ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Wednesday emphasised the need for ending digital divide between rural and urban areas of the country.

She was speaking at the ‘Digital Nation Summit’ organised by GSMA in collaboration with the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication.

Stressing that her ministry was taking steps for digital transformation in the country, Ms Khawaja said the telecom industry had an important role in the country’s economic uplift.

About the government’s emphasis on fulfilling the Digital Pakistan vision, the state minister said the economy, governance and society were being digitalised and effective steps were being taken to boost Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

She claimed that progress had been achieved with over 80pc tele-density and more than 190 million subscribers.

“Our broadband customers continue to grow,” she said, adding that the government was working on the National IT Policy focused on ease of doing business and tax breaks to accelerate economic activity in the sector.

She said Pakistan’s IT exports saw a record surge as it reached $3.223 billion during the fiscal year 2023-24.

She said there were opportunities for youth in the IT sector as the government was focused on equipping them with the latest digital skills.

Shaza Fatima said digital gender inclusion was part of the government’s priorities, emphasising on joint efforts for digitalisation in the country.

Earlier, Head of Asia Pacific at GSMA Julian Gorman said Pakistan had the potential to realise its aspiration to become a digital nation.

“First it must scale its connected population to strengthen its basic digital economy enabler; then by adopting a whole-of-government approach and investing in the five key pillars of infrastructure, innovation, data governance, security and people, Pakistan can unlock its full digital potential, improve the lives of its citizens, and drive sustainable economic growth,” Mr Gorman said.

The GSMA was committed to supporting the country’s digital journey and working in partnership to build a connected, inclusive and prosperous future, he added.

According to the statement, GSMA Chief Marketing Officer Laura Dewar and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman retired Maj Gen Hafeezur Rehman also addressed at the event.

IT Secretary Aisha Humera Chaudhary senior officers of the Ministry of IT and Telecom, CEOs of telecom companies, representatives from the IT industry also attended the summit.

Published in Dawn, August 8th, 2024