Pakistan Launches National Digital Infrastructure Programme

The government has launched an ambitious national digital infrastructure programme aimed at extending high-speed internet access to 50 million underserved Pakistanis by 2028. The initiative represents the largest single investment in digital connectivity in the country's history.

programme Details

The programme will deploy fibre-optic networks, 4G and 5G towers, and community Wi-Fi hotspots across rural and semi-urban areas. Special emphasis is being placed on connecting schools, hospitals and government offices to ensure that digital services reach the communities that need them most.

Funding for the programme comes from a combination of government allocation, international development partners and private sector investment. The World Bank and Asian Development Bank have both committed significant financing to the initiative.

Digital Economy Impact

Economic projections suggest that the improved connectivity could add up to 2 percent to Pakistan's GDP growth annually by enabling e-commerce, digital financial services and remote work opportunities. The programme is also expected to create tens of thousands of jobs in the technology sector.

The initiative builds on Pakistan's growing tech ecosystem, which has seen rapid growth in recent years with the emergence of successful startups in fintech, e-commerce and software development.