The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication on Monday informed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that the country’s information technology exports are expected to reach $4.5-4.6 billion.
In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office said the ministry said the number of domestic internet connections has increased from 1.9 million in 2024 to 5.1 million in 2026. He was also informed that the recent 5G spectrum auction had generated $509 million in revenue.
The ministry was informed that, under efforts to promote artificial intelligence, “Indus A.I. Week” was organized in February 2026 across 30 cities, attracting over 100 international delegates and featuring 88 pavilions.
Further, the prime minister was informed that fiber connectivity has been provided to government schools and health units in Islamabad, and the provision of free internet hotspots in the capital was in its final stages. The ministry said it is installing e-learning pods in Saidpur Model Village and Fatima Jinnah Park.
According to the statement, the prime minister said promoting the I.T. sector and increasing I.T.-related exports remains among the government’s top priorities. He ordered expedited work to establish Asaan Khidmat Centers in Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, adding efforts should also be made in coordination with provincial governments to introduce the same facilities nationwide.
Sharif stressed that cooperation from provincial and district-level governments should be sought to reduce the digital gap between urban and rural areas in the I.T. sector. Pakistan’s youth possess immense potential in the I.T. sector, which must be “fully utilized,” he added.