NEWS

ISLAMABAD, October 15, 2026 — The Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) Symposium on Digital Transformation and the Universal Service Fund (USF) successfully concluded in Islamabad today, marking a defining milestone for regional telecommunications policy and multi-stakeholder collaboration. Co-hosted by the Ministry of Information Technology & Telecommunication (MoITT) and Universal Service Fund Pakistan, the three-day international forum brought together high-level policymakers, global regulators, and telecom industry leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region. 

 

The landmark symposium served as a premier platform to review regional digital progress in light of the Tokyo Statement 2025, charting a collective roadmap to transition Universal Service Funds from traditional voice and basic coverage models toward agile, outcome-oriented frameworks supporting high-speed fiberization, gigabit broadband, and resilient digital ecosystems. 

 

On the final day, APT Secretary-General Mr. Masanori Kondo highlighted the Symposium on Digital Transformation and Universal Service Funds as a platform for practical exchanges, partnerships and advancing the Tokyo Statement 2025 commitments. He officially announced the successful conclusion of the event, expressing sincere gratitude to MoITT and USF Pakistan for organizing a wonderful event, providing exceptional hospitality, and sharing delicious Pakistani cuisine. 

 

Over the course of the three-day symposium, speakers and experts engaged across ten distinct sessions to deliberate on vital regional priorities. Delegates aligned regional strategies to harness emerging technologies, bridge persistent digital divides, and drive equitable digital transformation across member states. Discussions focused heavily on future-proofing USFs to tackle evolving digital inclusion gaps by shifting from simple infrastructure access to quality, capability, and AI readiness. 

 

Experts successfully evaluated innovative, cost-effective deployment models—including low-cost Fiber backhaul, mobile broadband, satellite connectivity, and green telecom infrastructure—to scale infrastructure in underserved and rugged terrains. 

 

Furthermore, the forum successfully examined robust regulatory incentives, device subsidy programs, and innovative financial mechanisms to enhance affordability and sustainable financing, making meaningful connectivity accessible to low-income households, small enterprises, and marginalized communities. Sessions successfully emphasized targeted policy interventions, specialized digital literacy programs for women and girls, and digital entrepreneurship support to close the gender digital divide and empower female populations across the region. 

 

Stakeholders also successfully underscored the necessity of empowering local content and ecosystems through culturally appropriate, language-specific digital services and e-government platforms to stimulate local economies and drive digital adoption. 

 

In his formal closing remarks and vote of thanks, Universal Service Fund CEO Mr. Chaudhary Mudassar Naveed expressed profound gratitude to international and national leadership for making the Islamabad symposium a resounding success. Sincere appreciation was extended to Her Excellency Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of IT and Telecom, for her visionary presence and wholehearted support during the inaugural session. 

 

He conveyed deepest gratitude to the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT), led by Secretary-General Mr. Masanori Kondo, for partnering with Pakistan to host this landmark regional event and providing invaluable guidance. Heartfelt thanks were offered to international delegates from APT member states, session chairs, panellists, and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), while special recognition was given to leading telecommunication operators and technology partners—including Jazz, PTML, Zong, and Huawei, GSMA —for their steadfast commitment to multi-stakeholder cooperation. 

 

Warm acknowledgment was extended to the International Coordination and Telecom Wings of MoITT, the Joint Organizing Committees, the USF Pakistan team, and all venue, media, and support staff for their flawless execution and hospitality. 

As the symposium closed, delegates reaffirmed their commitment to carrying forward the spirit of partnership from Islamabad, ensuring that future-ready digital transformation reaches every community and leaves no citizen behind across the Asia-Pacific.