PM Shehbaz, GSMA delegation discuss digital advancements in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting today with a four-member delegation from the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA), led by Julian Gorman, Head of GSMA Asia Pacific.

The discussion centred on the advancement of telecommunications and information technology in Pakistan, coinciding with the Digital National Summit held in Islamabad.

In his remarks, the Prime Minister expressed his approval of the summit, calling it a significant step towards promoting digitalisation. He highlighted the crucial role of GSMA in advancing digital initiatives and emphasised that efforts are underway to implement reforms and strategies for IT and digitalisation.

The Prime Minister outlined key areas of focus, including improved internet access for the general public, enhancement of digital infrastructure, e-governance, professional training in digital skills for youth, and the promotion of innovation and business within the sector.

He also noted that the federal government has allocated a historic development budget for the IT and telecommunications sectors this fiscal year and is prioritising the increase in national IT exports.

“Our vision is to ensure that every individual has access to a smartphone, every home is equipped with broadband internet, and every business can utilise QR code facilities,” the Prime Minister stated.

The GSMA delegation briefed the Prime Minister on their role in promoting telecom services globally, including in Pakistan, and expressed interest in furthering cooperation with the Government of Pakistan in the IT and telecom sectors.

The meeting was also attended by Minister of State for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima, Chairman of Pakistan Telecommunications Authority Major General (retired) Hafeez Rehman, and other senior government officials.

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