Govt committed to fostering digital ecosystem: PM
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan and Iran on Saturday agreed to enhance cooperation in all areas of shared interest, especially trade, connectivity, security and people-to-people contacts.
The agreement to this effect came in a telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The prime minister thanked Iranian President for Iran’s sincere and brotherly diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions in South Asia.
He strongly condemned India’s unprovoked attacks against Pakistan that led to the martyrdom of innocent civilians, including women and children. He said that valiant Armed Forces had given a responsible, meas-ured yet befitting and forceful reply to the enemy.
Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan had always desired peace and it was in this spirit that it had agreed to the ceasefire understanding with India and would remain committed to upholding it.
He further reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm resolve to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs.
However, the prime minister expressed his concern over India’s attempt to unilaterally hold the Indus Wa-ters Treaty in abeyance, which he deemed is unlawful and constituted a red line for Pakistan, as these wa-ters were the lifeline for 240 million people.
Talking about Jammu and Kashmir dispute, the prime minister emphasised that it remained the root cause of instability in South Asia.
Shehbaz Sharif called for its just resolution, in accordance with the UN Security Council’s resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, as key to enduring peace in the region.
In his remarks, the President of Iran expressed heartfelt condolences over the loss of civilian lives. He welcomed the ceasefire understanding, while appreciating Pakistan’s efforts for peace.
Masoud Pezeshkian extended an invitation to the Prime Minister to undertake an official visit to Tehran, which was graciously accepted.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the government of Pakistan is committed to fostering a digital ecosystem that promoted inclusion, empowered women and left no one behind.
In a message on World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2025, he said, “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.”
He 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.”
“This year’s theme, “Why Gender Equality in Digital Transformation Matters” served as an urgent call to action: to ensure that the benefits of technological progress were shared equally by all members of society, he said adding Pakistan made remarkable progress in narrowing the gender digital divide.
In 2024-2025, eight million more women gained mobile internet access, reducing the gender gap from 38% to 25% ; the highest improvement globally, led by rural women.
The prime minister said these gains were 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.
“Today, Pakistan’s mobile ecosystem contributes $16.7 billion to the economy,” he added.
He said, “On this important day, I call on all stakeholders to champion gender-responsive digital transfor-mation and continue building an inclusive and empowered digital Pakistan.”