PM Shehbaz vows to boost IT exports, freelance growth

Govt’s plans to enhance connectivity come amid controversy over restrictive internet policies implemented last year.

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Wednesday that his government is working to improve telecommunication services and increase Internet access in remote areas of Pakistan, with a goal to expand IT exports and support the country’s growing freelancer community.

At a meeting of the Economic Advisory Council, the PM outlined the government’s efforts to enhance the country’s telecommunications infrastructure and make internet access more widely available. This move, he said, would benefit freelancers across the country and boost IT exports.

“We are working to increase the number of IT exports and freelancers in the country by improving telecommunication services and providing Internet access to remote areas,” he was quoted as saying by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

The government’s plans to enhance connectivity come amid controversy over restrictive internet policies implemented last year, which sparked criticism from human rights activists and opposition groups. These policies included the blocking of social media platform X and the banning of virtual private networks (VPNs).

Additionally, government moved to install a national firewall to regulate online content. While the government described these actions as efforts to make cyberspace safer, they have led to slower internet speeds and frustrated freelancers and IT professionals.

During the meeting, PM Shehbaz praised his economic team for their work to ensure economic growth and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to driving sustainable economic development.

“Development of industry, agriculture, IT, generating employment and increasing exports are among the top priorities of the government,” he said.

Participants of the meeting noted that the country’s economy was moving toward stability, with increasing production due to price stability. The PMO added that the participants had presented several suggestions to Sharif across different sectors.

“The prime minister directed relevant authorities to work with council members to formulate a comprehensive action plan regarding the suggestions,” the PMO said.

PM Shehbaz also emphasised that his economic team would make full use of Pakistan’s current potential for regional trade and work to enable local industries to compete in the international market.