Pakistan’s internet connections have risen sharply to 5.10 million in 2026, up from 1.9 million in 2024, reflecting rapid growth in the country’s digital infrastructure and broader access to connectivity.
The development came under review during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, where officials discussed the expansion of the information technology sector and ongoing efforts to boost IT exports.
During the meeting, the prime minister said Pakistan’s youth hold immense potential in the IT sector and stressed the need to harness their talent for the country’s economic and social development. He also called for improved performance at Easy Service Centers to strengthen public service delivery and enhance government efficiency.
A major focus of the discussion was narrowing the digital divide between urban and rural areas. The prime minister directed authorities to work closely with provincial and district administrations to ensure that IT opportunities and digital benefits are distributed more evenly across the country.
Officials said Pakistan’s IT exports are expected to reach between $4.5 billion and $4.6 billion in the current fiscal year, underlining the sector’s growing role in the national economy.
The meeting also noted a major milestone in the telecom sector with the auction of 5G services, which generated a record $509 million in revenue. Officials described it as the largest such auction held anywhere in the world since 2016.
Participants were also briefed on other recent developments in the IT sector, including the successful Indus AI Week held in February 2026, which brought together more than 100 international delegates across 30 cities.
In Islamabad, internet connectivity has been extended to public schools and health units, while the installation of free public Wi-Fi hotspots is nearing completion.
The government is also setting up e-learning pods at key locations, including Syed Pur Model Village and Fatima Jinnah Park, as part of efforts to improve access to digital education and expand technology-driven learning opportunities.
