Karachi, Caretaker Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Dr. Saif Umar, has emphasized the pivotal role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in bolstering Pakistan’s economic stability. This comes as part of a broader effort to attract foreign investment and advance digital transformation in the country.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Dr. Umar, in a video statement, highlighted the significant contributions of the SIFC. He pointed out that the Council has been instrumental in facilitating digital transformation and attracting foreign direct investment in Pakistan. The minister expressed confidence that the upcoming government will continue to make decisions that foster the country’s development and serve the public interest.
A major focus of Dr. Umar’s statement was the resolution of a long-standing issue regarding spectrum allocation. Since 2014, the case involving hundreds of MHz of spectrum with Sun TV had been pending. Dr. Umar announced that this spectrum, valued at millions of dollars at current market rates, would now be under government control.
In addition to the spectrum allocation, Dr. Umar also highlighted the Advisory Committee’s establishment for spectrum auction and the steps taken to lay a network of optical fiber cables across Pakistan. These developments are significant steps towards improving the country’s telecommunications infrastructure.
Furthermore, the minister underscored the SIFC Forum’s crucial role in drafting and gaining approval for the country’s first space policy from relevant forums. This policy is expected to guide Pakistan’s future endeavors in space exploration and utilization.
Dr. Umar’s remarks shed light on the various initiatives undertaken by the SIFC, underscoring its importance as a catalyst for economic stability and technological advancement in Pakistan.