Islamabad, November 5, 2025 — Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja announced that Pakistan’s telecom and digital sectors have achieved remarkable growth, positioning the country among Asia’s fastest-emerging digital economies. Speaking at the 26th South Asian Telecommunication Regulators’ Council (SATRC-26) meeting, the minister highlighted key progress under the Digital Nation Pakistan agenda.
Pakistan now boasts over 200 million mobile subscribers and 150 million broadband users, reflecting one of the fastest data adoption rates in the region. Data usage has surged by 70% in five years, while annual telecom revenues have grown 17%, contributing Rs. 1.5 trillion to the national exchequer. The minister also revealed that Pakistan’s e-commerce market has reached $7.7 billion, projected to exceed $10 billion next year, with ICT exports rising nearly 20% annually.
Under its digital governance drive, 98% of federal offices now operate on e-office systems, and over 50 public services are available online—a figure expected to reach 150 by mid-2026. The RAAST digital payment system and the upcoming National Data Exchange Layer—developed with NADRA—will form the Pakistan Stack, enabling secure data sharing and lifelong digital services for citizens.
Shaza Fatima emphasized that Pakistan’s transformation focuses on digital inclusion, governance, and innovation, supported by the Digital Nation Pakistan Act and Right-of-Way reforms that eliminated all fiber deployment fees nationwide. She confirmed that the 5G Spectrum Policy is in its final stage, paving the way for the auction of over 600 MHz spectrum to enhance 4G and prepare for 5G.
Other major initiatives include frameworks for Mobile Virtual Network Operators, infrastructure sharing, and satellite internet, as well as the Smartphones for All Policy to improve affordability. Google’s recent Chromebook assembly in Pakistan and annual laptop distributions for students underscore the country’s growing digital manufacturing ecosystem.
The minister called for greater South Asian collaboration in technology, connectivity, and investment under APT and SATRC, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to building a connected, secure, and inclusive digital future for the region.
“Digital transformation is about trust, inclusion, and opportunity,” Shaza Fatima said. “Our mission is to ensure every citizen benefits from modern technology, and that Pakistan leads in shaping a connected and prosperous South Asia.”
