3 min read
Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja outlined Pakistan’s ambitious digital transformation during the Pakistan Digital Sector Roadmap and AI Ripper Competition ceremony. She said that Digital Pakistan is built on three major pillars: the digital economy, digital governance, and digital society.
Khawaja emphasized that the government is developing practical, delivery-focused roadmaps aimed at making citizens’ lives easier.
“Technology is merely a tool; our true goal is to improve the lives of Pakistani citizens,” she said. She added that the Ministry of IT has the full backing of the Prime Minister’s Office, SIFC, Economic Affairs Division, Finance Division, and the Ministry of Planning.
The minister highlighted that the Digital Pakistan Act ensures legal protection and institutional strength for the country’s digital vision. Under this act, a National Digital Authority will unite all public institutions under one comprehensive digital framework.
“Our aim is to move every aspect of a citizen’s life into a comprehensive digital ecosystem,” she said.
According to Khawaja, the plan includes the complete digitization of birth certificates, education, health, graduation, and employment data. Business, property, banking, and travel records will also become part of Pakistan’s national digital system. She stressed the importance of simplifying overseas education and employment documentation, adding that police certificates, bank statements, and educational credentials will soon be available with a single click. “All business registration documents will automatically be shared with relevant departments.”
Discussing the government’s focus on financial technology, Khawaja revealed that “the Prime Minister holds meetings on the cashless economy every fifteen days.” She said digital payments would boost efficiency and transparency across public and private sectors.
The minister also referenced Pakistan’s coordinated cybersecurity response, saying that the armed forces, government institutions, and private sector had stood together under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. She praised the Ministry of IT, PTA, armed forces, and private experts for their combined efforts to enhance cyber defense.
Khawaja applauded Pakistan’s cybersecurity professionals for earning international recognition.
“This achievement earned international recognition for Pakistan’s cybersecurity capabilities,” she said. “The country continues to strengthen its cyber defense infrastructure.”
In a major announcement, she confirmed that Google has completed registration and formal procedures to set up its office in Pakistan.
“Google’s entry marks a significant milestone for Pakistan’s technology sector,” she stated.
The Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of IT and Google focuses on developing globally competitive digital skills.
Khawaja further revealed that Meta’s regional team has provided specialized training in Pakistan to combat misinformation and fake news. She also highlighted the rapid progress in cloud infrastructure, calling it the foundation for Pakistan’s digital future. “For Pakistan, the cloud is the most efficient path forward,” she concluded.
