Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated on Saturday that the national government is dedicated to cultivating a digital environment that promotes inclusivity, empowers women, and ensures no one is left behind.
In his message commemorating World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz articulated, “Through focused policies, skill development initiatives, and gender-sensitive digital infrastructure, we are committed to guaranteeing that women and girls actively participate in and reap the benefits of our society’s digital evolution.”
He remarked, “On the occasion of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, I extend my sincere congratulations to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for their leadership in driving inclusive and equitable digital progress globally.”
This year’s theme, “Why Gender Equality in Digital Transformation Matters,” acts as a critical call to action, urging the equitable distribution of technological advancements across all societal members, he added. He highlighted Pakistan’s significant strides in reducing the gender digital divide.
In the period 2024-2025, an additional 8 million women gained access to mobile internet, narrowing the gender gap from 38% to 25%, marking the most substantial global improvement, particularly driven by rural women, he noted.
The Prime Minister emphasized that these achievements are integral to Pakistan’s broader digital transformation.
“We have surpassed 200 million telecom subscriptions, 150 million broadband users, and 2 million FTTH connections, while our mobile manufacturing sector has seen a 47.46% growth, and international connectivity has been enhanced through high-capacity submarine cables,” he elaborated.
“Today, Pakistan’s mobile ecosystem contributes $16.7 billion to the national economy,” the Prime Minister stated.
“On this significant day, I urge all stakeholders to champion gender-responsive digital transformation and continue to build an inclusive and empowered digital Pakistan,” he concluded.
