At the ongoing ‘UNconference’ in Islamabad, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for IT and Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, revealed a national strategy to enhance artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure.
The UNconference 2026 is currently taking place in Islamabad at the Mövenpick Hotel on April 29 and 30, powered by Aik Digital. This event offers a curated environment for attendees to connect directly with leading investors, innovative founders, and industry experts, fostering impactful discussions and collaborations on pressing topics in today’s landscape.
The IT minister further highlighted that Pakistan is actively working to strengthen its computing capacity by acquiring advanced AI infrastructure. According to her, the main focus is on bringing in GPUs and building a strong technology backbone. This step is intended to support the country’s growing digital ecosystem and accelerate innovation. The Pakistani government plans to train 1 million individuals in artificial intelligence as part of a strategy to enhance the digital ecosystem.
On the economic side, she noted that Pakistan’s software export target has been raised significantly. The current figure stands at 3.8 billion dollars, while the long-term goal is set at 15 billion dollars. In addition, she said the government is working with the Special Investment Facilitation Council and the State Bank of Pakistan to modify Form M, aiming to simplify processes and improve ease of doing business.
The announcements made at the UNconference raise several questions about Pakistan’s approach to enhancing its artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure. While the government’s strategy to train one million individuals in AI and significantly increase software export targets suggests a commitment to advancing technology, the practical implications of such plans remain to be seen.
