State Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja said on Friday that the government is committed to ensuring internet access, smartphones, devices, and fiber optic facilities across the country.
Speaking at a ceremony organized by Huawei Pakistan on the occasion of World Telecommunication Day, she highlighted Huawei’s significant contributions to the global technological landscape and its positive impact on Pakistan.
From Huawei Management Zhangzhen – CEO of Carrier Network Business Group, Ray Yushaoning – Vice CEO of Public Affairs, Mr Shahzad Rasheed – CEO of Cloud, Saad Talha Saeed – Director of Government Affairs and Mr Ahmed Aziz – Director of Public Relations were present.
World Telecom Day is dedicated to raising awareness about the role of telecommunications in the lives of people and in the development of societies worldwide.
The minister said, “I would like to congratulate Huawei on all the success it has achieved so far, and also thank Huawei for being in Pakistan and helping Pakistan achieve its goals,” she said. She also offered full support to Huawei Pakistan.
The minister outlined Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision of creating a fully digitized nation where every citizen has a digital identity and all processes in the economy, governance, and society are transparent, streamlined, and efficient.
“Connectivity, whether it is fiber or wireless, is a top priority for Pakistan. We recognize that connectivity and the internet form the foundational architecture for any ICT development we aim to achieve in the future,” she said.
The minister’s assertion underscores the critical role that robust digital infrastructure plays in advancing technological progress and innovation. As the world increasingly relies on digital solutions, ensuring widespread and reliable internet connectivity remains a top priority for fostering sustainable ICT growth.
She said that under the Prime Minister’s vision, the private sector is being provided with full support and an enabling environment to take the lead in the digitalization process.
She also announced that preparations are underway for the launch of 5G services in Pakistan, which will be available soon. An auction committee led by the Finance Minister is overseeing these matters. She believes that the introduction of 5G will usher in a new era of development.
The minister recalled that in 2010, Shehbaz Sharif, as Chief Minister, introduced the concept of e-employment. About one million laptops, she said have been distributed among the youth, enabling many Pakistani freelancers to make a name for themselves globally.
She recalled that 3G and 4G services were also launched during the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government, and now the government is moving towards launching 5G.
She said that the PML-N has played a crucial role in Pakistan’s digitalization and IT advancements. The government is striving to provide the best services to 150 million mobile phone users in the country, aiming to create ease for future generations.
The minister highlighted that under the Universal Service Fund (USF), connectivity projects worth Rs 80 billion have been completed over the past five years.
She added that the government is focusing on entrepreneurship to transform the youth from job seekers to job creators.
She said that Pakistan has started manufacturing mobile phones domestically, with around 37 companies setting up manufacturing units in the country. About 95% of the country’s mobile phone requirements are now met locally, and the government aims to export locally manufactured mobile phones.
She noted that the Pakistan mobile export policy has almost been finalized in consultation with other stakeholders, including the Ministry of Commerce.
“We are very hopeful that Pakistani-manufactured mobile phones will soon be exported on a large scale to earn valuable foreign exchange,” she added.
She said that currently, about 200,000 mobiles have been exported, and the government is determined to enhance this figure.
The minister said that the IT and Telecom sector is one of the largest tax contributors and has attracted about $7 billion in Foreign Direct Investment in the country.
On the occasion, Zhangzhen mentioned that in the past year, Huawei has also launched the first Smart Village Project in Pakistan and powered the first National Hyper-Scale Financial Cloud, while focusing on sustainability and green solutions.
The Government of Pakistan launched the Smart Village Pakistan project to overcome the extreme disparity between the urban and rural development indicators. The first in-country Financial Cloud is contributing to economic growth and employment generation while addressing data security concerns, reducing latency improving efficiency, and optimizing costs.
Ray Yushaoning ensured their commitment to continue to contribute to Digital Pakistan by providing the global best in AI and Cloud services, Digital Infrastructure, Smart City Solutions and Cybersecurity to accelerate digital economic growth. “We, at Huawei, thank you for your trust in our services and look forward to serving Pakistan to the best of our abilities” he added.
