Islamabad: Ms. Shaza Fatima, Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication, who was the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony, outlined Pakistan’s visionary Digital Empowered Country initiative to provide access to all citizens across Pakistan. She highlighted the enormous potential of Pakistan as a nation of 250 million, mostly young people, and how their useful participation can boost growth. She emphasized that 50% of the total population is female and reiterated the commitment of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of IT & Telecom to gender inclusion. She praised the PTA Chairman’s leadership in bridging the digital gender divide and acknowledged the significant advances in this area.
The minister emphasized the importance of connectivity and telecommunication networks for the growth and development of the country. She also emphasized on bridging the digital gender divide in the region and in Pakistan through joint efforts of all stakeholders. It secured government commitment to APT and SATRC objectives.
The 1st meeting of the South Asian Telecommunications Regulatory Council (SATRC) on Policy Regulation and Services was launched. Hosted by the Asia Pacific Telecommunications (APT) and hosted by the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA), this three-day international meeting brings together regulatory experts and policy makers from Afghanistan, Bangladesh.
The meeting began with an opening event, which was well attended by industry and government representatives. In his welcome address, Mr. Masanori Kondo, Secretary General of Asia Pacific Telecommunications (APT), encouraged the delegates to actively participate in the insightful discussions and commended the PTA for organizing the workshop. Dr. In his speech, Khawar Siddique Khokar, PTA Compliance & Enforcement Member, who is also the Chair of the SATRC Policy, Regulation and Services (PRS) Working Group, outlined the main objective of the meeting: to promote the exchange of insights, experiences and best practices to address challenges, explore opportunities and complete initial steps on work items.
PTA Chairman Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman in his inaugural remarks emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in solving common ICT challenges through dialogue and knowledge sharing, emphasized the importance of mutual learning from experience to effectively introduce new technologies and services while maintaining consumer rights and promoting industry growth.
The STARC meeting serves as an essential platform for understanding the dynamic ICT environment, launching research analyzes and setting programs for the next two years. Over the next two days, the meeting will have 10 sessions, each dedicated to major current topics and trends in the regional telecommunications sector.
The first day of the workshop includes four sessions. The introductory section highlights learnings from APT GA-16 and MC-47 with a focus on SATRC and others. The second part deals with the regulatory challenges of new technologies and smart broadband solutions. The third part deals with maximizing the universal service obligation fund for digital inclusion. Finally, the workshop will discuss improving ICT e-waste management regulations for sustainable development and highlight the need for effective regulations and strategies to ensure a greener future.
