Dr. Umar Saif, the Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication (IT&T), announced that Pakistan plans to improve connectivity by laying 200,000 kilometers of optical fiber cable.
In a recent statement, Dr. Saif praised the IT&T ministry’s excellent performance in the past four months. He credited the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) for playing a significant role in obtaining timely approvals for the ministry’s policies and projects.
The minister highlighted a new facility for IT companies, allowing them to retain 50% of their earnings in dollars in their accounts. Additionally, a global standard training program has been initiated for 200,000 IT graduates who recently completed their studies at various universities.
Addressing the longstanding issue of digital payment gateways for freelancers, Dr. Saif announced the successful resolution of the matter. Starting February 1, a pilot project will create 10,000 accounts, enabling freelancers to receive payments directly through them.
Dr. Saif shared plans for establishing 10,000 employment centers, providing freelancers with convenient facilities under one roof. He expressed hope that these centers would contribute to increasing annual IT exports to $10 billion and employing around 100,000 freelancers.
The minister assured that obstacles related to the 5G spectrum would be addressed in line with the directives of the Action Advisory Committee, with an auction planned for July-August. He noted that the implementation of the Right of Way Policy had resolved disputes between various institutions.
Dr. Saif highlighted the fulfillment of a long-standing demand of the telecom sector with the establishment of the Telecommunication Tribunal. To support young entrepreneurs, he announced the launch of the Pakistan Startup Fund with a budget of Rs2 billion. Furthermore, Research and Development Funds are being established to support mobile phone manufacturing companies.
Lastly, Dr. Saif mentioned the approval of the Space Policy, opening up the satellite internet market for global companies. These initiatives aim to strengthen Pakistan’s position in the field of information technology and telecommunications.