Embracing the Intelligent Era: Pakistan's Digital Transformation
Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja emphasized that preparing Pakistan for the future in artificial intelligence (AI) is a top priority. During an event titled "Years Strong, Tech-Driven and Future Ready," held on Pakistan's 78th Independence Day, she highlighted the global shift into a new 'intelligent era' that is reshaping every aspect of life.
She explained that the transition from the analog to the digital age has now evolved into an intelligent era, which is transforming lifestyles, jobs, industries, education, and economies. This transformation presents both challenges and opportunities, especially in the labor market, where AI advancements have led to significant changes globally.
Preparing the Youth for the Future
In this context, Shaza Fatima stressed the importance of equipping Pakistan's youth with the necessary skills to meet future challenges. The government has developed a comprehensive AI policy based on six key pillars, with nationwide training programs already launched to implement it. These initiatives have made AI-related skills a core component across sectors such as industry, finance, health, education, and agriculture, ensuring competitiveness on a global scale.
So far, three million young people have benefited from various training initiatives. However, the minister urged individuals to take personal responsibility for upskilling themselves using available resources, time, and technology—whether dedicating just 15 to 30 minutes daily. She emphasized that while the digital age created equal opportunities, the intelligent age will be led by those with knowledge and skills.
Supporting the IT Sector
Shaza Fatima also highlighted the government's efforts to support the IT sector despite challenging economic conditions. Special tax protection for the IT sector was ensured by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and his team, even under IMF requirements. She commended the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) for its support to industries and companies, as well as the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) and the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) for addressing freelancers’ and remote workers’ concerns.
The IT sector grew by nearly 19 percent during the last financial year, reaching $3.8 billion in exports. Freelancers recorded an exceptional 91 percent annual growth. The minister called the sector "the future of our economy" and pledged continued government support.
Digitizing Government Operations
The federal government has digitized and streamlined official operations through the implementation of the e-Office system in 98 percent of ministries and departments within six months. Currently, all federal ministries and over 50 affiliated departments operate paperless under the system, with file progress accessible directly on the Prime Minister's master dashboard.
This initiative has significantly reduced red tape and delays, with each file having a complete digital trail and officers' performance monitored transparently. It has also resulted in substantial savings in human resources, paper, and printing costs, prompting consideration of claiming carbon credits.
Gender Gap Reduction and Digital Payments
Pakistan has been ranked by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) as the top country in narrowing the gender gap in mobile internet usage. The gap dropped from 36 percent to 25 percent, with nearly eight million women using the internet for the first time during 2024-25.
On the Prime Minister’s directive, the Ramazan Subsidy Programme adopted digital payments for the first time. Out of Rs 20 billion allocated, Rs 16 billion were transferred directly to eligible beneficiaries within a month, while the remaining Rs 4 billion returned to the national treasury without leakage. Over 850,000 women created digital wallets during the program, using them for subsidies and transactions.
A Vision for a Fully Digital Nation
Shaza Fatima announced that the government aims to shift all government and citizen services to fully digital platforms before the next Independence Day, eliminating the need for queues and lengthy paperwork. Pakistan has already established a system of digital identities, developed a national data exchange layer, and is rapidly advancing its 'Pakistan Stack' initiative.
A portal is under development to enable people to access all government services online—from paying electricity bills and renewing ID cards to verifying academic degrees. This project will remove the need for long queues for ID card processing or degree verification, modernizing not only citizen services but also the country’s economy and governance.
NADRA and PTA are close partners in this digital transformation, with the Ministry of IT, National IT Board, and Board of Investment playing key roles. The goal is to deliver a large-scale national digital transformation agenda benefiting businesses, citizens, and governance alike.
Commitment to Digital Legislation
Recalling a landmark achievement, the minister noted that Pakistan undertook groundbreaking digital legislation in January this year and remains committed to ensuring its effective implementation rather than letting it remain on paper. This commitment underscores the nation's dedication to embracing the intelligent era and building a more efficient, equitable, and technologically advanced society.