Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja has described Zong’s newly inaugurated state-of-the-art data centre in Islamabad as a significant milestone in Pakistan’s digital transformation journey. The inauguration was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of IT and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, who were briefed on the facility’s capabilities and its role in strengthening national digital infrastructure.
The minister highlighted major progress in telecom regulation, noting improvements in tackling illegal SIMs, customer service, and complaint resolution. She also pointed to advancements in data protection and cybersecurity, including the introduction of cyber audits, SIM re-verification systems, and an eco-cyber framework.
Shaza Fatima praised Zong’s contributions under its Connect 2030 roadmap, stating that Pakistan has added three new submarine cables in the past year and removed right-of-way charges to accelerate fibre optic expansion. She noted that 98% of Pakistan’s population now uses wireless internet and confirmed that preparations for launching 5G services are underway. Satellite internet services, she added, are also in development.
The minister underscored China’s role in strengthening Pakistan’s economy through CPEC, highlighting $60 billion in investments that revitalised national infrastructure. She said the second phase of CPEC, focused on a digital corridor, is now beginning, with China Mobile and Zong playing a key role in enhancing optical fibre connectivity between Pakistan and China.
She also described Zong’s AI-driven cloud infrastructure as a critical step toward data localisation and digital sovereignty, adding that AI-based cloud services are expected to become available by mid-next year. Additionally, she welcomed a blockchain-based agreement with the Higher Education Commission for degree verification, calling it a major convenience for graduates if implemented at scale.
The minister concluded by reaffirming strong government support for the telecom sector, backed by the prime minister and the Special Investment Facilitation Council, and reiterated Pakistan’s long-term vision to improve connectivity, operationalise the Digital Silk Route, and eventually roll out Smart Cities across the country.
