Anusha Rehman was born on 1 June 1968 in Lahore, Pakistan. She completed her early education at local schools in Lahore and then pursued higher studies abroad. In 1992, she earned a master’s degree in law from University College London. She specialized in law and economics of regulated industries, networks, and markets. Her education laid a strong foundation for her legal and political career.
Political career
Anusha Rehman began her political career in 2006 when she became the senior vice president of the PML-N lawyers’ wing. She actively participated in the lawyers’ movement for restoring the judiciary after the Pakistani state of emergency in 2007.
She won her first National Assembly seat in the 2008 general elections on a reserved seat for women. During her first tenure, she served on the National Assembly Standing Committee on Law and Justice. In 2009, she joined the PML-N steering committee for legal matters, providing guidance on legislative issues.
Rehman was re-elected in the 2013 general elections on another reserved seat for women. In 2013, she was appointed Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication. Her leadership helped introduce reforms and policies for Pakistan’s growing IT and telecom sectors.
When Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif resigned in 2017, she temporarily left office. After Shahid Khaqan Abbasi became Prime Minister in August 2017, Rehman returned as Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication. In April 2018, she was promoted to Federal Minister for the same ministry, serving until the National Assembly term ended in May 2018.
In 2024, she secured a seat in the Pakistani Senate, supported by PML-N, with 125 votes. She has been instrumental in major technology initiatives, including the 3G and 4G spectrum auctions.
Key contributions and achievements
Telecom Sector Policy 2015
As Minister, Rehman helped develop the Telecom Sector Policy 2015. The policy introduced regulatory reforms that shaped Pakistan’s telecom sector. The Government Leadership Award by GSMA in 2017 recognized these reforms.
- The E-Governance Program
Rehman promoted digitization of government processes through the e-Governance program. The program aimed to simplify administrative procedures and increase efficiency.
- Mobile Broadband Expansion
She led the 2014 auction of 3G and 4G spectrum. Mobile broadband penetration grew from under 3% in 2013 to over 40% by 2018. Pakistan earned the Spectrum for Mobile Broadband Award at the GSMA Mobile World Congress in 2015.
- ICTs for Girls Program
Rehman launched the “ICTs for Girls” initiative in 2015. It trained women and girls from disadvantaged backgrounds in basic digital skills and coding. Microsoft partnered with the program to provide training modules.
- National Incubation Center and DigiSkills
She helped establish Pakistan’s first National Incubation Center (NIC) in 2016. The center supports tech startups with workspace, mentorship, and training. In 2018, she launched the Digi Skills program to train individuals in freelancing and digital work. By 2028, Digi Skills 3.0 aims to train three million people.
Awards and Recognition
Rehman received the GEM-TECH Global Achievers Award from UN Women and ITU in 2015 for promoting gender equality in technology. In 2019, the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation appointed her as regional advisor for East and South Asia.
Impact on Pakistan’s technology sector
Anusha Rehman’s initiatives helped Pakistan modernize its telecom and IT infrastructure. Her policies encouraged private sector investment, digital education, and technology exports.
Programs like Digi Skills and NIC boosted entrepreneurship and created new job opportunities for youth and women. Check out Shaza Fatima Khawaja’s leadership and her vision for Pakistan’s IT sector.
Public image and legacy
Rehman is respected for her professionalism, dedication, and policy expertise. She is known as a practical and results-oriented leader in Pakistan Muslim League N. Her advocacy for women in technology and her contributions to digital transformation remain key aspects of her legacy.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Anusha Rehman’s educational background?
She completed her master’s in law from University College London and specialized in law and economics of regulated industries.
- When did Anusha Rehman start her political career?
She began her political journey in 2006 as senior vice president of the PML-N lawyers’ wing.
- Which political party is Anusha Rehman affiliated with?
She is a member of Pakistan Muslim League N (PML-N).
- What major IT initiatives did Anusha Rehman lead?
She led the 3G and 4G spectrum auctions, Digi Skills program, and ICTs for Girls initiative.
- Has Anusha Rehman received any awards?
Yes, she received the GEM-TECH Global Achievers Award and the GSMA Government Leadership Award.
