Zong’s new data centre marks key milestone in Pakistan’s digital transformation, says IT Minister

Shaza says 5G, satellite internet services will be rolled out soon

Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, inaugurated Zong’s new state-of-the-art data centre in Islamabad on Wednesday.

The event was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Information Technology and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), including PTA Chairman Hafeezur Rehman and Secretary of Information Technology Zarrar Hashim. Zong's Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) and other officials briefed the minister on the facility's capabilities and its role in enhancing the country’s digital infrastructure.

Officials said that PTA has made considerable progress in addressing the illegal SIMs issue, and that PTA is "working diligently to improve customer service and resolve complaints".

On the matter of data protection and cybersecurity, PTA has made significant strides, introducing cyber audits, a re-verification system, and an eco-cyber system.

Read: IHC reinstates Hafeezur Rehman as PTA chairman

Minister Fatima praised Zong for its contributions to Pakistan’s digital sector, especially in terms of its Connect 2030 roadmap. "In just one year, we have added three new submarine cables to improve connectivity," she said. "We have also eliminated right-of-way charges to facilitate the expansion of fibre optic networks."

The minister highlighted that 98% of Pakistan’s population now uses wireless internet and reiterated that the country is preparing to launch 5G services in the near future. She added that satellite internet services are under development and will be provided to citizens.

Minister Fatima also acknowledged the pivotal role of China in strengthening Pakistan's economy through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). "We can never forget that China revived our economy through CPEC," she said. "With an investment of $60 billion, China has played a key role in revitalising our infrastructure system."

CPEC, she noted, has facilitated the development of the largest network of highways and motorways in Pakistan. "The second phase of CPEC, which focuses on the digital corridor, is now beginning," she added. The minister further highlighted the partnership between China Mobile and Pakistan in enhancing optical fibre connectivity, which provides the fastest and most efficient route for data transmission between Pakistan and China.

The minister described Zong's efforts in establishing AI-driven cloud infrastructure in Pakistan as a significant milestone in the country's digital transformation. "I am pleased to see that the AI policy is being implemented successfully in Pakistan. The cloud sector is evolving, and the establishment of cloud data centres is vital for data localisation."

It is expected that AI-based cloud services will be available by mid-next year.

A blockchain agreement with the Higher Education Commission for degree verification is "a welcome development," Minister Fatima said. "If online immediate degree verification is implemented, it will be a major success and will provide great convenience to young graduates from educational institutions."

She also mentioned the ongoing work to operationalise the Digital Silk Route, emphasising that it would further improve Pakistan's connectivity with global digital networks. "Zong and other Chinese companies’ investments in Pakistan align with our national connectivity plans for the next five years, and we are committed to making this vision a reality," she stated.

The minister concluded by highlighting the strong support from both the prime minister and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), as following his recent visit to China, the telecom industry has received exceptional government backing, further strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure.

With the Connect 2030 roadmap in place, Minister Fatima emphasised that the country is set to see significant improvements in connectivity and digital services in the coming years. The government also aims to eventually introduce Smart Cities in Pakistan.