ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said on Wednesday that Pakistan\u2019s telecom and digital sectors had shown impressive growth in recent years, making the country one of Asia\u2019s fastest-emerging digital economies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking at the 26th Meeting of the South Asian Telecommunication Regulators\u2019 Council (SATRC-26), she said Pakistan had achieved key milestones under its Digital Nation Pakistan agenda. \u201cWe now have over 200 million mobile subscribers and 150 million broadband users, showing one of the fastest data adoption rates in Asia,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The minister said that data usage in Pakistan had increased by 70% in the past five years, while telecom revenues grew 17% annually, contributing Rs. 1.5 trillion to the national exchequer. \u201cThese figures reflect the strength and resilience of our telecom sector,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Highlighting the expanding digital economy, she said e-commerce in Pakistan had reached $7.7 billion and was expected to exceed $10 billion next year. ICT exports are also rising by nearly 20% each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She said Pakistan had made notable progress toward digital governance, with 98% of federal government offices now using e-office systems, making governance largely paperless. Over 50 citizen services were currently available online, and the number would rise to 150 by the end of the financial year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shaza Fatima said the State Bank of Pakistan\u2019s RAAST system had built a strong digital payment infrastructure, and the National Data Exchange Layer\u2014developed with NADRA\u2019s support\u2014would launch in December. \u201cThis will form the Pakistan Stack, allowing secure data sharing between the public and private sectors and providing citizens with digital identities and lifelong digital services,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She said the country\u2019s progress showed its strong policies and commitment to building an inclusive, secure, and innovative digital ecosystem that supports growth and trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The minister recalled that soon after taking office, the government launched the Digital Nation Pakistan Plan, a roadmap for digital transformation and inclusion. \u201cEarlier this year, we passed the Digital Nation Pakistan Act, which provides a complete framework for our digital journey,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pakistan\u2019s transformation, she said, focuses on three areas \u2014 society, government, and economy. \u201cDigital has become a part of everyday life, from meeting basic needs to ensuring national security,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Under the Connect 2030 Vision, Pakistan aims to increase nationwide internet speed to 100 Mbps, expand fiber connectivity, free up 1,000 MHz of spectrum, and align its 5G rollout with global standards. \u201cThese steps could bring billions of dollars in economic benefits over the next four years,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shaza said the government\u2019s main goal was to ensure digital inclusion so every citizen could benefit from modern technology, regardless of location. \u201cDigital transformation is about improving people\u2019s lives through better governance, economy, and public services,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFor us, it\u2019s not just about technology\u2014it\u2019s about trust,\u201d she added. \u201cOnly when citizens trust digital systems can we ensure cybersecurity and provide high-quality services.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She said inclusion, transparency, and efficiency were the key pillars of a digital society. \u201cGoing digital ensures no one is left behind, builds trust between government and citizens, and improves governance,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The minister said that under the Prime Minister\u2019s leadership, the government was pushing toward a cashless economy. \u201cThe Prime Minister personally chairs meetings to reduce cash usage and promote digital payments,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She mentioned major policy steps such as the Digital Nation Pakistan Act and Right-of-Way reforms, which removed all fees on fiber deployment nationwide. \u201cWith one directive from the Prime Minister, Pakistan became a Right-of-Way charge-free country,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She said the 5G Spectrum Policy was in its final stage and would soon lead to the auction of over 600 MHz spectrum to enhance 3G and 4G services and prepare for 5G.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She added that frameworks for Mobile Virtual Network Operators and infrastructure sharing had been approved, while satellite internet regulations were nearing completion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To make digital access affordable, the government was finalizing a Smartphones for All Policy to make devices more accessible. She said 100,000 laptops were distributed to students each year, and that Google had started assembling Chromebooks in Pakistan \u2014 a move expected to boost local manufacturing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shaza called for stronger regional cooperation in South Asia, saying the region\u2019s strength lay in its people. \u201cSouth Asia has a huge population, and our policies should align for inclusive regional growth,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She urged regional collaboration in technology, governance, and investment. \u201cAPT and SATRC have played a vital role in ensuring our policies remain coordinated,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Welcoming the delegates to Pakistan, she reaffirmed the country\u2019s commitment to building a connected, secure, and inclusive South Asian region \u201cwhere technology serves people and promotes shared prosperity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She said the conference would review the progress of the SATRC Action Plan 9 and define priorities for Plan 10, focusing on spectrum harmonisation, cross-border digital links, data governance, cybersecurity, universal connectivity, and innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She praised the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) and its Secretary General, Dr. Masanori Kondo, for promoting regional cooperation, and assured that Pakistan would continue supporting APT\u2019s vision for a connected and sustainable Asia-Pacific.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPakistan is ready to work closely with regional partners to build a resilient and digitally connected future,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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