecom revenues now grow 17% annually, contributing Rs. 1.5 trillion to the exchequer. Meanwhile, e-commerce has reached $7.7 billion, projected to surpass $10 billion in 2026, and ICT exports are expanding by nearly 20% each year.
The minister highlighted progress in digital governance, with 98% of federal offices using e-office systems and more than 50 online citizen services, expected to triple by year-end. Launching in December, the National Data Exchange Layer and Pakistan Stack will enable secure data sharing, digital IDs, and lifelong digital services.
Under the Connect 2030 Vision, Pakistan aims to raise average internet speeds to 100 Mbps, expand fiber coverage, release 1,000 MHz of new spectrum, and roll out 5G nationwide — initiatives expected to unlock billions in economic value.
Shaza emphasized digital inclusion, transparency, and efficiency as the foundation of Pakistan’s transformation. Initiatives such as Smartphones for All, student laptop distribution, and Google’s local Chromebook assembly aim to enhance affordability and domestic production. She also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional collaboration through the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity and SATRC for a digitally resilient South Asia.
