CAREC members discuss feasibility of CAREC Digital Corridor

On 29-30 July, in Islamabad, the CAREC Secretariat and SD-DIG spearheaded the regional consultation for the proposed CAREC Digital Corridor. The meeting, with participants from digital ministries, regulatory agencies, and telecom operators, discussed the outcomes of the feasibility study, which identified the regional digital connectivity gaps and presented a comprehensive set of infrastructure and policy recommendations for an integrated, secure, and resilient regional digital ecosystem. The CAREC Digital Corridor is aligned with the Asia-Pacific Digital Highway initiative.

Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of IT and Telecommunications underscored Pakistan’s strategic role as a gateway to extend global digital connectivity deeper into CAREC region through its resilient terrestrial fiber network and multiple international submarine cable systems. PRM CD Emma Fan and CWRC Regional Head Asad Aleem emphasized greater route diversity and stronger cross-border coordination for improved resilience of region’s digital infrastructure. The event also featured an awards ceremony recognizing public sector digital leaders supported by the Ministry of IT and Telecommunications.