Federal Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima on Wednesday said that new regional regulations must be established to ensure that digital transformation becomes a driver of strength, inclusion, and sustainable economic growth across South Asia.

Addressing the inaugural meeting of the South Asia Telecommunication Regulators Council (SATRC) in Islamabad, the minister said that Pakistan’s telecom sector is developing rapidly, with major advancements on the horizon.

“Very soon, 5G services and satellite internet will be available in Pakistan,” she announced.

IT contributes Rs1.5tr to national economy

Highlighting Pakistan’s growing digital economy, Shaza Fatima said the IT sector’s contribution to the national exchequer has now reached Rs1.5 trillion.

She added that the volume of e-commerce in Pakistan has surged to $7.7 billion, and is expected to exceed $10 billion next year. “Our exports have increased by 20% in the last three years,” she said, attributing the growth to the government’s digital initiatives.

Spectrum auction to enhance 3G, 4G, 5G services

The minister announced that the government will soon auction more than 600 megahertz (MHz) of spectrum, a move aimed at improving existing 3G and 4G services while introducing 5G technology across the country.

She added that satellite communication regulations are in the final stages of approval, which will enable internet connectivity in remote and underserved areas of Pakistan through satellite technology.

“Our goal is to make digital transformation a source of empowerment and sustainable growth for the entire region,” she emphasized.

Strengthening digital infrastructure and connectivity

Shaza Fatima revealed that the government is working to launch a national data exchange layer in collaboration with NADRA, enhancing data integration across public institutions.

“The prime minister holds fortnightly meetings on the transition to a cashless economy,” she noted, underscoring the government’s commitment to digital finance and transparency.

The minister also announced that all federal departments have abolished right-of-way charges for the fiberization process, and most provincial governments have issued notifications to remove such fees as well. “Only one or two provinces remain, and they will issue notifications soon,” she added.

Work on the National Fiberization Policy has also begun, aimed at expanding high-speed connectivity nationwide.

Stronger telecom cooperation in South Asia

Shaza Fatima said that Pakistan is eager to strengthen cooperation with South Asian countries in telecommunications and technology regulation to create a “secure, interconnected, and equitable digital South Asia.”

“We must establish regulations that make digital transformation a source of strength, inclusion, and prosperity for all,” she said. “Let us build a continent where technology serves and uplifts everyone equally.”

She added that the Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) framework is currently in the final stages of approval, which will further open up the telecom sector for private and international players.