Pakistan’s digital transformation is set to bring a massive economic impact — an estimated $20 billion over the next four years — as the government accelerates reforms and infrastructure expansion in the telecom and information technology (IT) sectors.
Speaking at the 26th South Asian Telecommunication Regulators’ Council (SATRC) meeting in Islamabad, Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja reaffirmed commitment of Pakistan to building a robust digital ecosystem that promotes national growth, regional integration, and sustainable innovation.
She noted that Pakistan’s journey toward a “Digital Nation” aligns with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision of inclusive growth through technology. The country, she said, is focusing on broadband expansion, digital inclusion, and regulatory modernization to ensure every citizen has access to fast and reliable connectivity.
Digital Nation Bill and Vision 2030 Initiatives
Highlighting recent progress, the minister shared that the Digital Nation Bill, passed in January 2025, has laid the groundwork for a new era of digital governance under Vision 2030.
Key initiatives include:
• Allocating 1000 MHz of spectrum for improved mobile connectivity.
• Launching a National Data Exchange Layer with NADRA to enhance data integration.
• Moving toward a cashless economy, directly monitored by the Prime Minister.
• Implementing the National Fiberization Policy to extend fiber-optic coverage nationwide.
• Eliminating Right of Way (RoW) charges across federal and provincial departments to accelerate telecom deployment.
These reforms are already paying off — Pakistan now has over 200 million mobile subscribers, while the telecom sector is playing a part and contribute Rs 1.3 trillion annually to the national exchequer.
Boosting Exports and Regional Collaboration
Pakistan’s IT exports have shown a massive hike by an impressive 20% annually for three consecutive years, supported by spectrum reforms, a planned 600 MHz spectrum auction, and the upcoming Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) framework.
At the event, PTA Chairman Hafeez ur Rehman kept on focusing that consumer protection, fair competition, and quality of service are still considered to be the top priorities of the authority. He underscored the need for regional collaboration to drive
- Digital innovation
- Cross-border data governance
- Secure digital economy in South Asia.