Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Wednesday that his government is working to improve telecommunications services and increase internet access in remote areas of Pakistan with a goal of expanding the export and supporting the country’s growing freelancer community.
At a meeting of the Economic Advisory Council, the Prime Minister outlined the government’s efforts to improve the country’s telecommunications infrastructure and make Internet access more widely available. This step, he said, would benefit freelancers across the country and increase that export.
“We are working to increase the number of IT exports and freelancers in the country by improving telecommunications services and providing internet access to remote areas,” he was quoted as saying by the Prime Minister’s office (PMO).
The government’s plans to improve the connection come in the midst of controversy about restrictive Internet policies that were implemented last year, triggering criticism from human rights activists and opposition groups. These policies included blocking social media platform x and banning virtual private networks (VPNs).
In addition, the government moved to install a National Firewall to regulate online content. While the government described these actions as efforts to make cyberspace safer, they have led to slower internet speeds and frustrated freelancers and IT professionals.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz praised his financial team for their work to ensure economic growth and confirm his government’s obligation to drive sustainable economic development.
“Development of industry, agriculture, IT, to create employment and increase exports is among the top priorities for the government,” he said.
The participants at the meeting noted that the country’s economy was moving towards stability with rising production due to price stability. PMO added that participants had presented several suggestions to Sharif across different sectors.
“The Prime Minister ordered the relevant authorities to work with the council members to formulate a comprehensive action plan regarding the proposals,” PMO said.
PM Shehbaz also emphasized that his economic team would take advantage of Pakistan’s current potential for regional trade fully to enable local industries to compete in the international market.
