Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Monday that Pakistan is aiming for a significant increase in IT exports alongside accelerated digital growth, following official data that revealed a strong rise in internet connectivity and advancements in 5G deployment.
During a review meeting of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, Sharif emphasized that boosting the IT sector and expanding exports remain top government priorities. He underscored the importance of leveraging the country’s youthful population to achieve these goals.
It was shared that IT exports are expected to reach between $4.5 billion and $4.6 billion in the current fiscal year. Meanwhile, internet connections have surged dramatically, growing from 1.9 million in 2024 to an anticipated 5.1 million by 2026.
Officials also updated the prime minister on recent telecom sector developments, including a 5G spectrum auction described as the largest globally since 2016, which generated $509 million in revenue.
In a significant development, the government is expanding digital infrastructure projects, such as establishing “Easy Service Centres” in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, with plans to extend similar services in collaboration with provincial authorities.
Efforts to reduce the digital divide between urban and rural regions are ongoing, with enhanced coordination between provincial and district administrations to improve connectivity and access.
Artificial intelligence initiatives are also being scaled up. Notably, the “Indus AI Week” held in February 2025 across 30 cities attracted over 100 international delegates and featured 88 exhibition pavilions, highlighting Pakistan’s growing focus on AI technology.
Additional measures include providing fiber optic connectivity to government schools and health units in Islamabad, while free public internet hotspots in the capital are nearing completion.
The meeting was attended by senior cabinet members, including Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja and other key economic officials, reflecting the government’s commitment to advancing the country’s digital and IT sectors.
