KARACHI: Mian Zahid Hussain, President of the Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum, has called on the government to finalize satellite internet regulations and implement a transparent licensing process to enhance the nation's digital connectivity. According to Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum, Hussain emphasized that high-speed internet is essential for boosting exports, investment, education, and healthcare diagnostics. The country is emerging as a significant information technology export hub, with telecommunications, computer, and information services exports reaching $4.6 billion in the fiscal year 2025-26, marking a 21 percent increase from the previous year.
Hussain highlighted the need for reliable internet to sustain this growth and further advance the sector. He noted that electricity load-shedding and connectivity disruptions hinder online interactions, software delivery, e-commerce, cloud services, and digital transactions, potentially damaging businesses' reputations and diverting international clients to countries with superior internet services. The July 2026 fault in the SEA-ME-WE 5 submarine cable underscored the vulnerabilities in Pakistan's connectivity infrastructure. Hussain pointed out that internet usage stands at 57 percent nationally, with urban areas at 69 percent and rural areas at 49 percent, signaling a 20 percentage point gap. He advocated for greater commercial and productive use of internet access to foster education, business, and income-generating activities.
He suggested developing satellite internet as an additional connectivity source alongside existing infrastructure. This development could help maintain services during infrastructure failures, especially in remote areas where traditional networks are not viable. Hussain stressed that reliable connectivity could modernize operations across various sectors, including industry, agriculture, mining, tourism, education, and healthcare. Young people could participate in freelancing, online education, and e-commerce without relocating for better internet access.
Hussain also noted that artificial intelligence has increased the importance of digital access, particularly in healthcare. AI contributes to early disease detection and clinical care, allowing healthcare facilities to share medical images with specialists and use validated technologies for accurate diagnoses. He suggested that Pakistan could connect its healthcare centers with international hospitals to expand access to quality medical services, thus reducing patients' travel costs and maintaining clinical oversight.
Hussain recommended coordination among relevant authorities for approvals, competitive opportunities for satellite-internet operators, and a review of equipment duties. He urged the government to introduce pilot projects in underserved districts and healthcare facilities. He concluded by stating that developing digital infrastructure is crucial for providing dependable connectivity, enhancing productive activity, creating employment, and delivering better public services.