LAHORE: The Punjab IT department is working on legislation for the provision of high-speed internet, satellite technology, and creating pathways for youth to become part of the global workforce through digital connectivity, said chief minister’s senior adviser Senator Anusha Rahman.

She shared this during a meeting with US Consul General Stetson Sanders, who called on her along with a delegation here on Wednesday.

During the meeting, Senator Rahman briefed the US Consul General on various digital initiatives of the government. The initiatives included programmes such as ICT for Girls, National Incubation Centers, Digital Skills programme, availability and roll out of 3G and 4G spectrum, and projects aimed at extending internet connectivity to remote areas of Pakistan through affordable internet.

She also highlighted that these efforts had positioned Pakistan as an emerging player in the global digital landscape.

Discussing the progress of the Nawaz Sharif IT City project, Ms Rahman said that the Punjab CM was fully committed to creating dignified employment opportunities for youth through the use of advanced technologies.

“The Punjab IT department has been established to strengthen the digital economy and use of digital technologies for governance and public sector delivery,” she said.

She said the youth of Punjab were making significant progress in the field of information technology. She said the government was actively welcoming international investment in the technology sector and providing maximum facilitation to investors.

“As a result, companies operating in the Nawaz Sharif IT City Lahore are being offered a 10-year income tax exemption along with customs duty relief,” she said.

She expressed the desire for granting Nawaz Sharif IT City Lahore and Silicon Valley in California the sister city status.

Mr Sanders appreciated the Punjab government’s initiatives in the field of modern technology and expressed keen interest in various digital projects, particularly the IT City.

He welcomed the proposal to establish sister city relations between Lahore and California in the technology sector. He further remarked that Pakistani youth possessed immense talent and expressed optimism that the ongoing technological initiatives of Punjab would yield positive and far-reaching results.

Published in Dawn, January 22nd, 2026