It’s rare to witness significant strides in government initiatives during caretaker administrations, yet the previous caretaker government’s tenure stands out with its impressive record in the Ministry of IT & Telecommunication (MoITT). In just five months, the ministry spearheaded a series of impactful measures aimed at boosting the IT & Telecom sector and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) into Pakistan.
Industry experts and key figures within the IT & Telecom Sector have lauded these initiatives, noting a remarkable 32% increase in the IT industry export revenue as a direct result.
Among the notable reforms, MoITT undertook major steps to enhance the telecom infrastructure by allocating 300M MHz spectrum, effectively doubling its capacity, and laying the groundwork for the introduction of 5G in Pakistan. Additionally, initiatives were launched to establish 10,000 e-rozgaar centers for freelancers, introduce PayPal services, and create the Pakistan Startup Fund to attract foreign venture capital.
Furthermore, MoITT formulated Pakistan’s first space policy to prepare for innovative services like Starlink and implemented the national fiberisation policy to lay 200,000 KM of fiber across the country. Programs were initiated to train 200,000 software developers, establish Pakistan’s first CERT to combat cyber attacks, and expedite dispute resolution through the Telecom Tribunal.
Moreover, efforts were made to incentivize manufacturing and exports of smartphones, while Pakistan’s fiber network was transformed into a digital corridor connecting China with Africa and Europe. Over Rs 15 billion was allocated to bolster critical infrastructure for cybersecurity, demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding national interests.
With anticipation for continuity, industry stakeholders look to the upcoming Federal Minister of IT to maintain the momentum of these policies and initiatives. The presence of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) further assures comprehensive support for these endeavors, fostering optimism for continued progress and growth within Pakistan’s IT and Telecom sector.
