Digital FDI Initiative Pakistan 2025

Cellular Mobile Network Quality of Service (QoS) Regulations Regulation PTA 2021Dedicated regulation for mobile broadband service provision to ensure improvements in user experience and digital inclusion. Replaced the previous iteration, Broadband Quality of Service Regulations, 2014. Implementation has been inadequate owing to regulatory and financial pressures and challenges that deter investment in necessary infrastructure. Fixed Broadband Quality of Service (QoS) Regulations, 2022Regulation MoITT 2022Dedicated regulation for fixed broadband service provision to ensure improvements in user experience and digital inclusion. Revision of the 2014 regulations to consider emerging fixed broadband technologies and greater consumer demand for higher-quality services. Rolling Spectrum StrategyStrategy MoITT 2020Aimed at ensuring the efficient use of spectrum by enabling allocation on a temporary basis to promote competition and innovation in the telecom sector. The 2021 spectrum auction held under the strategy suffered delays and ultimately proved to be underwhelming, raising serious concerns for policy-makers as only one out of the four important mobile operators participated and only $279 million was raised against a target of $1 billion. Public and Private Right of Way Policy DirectivePolicy DirectiveMoITT 2021To facilitate the deployment of telecom infrastructure, such as fibre optic cables, mobile phone masts and base stations, by providing clear guidelines and by streamlining the approval process for obtaining right of way (RoW) from public and private entities. Historically, there have been incidents of RoW owners dictating terms to telecom operators and using costing as a rent-seeking opportunity. Heavy costs combined with inordinate delays compromise the process of telecommunication infrastructure development. However, there has been a significant ongoing effort to harmonize RoW rates across jurisdictions. The government also plans on introducing a compliant management portal for RoW delay in February 2025. Level of connectivity of urban centres5G Strategic Plan and Policy Guidelines (Draft)Rules MoITT 2021First comprehensive and forward-looking roadmap focused on the deployment of 5G technology in Pakistan. However, effective implementation of the roadmap was held up by several challenges, such as a critical lack of basic digital infrastructure (low handset and optic fibre penetration and poor tower density), fiscal burdens (increasing inflation), rising operating expenses and regulatory pressures (high taxation). Emerging tech Pakistan Cloud First PolicyPolicy MoITT 2021Emphasis on shifting government services and data to cloud- based platforms; potential to improve efficiency, transparency and cost-effectiveness of public services; and focus on stimulating the growth of a domestic cloud industry and tech ecosystem. Data localization restrictions in the policy has raised concerns from the industry. Though the policy specifies localization for certain data, the strict restrictions may deter hyperscalers from investing in the country. While progress against the policy has needed more time, the Cloud Service Providers Accreditation criteria and the cloud procurement framework are now available for cloud service providers and public-sector entities. Effective adoption requires capacity-building and training of government officials and IT staff to manage cloud services effectively. Internet of Things FrameworkFramework PTA 2022The country’s first formal framework that addresses the deployment of IoT devices and services. However, it may not be sufficiently comprehensive to address all the potential risks associated with IoT devices and services, including concerns about data privacy and security and issues related to interoperability. Online rules Prevention of Electronic Crime Act (PECA)Act NAP 2016Offers a legal framework for addressing a wide range of cybercrimes – e.g. hacking, data theft and cyberterrorism – and includes measures for protecting critical infrastructure and online privacy, such as criminalizing unauthorized access to data. Some provisions of the law have been criticized as vague and too broad, resulting in concerns that may lead social and digital platforms not to invest in the country. Digital FDI Initiative: Digital FDI-Enabling Project in Pakistan 29