Key Points
- Pakistan aims to leverage telecom, cybersecurity, and AI to enhance its digital sector.
- The country has developed 43 Software Technology Parks, 85 incubators, and over 4,100 startups.
- Google has completed formalities to open its office in Pakistan, with an MoU signed for advanced digital skills training.
- National and international initiatives have attracted over US$700 million in digital investments.
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Sunday said that Pakistan is focusing on strengthening its IT industry, boosting exports, and building a “Digital Nation” by complete digitisation of the economy, society, and governance.
“Our goal is to make Pakistan a global digital hub, where technology drives economic growth, innovation, and social progress,” she said, addressing a varsity workshop.
Speaking at the 27th National Security Workshop at the National Defence University (NDU), on the topic “Pakistan’s IT Potential: Opportunities and Challenges,” Shaza highlighted the government’s commitment to a future-ready digital ecosystem. The session was attended by members of national and provincial assemblies, entrepreneurs, journalists, and civil society representatives.
Shaza said, “Pakistan’s digital sector has become a core asset for economic security, strategic stability, and global competitiveness,” adding that the Prime Minister, Federal Cabinet, Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), and senior leadership are fully backing the digital transformation agenda.
She detailed achievements, including 43 Software Technology Parks, over 400 tech companies in repurposed malls, a network of 85 incubators, and rapid growth in startups. National initiatives such as the Pakistan Startup Fund, BridgeStart programme, the Prime Minister’s Cloud Programme, DigiSkills 3.0, and SkillTech Initiative were highlighted.
She also discussed academic and skill-based reforms, including updated HEC curricula for IT and AI, a semiconductor training programme, TikTok’s STEM Feed, and Meta’s AI-in-Urdu project. She announced Google’s office opening in Pakistan and the MoU for advanced digital skills development.
Shaza cited international engagements at WAIC Shanghai, LEAP Riyadh, DCO General Assembly in Amman, AI for Good Summit in Geneva, and GITEX Global 2025, securing over US$700 million in digital investments. She linked national cybersecurity victories to Marka-e-Haq, underscoring the contribution of armed forces, government institutions, and private sector to strengthen cyber defences.
She concluded by reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to becoming a modern, secure, and globally competitive digital nation.
