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ISLAMABAD, Nov 17 (APP): Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Monday outlined Pakistan’s digital goals for 2030, saying the country is working toward 100 Mbps baseline internet speeds, fibre connectivity for 10 million households, and ambitions to become a regional hub for artificial intelligence and cloud services.
Presenting Pakistan’s policy statement at the High-Level Plenary Session of the World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC) in Baku, Azerbaijan, she reaffirmed the country’s commitment to universal, meaningful and affordable digital access under the Connect Pakistan 2030 vision.
She said connectivity is no longer a luxury but a “lifeline,” and noted that Pakistan’s fast-growing digital economy and strong ICT sector are central to the country’s future growth.
Highlighting recent reforms, the minister said that, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Pakistan has enacted the Digital Nation Pakistan Act, which is reshaping governance and speeding up the national digital transition.
She said citizen-focused digital services, smart-city solutions and modern IoT networks have become important drivers of progress.
Shaza Fatima said digital inclusion remains a key pillar of Pakistan’s sustainable development agenda.
She cited major progress in women’s digital participation, AI skills training, and the rise of women-led startups as significant achievements.
The minister also pointed to Pakistan’s internationally recognised improvements in e-governance, cybersecurity and digital policy frameworks.
She said the Digital Nation Pakistan Act is positioning the entire system on modern, future-ready lines.
She added that Pakistan is taking a leading role in promoting digital cooperation across the Global South, and aims to be “a rule-shaper, not just a rule-taker” in global AI governance.
The minister urged international development partners and the private sector to increase investment in Pakistan’s digital infrastructure, noting that a sustainable digital future depends on narrowing gaps in access, adoption and affordability.