Govt reiterates commitment to expanding digital access

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has said the federal government, working with provincial administrations, remains committed to policies aimed at widening digital access and improving connectivity across Pakistan.

In his message on World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, the president extended greetings to the country’s telecommunications community and others involved in strengthening digital infrastructure.

"I extend my greetings to Pakistan's telecommunications community and all those working to strengthen the country's digital infrastructure," he said.

He said this year’s theme, Digital Lifelines: Strengthening Resilience in a Connected World, underscored the increasing importance of dependable and accessible connectivity in daily life. According to the president, digital networks now underpin education, healthcare, commerce, banking and public services, while for many people — particularly those in remote and underserved areas — connectivity has become central to access to information and opportunity.

President Zardari said the telecommunications sector continued to play an important role in national development. He stated that during FY 2024-25, the sector drew $838 million in investment and generated revenues of Rs1,075 billion.

He added that Pakistan currently has more than 205 million telecom subscribers and over 161 million broadband users. He said these services are backed by a growing fibre optic network, submarine cable systems and mobile coverage across the country.

"Pakistan's telecommunications sector continues to contribute significantly to national development. During FY 2024-25, the sector attracted $838 million in investment and generated revenues of Rs1,075 billion. Pakistan today 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.

The president also referred to Pakistan’s IMT/5G Spectrum Auction, saying its completion in March 2026 represented an important development for the country’s digital future. He said the auction brought in USD 509.6 million for the national treasury and increased spectrum availability for mobile operators, laying the groundwork for faster and more reliable next-generation services.

He further said that through the Universal Service Fund, broadband and voice services had reached millions of people in areas that were previously unserved. He added that work was also continuing on fibre deployment, encouraging investment and finalising satellite communications regulations for remote regions.

President Zardari praised the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, cellular mobile operators and other stakeholders for their role in strengthening the country’s digital ecosystem.

He said reliable and affordable connectivity would remain vital for economic growth, public service delivery and broader access to opportunity for people across Pakistan.