Ahsan Iqbal unveils digital roadmap for $1tr economy

Summary Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has unveiled Pakistan's digital transformation roadmap, targeting a $1 trillion economy by 2035 under the government's national vision, Uraan Pakistan. Speaking at the 2026 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Digital Economy Forum in Urumqi, Iqbal highlighted the rapid expansion of Pakistan's digital sector and outlined measures to strengthen connectivity, technology exports and digital inclusion. He said greater access to digital technology, particularly among women, would remain an important part of Pakistan's efforts to achieve inclusive and sustainable economic development. AI Generated Summary Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has unveiled Pakistan's digital transformation roadmap, targeting a $1 trillion economy by 2035 under the government's national vision, Uraan Pakistan. Speaking at the 2026 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Digital Economy Forum in Urumqi, Iqbal highlighted the rapid expansion of Pakistan's digital sector and outlined measures to strengthen connectivity, technology exports and digital inclusion. The minister said Pakistan's digital user base has crossed 150 million, while data consumption has increased by 25% over the past two years, reflecting growing demand for digital services across the country. To meet this demand, the government is expanding broadband infrastructure and increasing fibre-optic connections from around three million to more than five million. Pakistan has also set an immediate target of providing high-speed wired broadband access to 10 million households. Iqbal also pointed to strong growth in the country's technology sector, saying IT and ICT exports reached a record $4.6 billion during the last fiscal year. He said Pakistan now aims to move beyond conventional IT services and focus on developing locally owned technology products, digital platforms and technology-driven manufacturing. According to the minister, the digital economy will play a central role in transforming Pakistan's wider economic structure and creating new opportunities for growth and investment. Iqbal also highlighted progress in narrowing the country's digital gender gap. Female mobile internet usage has increased from 33% to 45%, while the overall digital gender divide has fallen from 35% to 8%. He said greater access to digital technology, particularly among women, would remain an important part of Pakistan's efforts to achieve inclusive and sustainable economic development.