Punjab’s Digital Momentum and Pakistan’s 5G Dilemma -

By Junaid Qaiser
Punjab’s swift rise in the digital economy isn’t just a future vision or a bunch of policy statements anymore; it’s becoming a reality we can see and feel. Recent moves, like CM Maryam Nawaz’s official invitation to the UAE-based DAMAC Group to check out investment opportunities in digital assets and emerging technologies, highlight a clear strategic path. Punjab is setting itself up not just as the largest province in Pakistan, but as the main hub for digital investment and innovation.
The meeting between the Punjab CM and DAMAC’s top brass was crucial for what was discussed. They talked about tokenizing government and commercial assets—especially the proposed pilot project in Nawaz Sharif IT City—which shows a readiness to dive into modern financial and tech models. Tokenization, which is gaining traction worldwide for boosting transparency, efficiency, and access to capital, indicates that Punjab is looking beyond traditional development methods. DAMAC’s interest only reinforces the province’s changing investment landscape.
Punjab’s confidence is grounded in real, tangible strengths. The province is responsible for about 65 percent of Pakistan’s IT exports and produces over 25,000 IT graduates each year. Cities like Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan, and Gujranwala are steadily evolving into tech hubs, bolstered by infrastructure projects like the CBD Quaid District and Nawaz Sharif IT City. These initiatives mark a shift from isolated IT parks to integrated digital ecosystems that are closely linked to urban planning and economic growth.
This progress is a testament to the healthy dynamics of democratic governance and free-market competition. When provinces engage in constructive competition across various sectors, it actually strengthens national development rather than undermining it. Punjab’s digital momentum should be viewed as both a model and a source of inspiration—encouraging other provinces to harness their own strengths in technology, industry, agriculture, or services.
What really distinguishes Punjab’s digital strategy is its strong focus on human capital. The provincial government’s investment in empowering women digitally is particularly commendable. By training 27,000 rural women in IT and digital skills, and providing them with scholarships, devices, and certifications, Punjab is breaking down the long-standing barriers to women’s economic participation. This initiative allows women to engage in home-based work and online entrepreneurship, enabling them to contribute to the economy without facing social or logistical challenges. In this way, technology serves as a tool for dignity and inclusion, rather than exclusion.
Youth empowerment is taking a similar route. Initiatives like Hunarmand Jawan, the CM Punjab Laptop Programme 2025, and the Global IT Certifications initiative are crafted to elevate young people from basic digital literacy to global competitiveness. By facilitating internationally recognized certifications from companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, IBM, and Meta, the province is preparing its workforce for a borderless digital economy. This approach transforms Pakistan’s youth bulge from a challenge into a strategic advantage.
However, nestled within this provincial progress is a concerning national contradiction. Pakistan stands as one of the last countries in the region to roll out 5G services, with only Afghanistan lagging behind. While 5G made its global debut in 2019 and many leading economies are already gearing up for 6G, Pakistan is grappling with significant spectrum shortages. Currently, the country is using just about 274 MHz of mobile spectrum, making it the most spectrum-deprived nation in the region, despite boasting over 200 million broadband users.
The upcoming spectrum auction could be a game changer. It’s expected to release nearly 600 MHz of additional spectrum, and this technology-neutral auction has the potential to greatly enhance network quality and pave the way for next-generation services. However, simply having more spectrum won’t fix the issue unless it’s paired with effective policy coordination, affordable compatible devices, and long-term planning that aligns national infrastructure with provincial innovation.
The takeaway is straightforward. Digital transformation can’t flourish on skills and software alone; it needs modern networks to support growth. Punjab might be building the future, but Pakistan has to ensure that the foundation is solid enough to support it.