Pakistan sees surge in internet users, eyes $4.6bn IT exports

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday that Pakistan is targeting a sharp rise in IT exports and faster digital expansion as official data showed strong growth in internet connectivity and progress on 5G rollout.

Chairing a review meeting on the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, Sharif said that promoting the IT sector and increasing exports were among the government’s top priorities, stressing the need to tap into the country’s youth potential.

The meeting was told that IT exports are projected to reach between 4.5 billion and 4.6 billion US dollars in the current fiscal year, while internet connections in the country have surged from 1.9 million in 2024 to 5.1 million in 2026.

Officials also briefed the prime minister on recent developments in the telecom sector, including a 5G spectrum auction described as the largest of its kind globally since 2016, generating 509 million US dollars in revenue.

اسلام آباد : 11 مئی، 2026

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف نے وزارت انفارمیشن ٹیکنالوجی و ٹیلی کام کے امور پر جائزہ اجلاس کی صدارت کی.

اجلاس سے گفتگو کرتے ہوئے وزیرِ اعظم نے کہا کہ ملک میں آئی ٹی کے شعبے کا فروغ اور آئی ٹی سے متعلق برآمدات میں اضافہ حکومت کی اولین ترجیحات میں شامل ہے.… pic.twitter.com/VBmQYpHpJq

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) May 11, 2026

The government is also expanding digital infrastructure initiatives, including plans to establish “Easy Service Centres” in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and extending similar facilities in coordination with provincial governments.

To bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas, the meeting was informed that efforts are underway to enhance cooperation with provincial and district administrations.

Officials said artificial intelligence-focused initiatives were also being scaled up, including the “Indus AI Week” held in February 2025 across 30 cities, which attracted more than 100 international delegates and featured 88 exhibition pavilions.

Other measures include fibre connectivity to government schools and health units in Islamabad, while free public internet hotspots in the capital are in the final stages of deployment.

The meeting was attended by senior cabinet members, including Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja and other key economic officials.