PM Shehbaz vows to achieve $25b IT export goal in three years

Premier says 5G technology would be crucial in achieving the govt's 'Digital Pakistan' vision

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reaffirmed the government's commitment to boost Pakistan's telecommunications sector, reiterating a target of $25 billion in IT exports within the next three years.

Speaking at a meeting with a five-member delegation from VEON Group, led by Chairman Augie K Fabela, he highlighted government initiatives to launch 5G services, aiming to provide high-speed and reliable internet across the country, including in remote areas.

The prime minister emphasised that 5G technology would be crucial in achieving the government’s "Digital Pakistan" vision, which seeks to improve connectivity and expand digital infrastructure nationwide.

PM Shehbaz noted the telecommunications sector's vital role in promoting a cashless, digital economy and commended VEON Group’s subsidiary, Jazz, for its contributions to Pakistan’s telecommunications and financial technology sectors.

He expressed the government’s openness to collaboration with VEON Group on projects in IT, digitisation, and artificial intelligence.

Members of the VEON delegation praised the government’s efforts to stabilise the economy and remarked that Pakistan had emerged as a key investment hub for the IT and telecom sectors.