Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to expedite work on establishing Asan Khidmat Centers in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir.
Chairing a review meeting of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom, the prime minister said Pakistan’s youth have great potential in IT and it should be fully utilized.
He also said that the promotion of information technology and increase in IT exports are among the government’s top priorities. He directed officials to work with provincial governments to launch the Asan Khidmat facility in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir.
The prime minister said digital services should be expanded to improve public access and support citizens.
Internet connections rise across Pakistan
The meeting was briefed on steps taken to promote IT across the country. Officials said home internet connections stood at 1.9 million in 2024 and have now increased to 5.10 million.
The meeting was also told that Pakistan is expected to export IT services worth $4.5 billion to $4.6 billion this year.
Officials briefed the meeting that the auction of 5G services in 2016 was the world’s largest auction at the time. The auction generated $509 million in revenue for Pakistan.
The meeting reviewed progress on telecom development and digital infrastructure.
Indus AI Week promoted artificial intelligence
The meeting was informed that Indus AI Week was celebrated in February to promote artificial intelligence in Pakistan. Events were held in 30 cities across the country.
More than 100 international delegates participated in the activities.
Officials said fiber connectivity has been provided to government schools and health units in Islamabad. The work to provide free internet hotspots in Islamabad is in its final stage.
E-learning pods are also being installed in Saidpur Model Village and Fatima Jinnah Park.
Federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Azam Nazir Tarar, Ahad Cheema and Shaza Fatima attended the meeting. Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani and relevant senior government officers were also present.
