ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s IT exports are projected to reach $4.6 billion during the current fiscal year, while the number of domestic internet connections has increased from 1.9 million in 2024 to 5.10 million this year, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was informed during a review meeting on Monday.

The meeting, held to review the performance and initiatives of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, focused on digital infrastructure, internet connectivity and the expansion of technology-driven services across the country.

The prime minister said promoting the IT sector and increasing technology exports remained among the government’s priorities. He said Pakistan’s youth possessed significant potential in information technology and called for measures to expand opportunities in the sector.

During the briefing, officials informed the meeting that a recent 5G services auction in Pakistan generated $509 million in revenue, describing it as the world’s largest such auction since 2016.

The participants were also informed about “Indus AI Week,” organised in February 2025 to promote artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. The event featured activities in 30 cities, participation from more than 100 international delegates and 88 exhibition pavilions.

Officials said fiber internet connectivity had been provided to government schools and health units in Islamabad, while the installation of free public internet hotspots in the capital was nearing completion.

The meeting was further informed that e-learning pods were being established in Saidpur Model Village and Fatima Jinnah Park to support digital education initiatives.

Prime Minister Shehbaz directed authorities to accelerate the establishment of Asaan Khidmat Centers in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir and coordinate with provincial governments to expand the initiative nationwide.

He also stressed the need for collaboration with provincial and district administrations to reduce the digital divide between urban and rural areas.

The meeting was attended by federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Ahad Khan Cheema and Shaza Fatima Khawaja, along with Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani and senior officials.