https://twitter.com/home https://www.facebook.com/Shabbir.Hussain191By Shabbir Hussain
ISLAMABAD, May 17 (Alliance News): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan is rapidly moving toward a comprehensive digital revolution, with the government taking major steps under the “Digital Nation Pakistan” vision to modernize the country’s technological infrastructure and digital economy.
In his message on the occasion of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, the prime minister paid tribute to experts, institutions, development partners and international supporters associated with Pakistan’s telecommunications and information technology sectors.
Referring to this year’s global theme, “Digital Lifelines: Promoting Resilience and Sustainability in a Connected World,” Shehbaz Sharif said the concept strongly aligns with Pakistan’s national vision for digital transformation and sustainable technological development.
The prime minister highlighted the government’s initiatives in artificial intelligence, telecommunications and digital connectivity, stating that the recently introduced National AI Policy 2025 represents a major breakthrough in the country’s technology sector.
He further said that Pakistan’s recent transparent 5G spectrum auction marked an important milestone toward achieving the goals of Digital Pakistan.
According to Shehbaz Sharif, the process received international recognition, with the GSMA describing Pakistan’s model as an example worthy of emulation by emerging economies.
The prime minister stated that Pakistan’s cellular spectrum capacity has increased significantly from 274 MHz to 754 MHz as part of efforts to improve connectivity and digital services nationwide.
He added that the government remains fully committed to the accelerated rollout of 5G technology, implementation of a national fiberization policy and promotion of local manufacturing of digital devices and communication equipment.
Highlighting the expansion of Pakistan’s digital infrastructure, Shehbaz Sharif said the country now possesses more than 234,000 kilometers of fiber optic backbone network, six advanced submarine communication cables, approximately 58,000 cellular towers and over 20 modern data centers.
He noted that these facilities are currently serving around 205 million users across Pakistan and contributing to improved digital access and connectivity.
The prime minister said Pakistan is steadily emerging as a regional digital hub connecting South Asia and Central Asia, while progress is also being made on the CAREC Digital Corridor project aimed at enhancing regional digital integration and connectivity.
Discussing economic achievements in the technology sector, Shehbaz Sharif stated that Pakistan’s IT exports have reached $3.8 billion, reflecting the growing contribution of the digital economy to national development.
He also highlighted several youth-focused initiatives, including DigiSkills, National Incubation Centers and the Semiconductor Human Resource Development Program, which are helping prepare young Pakistanis for emerging technological industries and modern digital careers.
According to the prime minister, Pakistan has also achieved Tier-1 “Role Model” status in the International Telecommunication Union and United Nations Cybersecurity Index, describing it as important global recognition of the country’s progress in digital governance and cybersecurity.
Shehbaz Sharif praised the contributions of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, cellular companies and all institutions associated with the telecommunications sector.
He expressed confidence that through collective efforts and continued technological advancement, Pakistan can become a digitally empowered, connected and economically prosperous nation.
Experts say Pakistan’s growing investment in digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity reflects increasing efforts to position the country as a competitive technology and innovation hub in the region.
Analysts believe successful implementation of digital reforms and 5G expansion could significantly improve economic growth, governance efficiency and employment opportunities for Pakistan’s youth population.
