Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif engaged in a pivotal meeting with a four-member delegation from the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA), led by Julian Gorman, Head of GSMA Asia Pacific. The meeting, which took place during the Digital National Summit held in Islamabad, centered on the future of telecommunications and information technology in the country.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Sharif expressed strong approval for the Digital National Summit, praising it as a crucial step toward advancing digitalization in Pakistan. He emphasized the pivotal role that GSMA plays in promoting digital initiatives globally and underlined the government’s commitment to implementing reforms and strategies aimed at enhancing the IT and telecommunications sectors.
Improved Internet Access: Ensuring that internet access is more widely available to the general public is a top priority. The goal is to bridge the digital divide and make high-speed internet accessible to underserved regions. Enhancement of Digital Infrastructure: Upgrading the digital infrastructure is essential for supporting the growth of the technology sector. This includes investing in modern technologies and improving network capabilities. E-Governance: Promoting e-governance initiatives to streamline government processes and make public services more efficient and accessible through digital platforms. Professional Training: Providing professional training in digital skills for the youth to prepare them for the evolving job market and to foster innovation within the sector. Promotion of Innovation and Business: Encouraging innovation and supporting business growth within the IT sector to drive economic development and create new opportunities.
Prime Minister Sharif highlighted the federal government’s commitment to the IT and telecommunications sectors by allocating a historic development budget for the current fiscal year. This funding aims to boost the growth of the sector and increase national IT exports. The Prime Minister’s vision is clear: “Our goal is to ensure that every individual has access to a smartphone, every home is equipped with broadband internet, and every business can utilize QR code facilities.”
The GSMA delegation, led by Julian Gorman, provided a comprehensive briefing on their global role in advancing telecommunications services. They discussed their ongoing efforts to support the telecom sector in Pakistan and expressed a keen interest in furthering cooperation with the Government of Pakistan.
The GSMA delegation’s visit underscores the importance of international partnerships in achieving Pakistan’s digital goals. The collaboration aims to enhance the country’s technological capabilities and promote sustainable growth in the telecom sector.
Minister of State for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima: Played a crucial role in discussions related to IT policies and initiatives. Chairman of Pakistan Telecommunications Authority Major General (retired) Hafeez Rehman: Provided insights into the regulatory framework and the current state of the telecommunications industry. Other Senior Government Officials: Contributed to the dialogue on implementing digital reforms and strategies.
The Prime Minister’s engagement with the GSMA delegation highlights the government’s proactive approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities in the digital sector. By focusing on these key areas, Pakistan aims to create a robust digital ecosystem that supports economic growth, enhances public services, and improves overall quality of life for its citizens.
The discussions also reflect a broader commitment to embracing digital transformation as a driver of progress. With a clear vision and substantial investment, Pakistan is positioning itself to become a leader in the digital domain, leveraging international expertise and collaboration to achieve its ambitious goals.
