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ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, on Wednesday, announced that work on a National Fiberisation Policy is under way, alongside preparations for a 600 MHz spectrum auction to enhance high-speed internet and support 5G readiness. This she stated while addressing the 26th Meeting of the South Asian Telecommunication Regulators’ Council (SATRC-26) in Islamabad under the auspices of the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) hosted by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The inaugural closed-door session marked the commencement of the regulators’ meeting attended by SG APT, heads of telecommunication authorities, senior policymakers, and ICT experts from SATRC member countries. The minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting regional digital collaboration and sustainable ICT growth. Dr Masanori Kondo, Secretary General of APT, commended PTA’s efforts in hosting the event and emphasized the importance of collective regional action to harness emerging technologies for equitable digital transformation. Chairman PTA, Major General Hafeezur Rehman (retd) highlighted Pakistan’s leadership role in advancing regulatory harmony and regional cooperation. He reaffirmed PTA’s dedication to digital inclusion, emerging technologies, and ICT resilience, noting that SATRC-26 reflects the shared vision for a connected and innovative South Asia. The inaugural session underscored PTA’s leadership and commitment to strengthening regional dialogue on ICT policy and regulation, reaffirming Pakistan’s role as a key enabler of digital cooperation and a driving force toward a connected and inclusive South Asia. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
