Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja has reaffirmed that Pakistan’s digital sector is now central to economic security, strategic stability, and international competitiveness. Speaking at the 27th National Security Workshop at the National Defence University, she said Pakistan is building a “Digital Nation” grounded in a strong digital economy, digital society, and digital governance.
She highlighted key enablers of progress — telecom, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence — supported by top leadership, including the Prime Minister, Federal Cabinet, and Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). Collaboration across governments, academia, industry, and global partners is accelerating digital transformation.
Pakistan’s infrastructure growth includes 43 Software Technology Parks, over 400 tech companies operating in repurposed malls, and 85 incubators nationwide. More than 4,100 startups have emerged, supported by National Incubation Centres and CEGA facilities, with expanding international investor interest from the USA, UK, Canada, GCC, and Europe.
Recent initiatives include the Pakistan Startup Fund, BridgeStart international accelerator placements, DigiSkills 3.0 to train 4.3 million citizens, and the Prime Minister’s Cloud Programme. Reforms extend to updated IT and AI curricula, a semiconductor programme to train 7,200 chip designers, and partnerships such as TikTok’s STEM Feed and Meta’s AI-in-Urdu.
She announced Google has completed formalities to establish its office in Pakistan — a major milestone for the IT sector — alongside new digital skills partnerships. Pakistan has also secured over USD 700 million in investments through participation in major tech forums including WAIC, LEAP, DCO, AI for Good, and GITEX Global.
Shaza credited cybersecurity improvements and recent digital achievements to unified leadership from national security institutions, government entities, and the private sector. She reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to becoming a resilient, modern, and globally competitive digital nation.
