Government to Guarantee Uninterrupted Internet for IT Sector
The IT Ministry announced a plan to whitelist internet connections for Pakistani tech firms, aiming for zero outages and supporting the country's $15 billion export goal.
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Desk Analysis
How This Affects the Exchange
Sector Effect
Positive · Buy bias
Technology sector sees positive outlook; consider buying tickers like TRG and SYSTEMS.
Sectors & Direction
Desk read
Desk call: Buy bias · Positively affected
- TechnologyPositively affected
Companies
Companies Mentioned
- TRG· Positively affected · Buy bias
Mentions in This Briefing
Sectors: Technology — Positive · Buy bias. PSX tickers: TRG. Technology sector sees positive outlook; consider buying tickers like TRG and SYSTEMS.
Full Story
Open on Business Recorder## Government Initiative
Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja disclosed that the government is finalising a scheme to ensure continuous internet access for the IT industry. The measure will whitelist the sector’s connections, protecting them from service disruptions.
## Infrastructure Expansion
Alongside the whitelist, the ministry is expanding fibre‑optic networks, mobile broadband coverage, allocating additional spectrum, and updating satellite regulations to bolster digital infrastructure.
## Skills Gap Highlighted
The minister cited a recent national test of roughly 33,000 final‑year computer‑science students, revealing that less than 1 % scored above 80 % and only about 4 % met the required job‑readiness thresholds. She called for a curriculum overhaul from primary to university level.
## Industry Reactions
- Folio3 chairman Umair Khan urged a shift from freelance‑based models to globally competitive companies, stressing the need for better education, stable tax policy, and stronger public‑private cooperation. - Stewart Pakistan director Ahmed Azmat noted a USD 1.3 million investment in a new office at the National NSTEP facility, underscoring continued foreign confidence. - LUMS economist Dr. Hadia Majid highlighted the potential of freelancing to empower women, while Dr. Syed Sohail H. Naqvi warned that the real bottleneck lies in insufficient government procurement and business opportunities.
## Outlook
The session concluded with consensus that reliable connectivity, skilled graduates, predictable taxation, improved education, and sustained government support are essential to transform Pakistan’s IT and freelancing potential into a robust export‑driven technology sector.