Federal Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja represented Pakistan at the CAREC 24 ministerial conference in Bishkek, focusing on expanding regional Digital Cooperation and connectivity. On the sidelines of the conference she met with Kyrgyzstan’s minister of digital development to discuss practical steps for strengthening cross‑border digital links and joint infrastructure initiatives.
Pakistan offered additional bandwidth through the Karachi and Gwadar submarine cables to support regional traffic and reduce costs, a proposal framed within broader CAREC Digital Cooperation objectives. Conversations explored shared fiber routes under the CAREC framework, aiming to create resilient and cost‑effective pathways for data across South and Central Asia.
To operationalise technical collaboration, Pakistan proposed the establishment of a joint technical connectivity group to coordinate fiber projects, spectrum use and peering arrangements. Both sides agreed on joint training programmes in software development, cloud services and cybersecurity to build human capital and ensure secure regional networks.
In a move to nurture innovation, participants endorsed the idea of a Pak‑Kyrgyz Startup Bridge and committed to organising hackathons and exchange programmes to link startups and incubators. The proposal intends to connect Pakistan’s NICs with Kyrgyz counterparts and IT parks to stimulate cross‑border entrepreneurship under the CAREC Digital Cooperation agenda.
Minister Khawaja also met Uzbekistan’s minister for investment, industry and trade to discuss a Pakistan–Uzbekistan fiber link under the CAREC digital corridor. Both governments agreed to promote affordable bandwidth, regional data centres and enhanced digital trade flows while exploring joint ventures in software, fintech and e‑commerce.
Discussions included promoting outsourcing models based on English and Russian language capabilities and expanding startup collaboration between Pakistan’s NICs and Uzbek IT parks. Both countries committed to deepening cooperation on cybersecurity, harmonising digital policy and developing joint regulatory frameworks to facilitate secure and scalable regional connectivity.
