Expanding digital connectivity: President, PM reaffirm their commitment

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding digital connectivity and accelerating Pakistan’s technological transformation, as the country marked World Telecommunication and Information Society Day.

In separate messages issued on the occasion, the two leaders highlighted the role of digital infrastructure in economic growth, public services and access to opportunity, while pointing to recent progress in 5G spectrum allocation, broadband expansion and information technology exports. President Zardari said the federal government, in coordination with provincial governments, remained committed to policies aimed at improving digital access across the country. “This year’s theme, ‘Digital Lifelines: Strengthening Resilience in a Connected World’, reflects the growing importance of reliable and accessible connectivity in everyday life.”

He noted that Pakistan’s telecommunications sector attracted USD 838 million in investment and generated revenue of Rs1.075 trillion during the 2024-25 fiscal year. Pakistan now has more than 205 million telecom subscribers and over 161 million broadband users, supported by an expanding fibre-optic network, submarine cable systems and nationwide mobile coverage, he added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026