Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja has described ICTN Asia as a landmark international platform that reflects Pakistan’s rapid advancement in technology and its growing presence on the global digital landscape.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the ICTN Asia Expo at the Expo Center in Lahore, the minister said Pakistan is steadily transitioning towards a technology-driven economy. She highlighted that over the past four years, the Special Technology Zones Authority has established 32 Special Technology Zones nationwide, creating a robust ecosystem for IT growth, innovation, and investment.
She said the upcoming Digital Nation System would be a game changer for the country’s IT sector by integrating digital services and strengthening governance. Referring to recent economic challenges, Shaza Fatima noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan avoided economic default in 2022 and restored stability within two years through timely reforms and policy decisions.
Emphasizing the role of human capital, she said Pakistan’s youth represent its greatest asset. Hundreds of thousands of young people have already received skills training, while many more are expected to be trained this year to meet the needs of the modern digital economy.
The minister said the government is actively working to strengthen Pakistan’s global image through focused international branding aimed at rebuilding trust and confidence. She added that technology is central to this transformation, with a national-level federation ensuring coordination and ownership across sectors.
She stressed that the core purpose of technology adoption is to make life easier for citizens. Digital public services reduce red tape and corruption, she said, adding that the federal government has fully transitioned to e-commerce and eliminated paper-based processes. She also cited the Asaan Khidmat Service Center as a key step toward citizen-friendly service delivery.
Concluding her address, Shaza Fatima said platforms such as ICTN Asia Expo are essential for showcasing Pakistan’s technological potential, fostering collaboration, and reinforcing national confidence on the global stage.
