Pakistan targets major boost in IT exports, digital expansion: PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday that Pakistan was aiming for a significant increase in IT exports and faster digital expansion as official data showed strong growth in internet connectivity and progress on the rollout of 5G services.

Chairing a review meeting on the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, the prime minister said promoting the IT sector and increasing exports were among the government’s top priorities.

He stressed the importance of utilising the potential of the country’s youth to strengthen the digital economy.

The meeting was informed that Pakistan’s IT exports were projected to reach between $4.5 billion and $4.6 billion during the current fiscal year.

Officials said internet connections across the country had increased sharply from 1.9 million in 2024 to 5.1 million in 2026.

Participants were also briefed on developments in the telecom sector, including a 5G spectrum auction described as the largest globally since 2016, which generated $509 million in revenue.

The government is additionally expanding digital infrastructure projects, including plans to establish “Easy Service Centres” in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, while similar facilities are also being extended in collaboration with provincial governments.

To reduce the digital divide between urban and rural areas, officials informed the meeting that efforts were underway to improve coordination with provincial and district administrations.

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The meeting was also told that artificial intelligence-related initiatives were being expanded nationwide.

Officials highlighted the “Indus AI Week” organised in February 2025 across 30 cities, which attracted more than 100 international delegates and featured 88 exhibition pavilions.

Other projects discussed during the meeting included fibre connectivity for government schools and health units in Islamabad, as well as the final-stage deployment of free public internet hotspots in the federal capital.

The meeting was attended by senior cabinet members, including Shaza Fatima Khawaja and other key economic officials.