Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the Ministry of IT & Telecom (MoIT&T), and the GSM Association (GSMA) officially unveiled the 'Digital Nation Pakistan' initiative and the country’s inaugural Digital Gender Inclusion Strategy at the Digital Nation Summit 2024 held in Islamabad today.

The summit, a flagship event organized by GSMA, is designed to foster critical industry dialogues, encourage regional collaboration, and advance the role of mobile technology in building sustainable and inclusive digital ecosystems. It brought together key stakeholders from the technology sector and government officials to discuss and accelerate Pakistan’s digital transformation.

Federal Minister of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, presided over the summit. In his address, Iqbal underscored the importance of digitalization as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s future growth. He praised the collaborative efforts of the PTA, GSMA, and other stakeholders in driving this significant initiative, emphasizing the government's commitment to providing equal access and opportunities in the digital domain.

Minister of State for IT&T, Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, outlined the comprehensive measures being undertaken under the Prime Minister’s guidance to facilitate digital advancement across the nation. Her remarks highlighted the government’s proactive stance in ensuring widespread digital inclusion.

Chairman PTA, Major General (R) Hafeez ur Rehman, reiterated the authority’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and providing advanced technological services. He also introduced Pakistan’s first-ever Digital Gender Inclusion Strategy, aimed at empowering women and bridging the gender gap in the tech industry.

Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific at GSMA, remarked on Pakistan’s imminent digital revolution, affirming GSMA’s support for the nation’s digital ambitions. Gorman highlighted the significance of events like the Digital Nation Summit in shaping the future of Pakistan’s ICT landscape.

Lara Dewar, Chief Marketing Officer at GSMA, commended Pakistan’s progress and emphasized the need for inclusion, investment, and partnerships as fundamental to building a successful digital nation. Dewar encouraged Pakistan to leverage these pillars to harness collective wisdom and drive digital transformation.