Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Government officials and international telecom executives have pledged closer collaboration to unlock Pakistan’s digital potential, vowing to address policy gaps, infrastructure shortages, and investment barriers.
The commitment came during the GSMA Mobile Summit in Islamabad, which brought together policymakers, global industry leaders, and local telecom stakeholders. The event, organised by the GSMA in partnership with Pakistan’s Ministry of IT and Telecom, aimed to map a joint strategy for expanding mobile broadband, enhancing connectivity, and driving inclusive digital growth.
GSMA Head of Asia Pacific Julian Gorman said Pakistan’s young population and rising data usage make it one of the most promising digital markets in the region. “With the right reforms and infrastructure, Pakistan can leapfrog into a leading digital economy,” he remarked.
Officials from the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) and leading telecom operators called for affordable smartphone access, reduced tax burdens, and wider availability of spectrum to enable faster rollout of 4G and 5G services.
Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani assured that the government is prioritising digital reforms, including the complete digitisation of government payments within the next 18 months. PTA Chairman Maj. Gen. (retd) Hafeez Ur Rehman said recent measures such as the removal of Right of Way charges for fibre optic networks are part of an ongoing plan to boost internet penetration.
Participants agreed that sustained public-private cooperation will be critical to bridging the digital divide, attracting foreign investment, and positioning Pakistan as a competitive player in the global tech landscape.
