ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said that today, Pakistan's mobile ecosystem contributes $16.7 billion to the economy. He said that the Government of Pakistan is committed to fostering a digital ecosystem that promotes inclusion, empowers women, and leaves no one behind. He said that through targeted policies, skills development programs, and gender-sensitive digital infrastructure, we are working to ensure that women and girls can actively participate in and benefit from the digital transformation of our society.

This was stated by PM Shehbaz Sharif in his message on World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2025. PM Shehbaz Sharif said 'On the occasion of the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, I extend warm felicitations to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for its leadership in advancing inclusive and equitable digital development worldwide'.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that this year's theme, 'Why Gender Equality in Digital Transformation Matters,' serves as an urgent call to action: to ensure that the benefits of technological progress are shared equally by all members of society.

He said that Pakistan has made remarkable progress in narrowing the gender digital divide. In 2024-2025, 8 million more women gained mobile internet access, reducing the gender gap from 38% to 25%-the highest improvement globally, led by rural women, he said.

PM Shehbaz Sharif said that these gains are part of Pakistan's broader digital transformation. We have crossed 200 million telecom subscriptions, 150 million broadband users, and 2 million FTTH connections¡ while our mobile manufacturing grew by 47.46%, and international connectivity was boosted through high-capacity submarine cables.

'On this important day, I call on all stakeholders to champion gender-responsive digital transformation and continue building an inclusive and empowered digital Pakistan' PM Shehbaz Sharif concluded.