Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level review meeting on Sunday to assess the rapid Pakistan IT Sector Growth, as officials highlighted major improvements in broadband expansion, IT exports, digital infrastructure, and technology development across the country.
During the meeting held in Islamabad, the prime minister emphasized that the promotion of the IT and telecom sector remains one of the government’s top economic priorities. He stated that Pakistan’s youth possess enormous potential in information technology and innovation, urging authorities to fully utilize their capabilities for economic development and digital transformation.
Officials informed the meeting that home internet connections in Pakistan increased significantly from 1.9 million in 2024 to approximately 5.1 million in 2026, reflecting the country’s growing digital adoption and broadband penetration.
The government was also briefed that Pakistan’s IT exports are expected to reach between $4.5 billion and $4.6 billion during the current fiscal year, continuing the strong upward trend of one of Pakistan’s fastest-growing export sectors.
Authorities further highlighted Pakistan’s recent 5G spectrum auction, describing it as the largest such auction globally since 2016. According to the briefing, the auction generated nearly $509 million in revenue for the national treasury while laying the foundation for faster next-generation internet services and digital infrastructure modernization.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed officials to accelerate the establishment of “Asaan Khidmat” facilitation centers in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir while coordinating with provincial governments to expand similar digital service centers nationwide. He stressed the importance of reducing the digital divide between urban and rural regions through improved connectivity and digital access.
The meeting also reviewed Pakistan’s recent artificial intelligence initiatives. Officials stated that “Indus AI Week 2026” featured activities in 30 cities with participation from over 100 international delegates and the establishment of 88 innovation pavilions focused on AI and emerging technologies.
Authorities further revealed that fiber internet connectivity has already been provided to government schools and health units in Islamabad, while work on free public Wi-Fi hotspots in the federal capital is nearing completion. E-learning pods are also being installed at Saidpur Model Village and Fatima Jinnah Park to improve digital education access.
The review meeting was attended by senior cabinet members including Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, and other senior officials involved in Pakistan’s digital transformation agenda.
Analysts believe Pakistan’s expanding broadband infrastructure, increasing IT exports, and growing investment in digital services are strengthening the country’s position as an emerging technology and freelancing hub in South Asia. The government’s broader “Uraan Pakistan” economic strategy also places strong emphasis on digital transformation, technology exports, and innovation-led growth.
