PTA has reinforced its collaboration with the Global Digital Inclusion Partnership (GDIP) through a high-level meeting held on the sidelines of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2025. The session marked a significant step forward in the ongoing partnership between the two organizations, following the earlier signing of a Letter of Cooperation. The PTA delegation, led by Chairman Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman, represented Pakistan in the discussions with GDIP Executive Director Onica N. Makwakwa.
During the bilateral engagement, both parties reaffirmed their mutual dedication to promoting inclusive digital development with a particular focus on gender-responsive policies and equitable access for all. The conversation was anchored in shared values around digital rights, sustainable connectivity, and inclusive governance frameworks that prioritize underserved communities, especially women and marginalized groups.
PTA provided detailed updates on the Gender Digital Divide program, a key national initiative aimed at reducing digital access disparities between men and women across Pakistan. Progress on this program has been shaped by localized research, partnerships, and capacity-building efforts, with the aim of ensuring that connectivity initiatives reach women in both urban and rural areas. The program reflects PTA’s strategic vision to remove structural and social barriers to digital access while enabling women to become active participants in the digital economy.
Further, PTA briefed GDIP on the preparations for the upcoming Subsea Cables Workshop. The workshop will bring together stakeholders from across the telecom and digital infrastructure ecosystem to build understanding around subsea cable systems and their critical role in ensuring reliable, high-speed international connectivity. The event is expected to contribute to knowledge-sharing and policy alignment on digital infrastructure, particularly in the context of inclusivity and open access.
The meeting also explored expanded collaboration opportunities within GDIP’s broader Gender Inclusion Strategy. Both sides discussed mechanisms for joint programming, advocacy, and data-sharing to support informed policy decisions and measurable outcomes. These efforts aim to shape an inclusive digital future where access is equitable, technology is empowering, and no community is left behind.
PTA reiterated its commitment to global cooperation and its intention to remain a proactive voice in international forums. The authority continues to emphasize that impactful digital transformation can only be achieved through inclusive design, diverse participation, and resilient partnerships. Its ongoing dialogue with GDIP reflects a broader ambition to align Pakistan’s digital policies with international best practices and ensure that technological advancement is accessible to all segments of society.
