ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed relevant authorities to further enhance digital infrastructure nationwide, emphasizing the government’s commitment to the growth of the Information Technology sector. During a review meeting held in Islamabad, Sharif highlighted the priority of promoting IT sector development and increasing IT-related exports.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister chaired a meeting focused on implementing the strategic roadmap for the IT sector. He underscored the need for credible third-party validation of IT training courses to maintain quality standards. Sharif also praised the Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications and the team for achieving a 21 percent increase in IT exports, reaching $4.6 billion annually. He attributed this growth to government policies promoting a digital economy.

Participants of the meeting were informed that mobile spectrum availability had increased significantly, which is expected to improve internet speed and connectivity. Preparations for launching the “Connect Pakistan Vision 2030” initiative were also discussed, along with the completion of the Software Technology Park in Bagh, Azad Jammu, and Kashmir.

The briefing noted an increase in smartphone usage and the provision of fixed broadband connections to millions of households. Furthermore, freelancers have contributed over $1 billion to IT exports, and 130 government services have been digitized under the Digital Nation Pakistan initiative.

The Prime Minister was updated on the imminent inauguration of the Women Innovation and Startup Empowerment Lab. Under a Memorandum of Understanding with Alibaba, artificial intelligence is being implemented in several federal ministries and institutions, with ongoing AI projects in various government departments and organizations.