Free internet hotspot rollout in Islamabad in final stages, PM told

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday chaired a high-level review meeting on the performance and future plans of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s digital economy and boosting IT exports.

Addressing the meeting, the prime minister said the development of the country’s IT sector remains one of the government’s foremost priorities, adding that Pakistan’s youth possess immense talent and potential in the field of technology. He stressed the need to create more opportunities for young people and fully utilise their capabilities to accelerate economic growth and innovation.

The premier directed authorities to expedite work on the establishment of Easy Service Centres in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He also instructed officials to work closely with provincial governments to launch similar facilities across the country, particularly in underserved areas, to narrow the digital divide between urban and rural communities.

During the briefing, officials informed the prime minister that the number of internet connections in Pakistan had increased significantly from 1.9 million in 2024 to 5.10 million in 2026, reflecting rapid growth in digital access nationwide. The meeting was also told that Pakistan’s IT exports are expected to reach between $4.5 billion and $4.6 billion during the current fiscal year.

Officials further briefed the meeting on Pakistan’s recent 5G spectrum auction, describing it as the largest such auction held globally since 2016. According to the briefing, the auction generated approximately $509 million in revenue for the country.

The meeting also reviewed progress on initiatives aimed at promoting artificial intelligence and digital innovation. Participants were informed that the Indus AI Week, organised in February 2025, featured events in 30 cities, attracted more than 100 international delegates and included 88 exhibition pavilions showcasing technological advancements.

In addition, officials said fiber-optic connectivity has been extended to government schools and healthcare units in Islamabad, while the rollout of free public internet hotspots in the capital is nearing completion. E-learning pods are also being installed in Saidpur Model Village and Fatima Jinnah Park to improve digital learning opportunities for students and residents.

The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, along with senior government officials.