Dr. Umar Saif, Caretaker Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, described the operational launch ceremony of the Carrier Neutral Pakistan Internet Exchange & Data Center in Islamabad on January 29, 2024, as a watershed moment for Pakistan's telecom and IT industries.
Dr. Umar Saif, in partnership with major entities such as PTCL, SCO, PTA, De CIX, PEACE Cable, and China Mobile, announced the completion of three significant milestones, opening the path for Pakistan's prominence in the regional IT environment.
Firstly, a pioneering arrangement has been made for China to direct its Internet traffic through Pakistan. This strategic engagement puts Pakistan as a regional hub for connectivity, with the potential to generate significant revenue from Internet transit traffic.
The strategic importance of this alliance is underscored by the expectation that the influx of Internet transit traffic will significantly contribute to Pakistan's revenue streams. The collaboration with China represents a critical step in improving regional connectivity, promoting economic growth, and solidifying Pakistan's role in the global digital landscape.
The attainment of these significant achievements can be ascribed to the cooperative endeavors of principal players in the telecommunication and information technology domains. Collaborations with PTCL, SCO, PTA, De CIX, PEACE Cable, and China Mobile emphasize the dedication to augmenting Pakistan's standing in the worldwide technology sphere.
A new chapter in the history of Pakistan's IT industry has begun with the opening of the Carrier Neutral Pakistan Internet Exchange & Data Center. This cutting-edge facility is expected to be a major driver of innovation, cooperation, and economic development in the digital sphere.
The strategic partnership with China gives Pakistan's connectivity initiatives a new dimension and opens up new avenues for economic advancement in the digital era. As the country embraces its role as a regional hub for Internet traffic, these developments are expected to elevate Pakistan's standing in the global IT landscape.