Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Wednesday stated that the government aims to expand fibre-to-the-home coverage to 10 million household passes in the coming years, which would significantly improve access to reliable internet services.
Current progress and targets
Addressing a community-centred connectivity policy forum titled “The Jhuggiwala Story”, she said fibre-to-the-home coverage in Pakistan has increased from around 3 million household passes to more than 5 million. The government now plans to further expand this to 10 million household passes, enhancing internet accessibility across the country.
Digital skills training
She referred to the government’s broader plan to train 1 million people in artificial intelligence and digital technologies, focusing on non-technical populations including those in agriculture, industry, and traditional professions. Digital literacy and AI skills are now essential across all sectors, she added, whether for workers, architects, lawyers, or doctors.
Telecom sector reforms
Khawaja highlighted telecom sector reforms, including the elimination of right-of-way charges and related legislative steps aimed at ensuring policy continuity and long-term stability. Provinces have supported these measures, which are essential because digital connectivity directly affects citizens, especially women in rural areas. Limited access risks increasing inequality and the digital divide.
She emphasized that in today’s rapidly evolving AI-driven world, delays in policy implementation can have significant consequences.
Gender digital divide
The minister noted progress in reducing the gender digital divide, with improvements in mobile internet usage gaps, though challenges remain. Millions of women have been trained in digital skills, and further free online training opportunities are offered to youth and beginners every six months. Collaboration with institutions like Ignite and international partners provides advanced digital training courses. Pakistan has already trained hundreds of thousands of young people in digital, soft, and entrepreneurial skills.
Digital inclusion in social protection
Referring to digital inclusion in social protection programmes, she said millions of women have been enabled to use digital wallets to receive financial assistance, expanding their ability to carry out transactions such as utility payments, mobile top-ups, and online shopping. The transition toward digital payments has reduced barriers, improved transparency, and empowered women economically. Earlier challenges related to access to mobile phones or internet usage have largely been addressed through targeted interventions and policy direction.
Community impact
Regarding Jugiawala, a small town with a population of around 13,000, she noted that training 200 women along with 25 trainers could eventually influence the entire locality and surrounding areas, creating a ripple effect benefiting future generations. The minister stressed the importance of sustainability, saying such programmes should be institutionalised under regular national frameworks rather than remaining one-time or ad hoc activities.
Pakistan’s development strategy is based on a multi-stakeholder approach involving government institutions, private telecom companies, development partners, and civil society, with youth and women’s participation at the centre of economic growth and digital transformation. Small development initiatives can create long-term spillover effects, transforming the lives of thousands and future generations through digital skills training and connectivity. She appreciated the participants, particularly women and their families, for their trust and engagement, and expressed hope that many would become successful entrepreneurs and business leaders.
