Mian Zahid urges govt to complete satellite-internet regulations
KARACHI: Mian Zahid Hussain, President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum and All Karachi Industrial Alliance, Chairman National Business Group Pakistan and Chairman Policy Advisory Board FPCCI, has urged the government to complete satellite-internet regulations and establish a transparent licensing process with clear timelines. He said high-speed and reliable internet had become a…
Mian Zahid Hussain, a prominent figure in Pakistani business circles, has called upon the government to expedite the regulation of satellite internet services. He believes that reliable, high-speed internet is crucial for enhancing Pakistan's export potential, attracting foreign investment, advancing education and healthcare, and facilitating medical diagnostics.
According to Hussain, Pakistan's IT export sector has seen significant growth, with telecommunications, computer, and information services contributing $4.6 billion to the economy in FY2025-26, marking a 21 percent increase from the previous year. July 2026 saw a 18 percent rise in income, reaching $417 million, up from $354 million in July 2025.
Hussain stressed that consistent and uninterrupted internet connectivity is vital for bolstering this progress and propelling the sector forward. He highlighted that load-shedding and connectivity issues hinder online transactions, online meetings with foreign clients, and cloud services. In addition, only 57 percent of Pakistanis aged ten and above have access to the internet, with this number being higher in urban (69 percent) and lower in rural (49 percent) regions.
He advocated for satellite internet as an auxiliary source of connectivity, complementing existing submarine cables, terrestrial networks, and fiber-optic expansions. Hussain also emphasized the growing significance of AI in healthcare, citing examples such as teledermatology and remote medical consultations, which can provide cost-effective access to quality medical services.
He urged the government to initiate pilot projects in underdeveloped areas to improve digital infrastructure, thereby fostering economic growth, job creation, and better public services.
Written by urgent.news from Business Recorder's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
