Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunications, said that Pakistan’s growing IT sector has the immense potential to be part of a wider strategic and defense relationship with Saudi Arabia at the next level.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the 26th ITCN Asia on Tuesday, he said that Pakistan’s IT sector is strengthening itself on various fronts to become an important regional player and data transfer center for countries including China and Central Asia.
“We are working to bring several Andrea submarine cables five points to meet the demand for local internet traffic, while also providing contact with China and Central Asian states,” he said.
He added that Pakistan’s IT sector is flourishing in several dimensions, which has about 20 % annual growth and a strong contribution to the economy. With the joint efforts of the government and IT companies, exports increased records, which visited about 20 countries in the last one and a half years.
“The government is also working to enhance Internet connectivity across the country with maximum fiberization and 5G planned launch in seven cities by the end of 2025,” he said. Direct investment, “he added,” he added, “We have also made regulatory progress for the launch of satellite internet services, which will soon be available to the public.”
Shaza Fatima further highlighted that the increasing demand for Internet services has increased the needs of the spectrum, which is being increased from 20 MW to 100 MW under government projects.
“We need to strengthen digital security and establish an independent cybercopy for the country. Therefore, the government is aggressively promoting AI and cyberciction, which includes the construction of capacity for national institutions and private companies, as well as a million people in the future.
The Federal Minister also said that the government was working to digitalize its rule system, the first phase is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
Shaza Fatima called on IT companies, academia and stakeholders to closely cooperate to further strengthen its role in Pakistan’s IT industry and national development.