Islamabad, Dec 16: The National Broadband Network (NBN) Forum 2024, organized by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in collaboration with Huawei, was held in Islamabad under the theme “Gigabit for All.” The event featured key figures from the government, telecom industry, and technology sector, all emphasizing the importance of broadband connectivity for digital economic growth.
Chairman Senate, Mr. Yousaf Raza Gillani, graced the event as the chief guest and highlighted the critical role of broadband in economic advancement. He praised PTA for its efforts in increasing broadband penetration, which has now reached 59%, but stressed that further work is needed to close the remaining gaps in access. Gillani also commended Huawei Pakistan for its long-standing partnership in enabling the ICT sector and expressed optimism for future collaborations in AI, Cloud, and Big Data.
Minister of State for IT, Shiza Fatima, reassured the audience of the government’s continued support in bridging the digital divide and enhancing telecom infrastructure. The PTA Chairman also stressed the importance of collaboration and innovation in achieving universal connectivity, while the Secretary of the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication (MoIT) reiterated the government’s efforts to build a digitally inclusive Pakistan.
Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of Jazz, praised PTA’s leadership and collaborative efforts, recognizing the role of strategic partnerships with entities like Huawei in driving broadband accessibility, AI innovations, and infrastructure development. He affirmed Jazz’s commitment to contributing to Pakistan’s digital transformation for greater growth and inclusion.
Huawei’s CEO echoed these sentiments, reaffirming the company’s dedication to advancing broadband solutions and supporting Pakistan’s digital transformation. PTA’s 5G consultants and industry leaders also shared their vision for enhancing broadband infrastructure across the country. The NBN Forum 2024 is the second event in a series aimed at promoting broadband expansion in Pakistan, reinforcing the collective drive to build a smart, connected future.