ISLAMABAD: In a recent cabinet reshuffle, Shaza Fatima Khawaja has been appointed as the Minister for IT & Telecommunications, while Khalid Hussain Magsi has taken charge of the Ministry of Science & Technology. The new appointments come amid ongoing challenges in both sectors, raising questions about whether the renewed leadership can address past shortcomings effectively.
Minister Khawaja’s appointment places her at the helm of an increasingly vital sector. The IT and telecom ministry has previously faced criticism for delays in expanding digital infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. Official reports from the past fiscal period acknowledged improvements in broadband penetration but also highlighted significant connectivity gaps. Critics argue that earlier reforms brought only modest progress, leaving cautious optimism about whether the new leadership can drive more inclusive digital expansion.
Similarly, the Science & Technology portfolio, now led by Minister Magsi, has been under scrutiny for inadequate investment in research and development. Analysts have pointed out that despite multiple policy announcements, tangible outcomes in innovation and scientific research have been limited. Magsi’s appointment is seen as a test of whether new strategies can revitalize the sector and ensure the implementation of long-standing reform agendas.
The reshuffle is part of a broader realignment within the federal cabinet aimed at enhancing performance across key sectors. However, past reshuffles have received mixed reviews, with some critics arguing that political considerations often overshadow merit-based appointments. The current changes reflect an attempt to address previous performance gaps and reenergize critical areas of governance.