ISLAMABAD

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said expanding Pakistan’s information technology sector and boosting IT exports remain among the government’s top economic priorities, as officials projected the country’s tech exports could reach up to $4.6 billion this fiscal year.

Chairing a high-level review meeting on the performance of the Ministry of IT and Telecom, the prime minister said Pakistan’s youth possess “immense potential” in technology and innovation that must be fully utilized to strengthen the digital economy.

Officials briefing the meeting said household internet connections across Pakistan surged from 1.9 million in 2024 to 5.1 million in 2026, reflecting rapid digital adoption nationwide.

The meeting was also informed that Pakistan recently completed what officials described as the world’s largest 5G spectrum auction since 2016, generating $509 million in revenue for the country.

Prime Minister Shehbaz directed authorities to accelerate work on establishing “Asaan Khidmat” digital service centers in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, while also urging provincial governments to collaborate on expanding the initiative nationwide.

He further stressed the need to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural regions through coordinated efforts at provincial and district levels.

The government also highlighted its recent push toward artificial intelligence development, noting that “Indus AI Week” held in February 2026 featured events in 30 cities with participation from more than 100 international delegates and the formation of 88 AI-related collaborations.

Officials said fiber connectivity has now been provided to public schools and health units across Islamabad, while the capital’s free public Wi-Fi hotspot project is nearing completion.

Authorities are additionally installing e-learning pods at Saidpur Model Village and Fatima Jinnah Park as part of broader digital literacy and connectivity initiatives.