Pakistan is preparing to launch 5G services in seven major cities within the coming months, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said on Tuesday. Speaking at the inauguration of the 26th ITCN Asia Expo at the Expo Centre Karachi, she acknowledged that rolling out next-generation networks poses financial and logistical challenges but confirmed that steps are underway to improve internet accessibility nationwide. Her remarks follow Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s 2024 annual report, which had cautioned that the country’s transition to 5G would be difficult despite steady growth in broadband usage and digital services.
Khawaja underscored that digital development remains a top priority for the government despite the cost of adopting advanced technologies. She pointed to a recent agreement with Saudi Arabia where information technology forms a core component aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s digital infrastructure and contributing to economic growth. The minister also linked digital progress with wider economic improvements, noting that the country has moved past default concerns and is seeing inflation ease with macroeconomic indicators stabilizing. She highlighted Karachi’s central role in driving economic activity and said Pakistan’s resilience under the Digital Pakistan initiative has earned recognition internationally.
The minister said the Special Investment Facilitation Council is actively improving the investment climate by making it easier to do business, while the federal cabinet has approved Pakistan’s first Artificial Intelligence policy. Work is underway to train between 500,000 and one million young people in AI and cybersecurity skills by year-end. “Those who know the right use of technology will replace traditional positions,” Khawaja said, urging the youth to embrace digital opportunities and play a leading role in shaping the country’s technology future. She added that these efforts will build a workforce capable of supporting the nation’s ongoing digital transformation and strengthen its competitive position.
Addressing concerns about poor mobile and data services, Khawaja explained that two submarine cables had recently been damaged in the Red Sea near Jeddah, which temporarily disrupted connectivity. She said the government is working to expand submarine cable capacity and accelerate fiberisation to enhance reliability and support faster speeds. She further disclosed that Pakistan had successfully blocked recent hacking attempts originating from India during a period of heightened tensions, ensuring that no government websites were compromised. These measures, she said, reflect a broader commitment to cybersecurity and safeguarding digital assets as the country advances toward the rollout of 5G and improved nationwide connectivity.
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