Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Wednesday that his government was trying to improve telecommunications services and increase internet access in distant regions of Pakistan, in order to extend IT exports and support the community of growing freelancers of the country.
During a meeting of the economic advisory council, the PM described government efforts to improve the country’s telecommunications infrastructure and make internet access more widely available. This decision, he said, would benefit the freelancers across the country and increase exports.
“We are working to increase the number of computer exports and freelancers in the country by improving telecommunications services and providing internet access to distant regions,” he said the Prime Minister’s office (PMO).
Government plans to improve connectivity are in controversy on restrictive Internet policies implemented last year, which aroused criticism of human rights activists and opposition groups. These policies included blocking the X social media platform and the ban on virtual private networks (VPN).
In addition, the government has moved to install a national firewall to regulate online content. While the government has described these actions as efforts to make cyberspace safer, they have led to slower internet speeds and to frustrated independents and IT professionals.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz praised his economic team for their work to ensure economic growth and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to stimulate sustainable economic development.
“The development of industry, agriculture, IT, the generation of jobs and the increase in exports are among the main priorities of the government,” he said.
Reunion participants noted that the country’s economy was heading towards stability, with increasing production due to price stability. The PMO added that the participants had presented several suggestions in Sharif in different sectors.
“The Prime Minister ordered the relevant authorities to work with the members of the board to formulate a full action plan concerning suggestions,” said the PMO.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also stressed that his economic team would fully use Pakistan’s current potential for regional trade and work to allow local industries to compete in the international market.