World Telecommunication and Information Society Day – May 17, 2025

Today, as we celebrate World Telecommunication Day, we reaffirm the transformative role of the telecom sector in Pakistan’s socio-economic growth. Digital connectivity and infrastructure is the backbone of our digital future, driving GDP growth, creating jobs, and connecting millions to opportunities. Imagine a Pakistan where connectivity isn't a privilege, but a necessity. That’s the powerful vision driving the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication — a vision fully aligned with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s commitment to a digitally inclusive and progressive Pakistan, where every citizen, regardless of location, has access to the opportunities of the digital age. Studies show this sector can contribute $30 billion to our economy in five years, uplift exports by 10%, and generate 3.1–13.2% more jobs through faster connectivity. With 70% of Pakistan’s population under 30, our youth are not just beneficiaries but architects of this digital revolution.
With 250 million citizens, telecom sector supports 2 million jobs, 75,000 IT engineers, and has contributed PKR 1.7 trillion in the national exchequer with more than 100% increase in 4G subscriber base. We are not just building towers and laying optic fiber cables — we are igniting opportunity, reaching deep into the heart of our nation. With 16 new upcoming projects in Universal Service Fund (USF), we’re taking a major leap forward to connect every Pakistani, touching over 880 mauzas (population clusters) and deploying more than 1,700 kilometers of vital optical fiber. 
I feel humbly proud to share few great achievements over the past year
Pakistan's telecom sector has witnessed remarkable achievements. Pakistan has reached a significant landmark in its telecommunications sector by crossing the 200 million mobile subscription mark, marking a major advancement in the country’s digital journey. Broadband subscribers surged to 142.3 million, recording an 11.52% increase, while telecom revenues grew by 16.89% to PKR 955 billion. Our data usage expanded by 24.25%, reflecting a digitally empowered population. We successfully connected 14.8% of cell sites with fiber and achieved a 47.46% increase in local mobile manufacturing. Pakistan also enhanced international connectivity with high-capacity submarine cables, ensuring faster and more reliable internet.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and in line with his Digital Nation Pakistan Vision that prioritizes inclusivity and equitable digital access, Pakistan has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in bridging the digital gender divide, that have now been recognized globally in the newly launched GSMA Mobile Gender Gap Report 2025.
According to the report, approximately 8 million women in Pakistan gained access to mobile internet in 2024, contributing to a significant narrowing of the mobile internet gender gap from 38% to 25% — the first notable reduction since 2021. Women’s mobile internet usage increased from 33% in 2023 to 45% in 2024 — a 12 percentage point rise, the highest among all countries surveyed. The surge was led by rural women, showcasing the impact of targeted outreach and inclusion programs.
 
In total, around 13 million Pakistanis (8 million women and 5 million men) started using mobile internet in 2024, reflecting the success of the government's digital empowerment strategy.We introduced policies like the National Space Policy, harmonized Right of Way (RoW) charges, and expanded Universal Service Fund (USF) projects to connect 1.2 million underserved citizens in remote areas.
Our vision is clear: by 2027, we aim for 10 million fiber broadband connections, 900 MHz of mobile spectrum, and internet speeds of 100 Mbps across the country. These targets align with our mission of creating a digitally connected Pakistan.
I call upon the private sector, global organizations like the ITU, GSMA, and the Asia Pacific Telecommunity, and our public sector entities to join hands in transforming Pakistan into a digital nation. Together, we will build a connected, prosperous, and innovative future for all.
The $5.7 trillion global mobile economy is a testament to what connectivity can achieve. Let us harness this potential to empower our youth, uplift SMEs, and build a Pakistan where innovation thrives.  
Together, we rise. Together, we connect. Together, we digitize !