Pakistan Rapidly Moving Towards a Digital Economy; Historic Progress in IT Exports and Connectivity – Federal Minister for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja.

During a Ministerial Round Table event held in Islamabad, discussions focused on telecommunications, internet provision, and ensuring the highest quality of networks and services. The event was attended by the Federal Minister for IT, international delegates, provincial IT ministers, corporate CEOs, the Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and other key dignitaries.
?At the event, the world’s largest international organization of telecom networks, the GSMA, presented its comprehensive and key report titled "Digital Pakistan 2030." The report was jointly launched by Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific at GSMA, and Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, during the "GSMA Digital Nation Pakistan" ceremony.

?Addressing the gathering, Federal Minister for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja stated that the IT sector is playing a crucial and pivotal role in the national economy, as clearly evidenced by the rapid growth in IT exports. She highlighted that connectivity is being expanded across the country, with the number of internet users steadily rising. Reassuring the Prime Minister of Pakistan's commitment, she emphasized that the government's primary goal is to provide the best and most advanced digital infrastructure nationwide.

?The Minister further shared that over the past five years, internet usage in Pakistan has grown at an extraordinary rate. She pointed out that while 2 million users were connected to fiberization in 2024, that figure has now grown fivefold. Progress is actively underway for the launch of 5G services to deliver ultra-fast internet across the country, and all provinces are working together seamlessly to fulfill the shared vision of a Digital Pakistan.

Highlighting key aspects of the report, Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific at GSMA, remarked that Pakistan has established a highly robust foundation for digital transformation and is rapidly progressing toward a thriving digital economy. He praised the country’s spectrum policy reforms, noting that these measures have created an even more favorable environment for sustainable investment.
?The GSMA report revealed that the role of technology in digital governance and national competitiveness has strengthened significantly in Pakistan. According to the report, mobile internet adoption among women increased from 45% to 53% between 2024 and 2025, while the gender gap in mobile internet usage dropped substantially from 25% down to just 8%.

Looking ahead to 2030, the report identifies five key priorities for building reliable digital infrastructure, driving inclusive economic growth, and securing sustainable investment. It stresses the importance of strengthening collaboration among the government, the industry, and international development partners