The Tech Advisory Forum (TAF) and Allied Bank Limited (ABL), in collaboration with Ignite, National Technology Fund and Pakistan Single Window (PSW), successfully hosted the inaugural TAF-ABL Public Sector Digital Transformation Awards 2026. The event brought together government leaders, technology innovators, development partners, academics, and industry representatives to celebrate outstanding achievements in public sector innovation and digital transformation.
The awards recognised exceptional individuals, organisations, and project teams whose initiatives are accelerating Pakistan’s journey towards becoming a Digital Nation through innovation, technology adoption, and citizen-centric service delivery. The event highlighted the growing role of digital solutions in transforming governance, expanding inclusion, and improving public services across the country.
The ceremony was graced by the Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Ms Shaza Fatima Khawaja, who attended as Chief Guest and presented awards to the winners. The event also convened development partners, digital sector experts, policymakers, and industry leaders, alongside public- and private-sector digital officials from Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program member countries.
The awards recognized excellence across a broad range of categories, including AI Innovation, Project Implementation, Public-Private Collaboration, EdTech Innovation, Digital Skills, Climate Technology, Data Innovation, Interoperability, Citizen Experience, Health Technology, FinTech, Regional Connectivity, and Adaptive Leadership.
The event also featured a presentation on Pakistan’s AI Readiness Report, prepared with support from the Asian Development Bank through extensive consultations with public and private sector stakeholders. The report provided valuable insights into Pakistan’s preparedness for adopting and leveraging artificial intelligence to drive inclusive economic growth and public sector modernization.
Among the evening’s notable honourees include, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) received the award for Revenue Reform transformation reform and CAREC Regional Connectivity Innovation, Ministry of Education for Connected Classrooms System. The Data Innovation of the Year Award was presented to Pakistan Single Window (PSW) for its digital platform that has automated cross border trade processes through integrated, data-driven services. NADRA was recognised for the Pakistan E-Visa System, Pak ID Citizen Experience and e-sahulat projects.
The ceremony also recognised Electronic Government Procurement (eGP) e-Pak Acquisition & Disposal System (EPADS) of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA). The Adaptive Leadership of the Year Award was presented to Syed Aftab Haider, CEO of PSW, for his role in leading innovation and implementation of the single window platform.
The Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) was awarded for their “Departure from Pencil to Pixel project”. Other award-winning initiatives showcased significant advancements in education technology, climate resilience, healthcare, digital trade, financial inclusion, and citizen-centric digital services.
Federal Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja was recognized as Digital Visionary of the Year for her leadership in advancing the Digital Nation Pakistan initiative and AI Policy, which are helping shape the country’s digital transformation agenda. Aizid Razzaq Gill, Chief Executive Officer of Allied Bank Limited, received the Digital Transformation Patron of the Year Award.
Speaking at the event, Federal Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said that digital transformation is no longer solely a technology agenda but a national development imperative that improves government efficiency, enhances service delivery, drives economic growth, and expands opportunities for citizens.
The inaugural Public Sector Digital Transformation Awards 2026 concluded with a renewed commitment from TAF and its partners to continue promoting innovation, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and supporting initiatives that contribute to a more connected, inclusive, and digitally empowered Pakistan.
