GSMA Sparks Strategic Momentum for Pakistan’s Digital Transformation

The GSMA APAC Digital Nation Summit 2025 in Islamabad set a new benchmark for multi-stakeholder collaboration, blending policy, technology and finance to accelerate Pakistan’s journey toward an inclusive, resilient digital economy. Over the course of a full day, senior leaders from government, operators, fintech innovators and international partners engaged in four thematic sessions that underscored GSMA’s holistic vision for “Digitally Connected Pakistan: Innovation, Trust and Resilience.”

In Session 1, “Building a Future-Ready Digital Pakistan,” panelists explored cross-sector policies and partnerships essential to scaling local device manufacturing, closing the mobile gender gap and expanding broadband coverage. Session 2, “Enabling a Sustainable Digital Economy,” dove into GSMA’s Open Gateway and API standardization, digital payments and data governance as cornerstones of “Trust by Design.” The session spotlighted 5G, AI and cloud sovereignty as critical enablers for both public service innovation and private-sector confidence.

Session 3, “The Next Frontier—Expanding Access Through Future Connectivity,” brought global experts together to debate the role of non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), spectrum policy and emerging infrastructure models in closing Pakistan’s digital divide. Finally, Session 4, “Inclusive Innovation for a Connected and Resilient Pakistan,” showcased data-driven strategies for addressing the usage gap among women and rural communities, and highlighted digital solutions, from interoperable identity platforms to AI-powered early warning systems, that strengthen climate resilience and public service delivery.

Special recognition to GSMA’s leadership team for stewarding this ambitious agenda:

• Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific, who opened the summit with a vision for sustainable, policy-led growth
• Jeanette Whyte, Head of Public Policy and External Affairs, APAC, who guided critical discussions on tax and regulatory reform
• Madeleine Askham, Director of Policy and Advocacy for Digital Inclusion, who underscored the imperative to bridge Pakistan’s gender and usage gaps
• Bilal Ali Qureshi, Director, GSMA Innovation Fund, who highlighted the role of fintech partnerships and startup ecosystems in driving local impact
• Saira Faisal Syed, the country lead on digital transformation at GSMA, in collaborating, and hosting he event.

GSMA’s convening power is translating dialogue into action—aligning regulators, investors and operators around clear roadmaps for spectrum allocation, fiscal incentives and climate-resilient infrastructure. This summit explored and charted Pakistan’s pathway to a truly digital nation.