Preparing Pakistan for AI's Future: Shaza's Priority

Embracing the Intelligent Era: Pakistan's Vision for AI and Digital Transformation

In a significant address during an event marking Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja emphasized the critical importance of preparing the nation for the challenges and opportunities of the intelligent era. She highlighted that the world is undergoing a profound transformation, moving from the digital to the intelligent age, which is reshaping every aspect of life.

The minister pointed out that this new era is characterized by revolutionary changes in lifestyles, jobs, industries, education, and economies. She noted that the transition from the analog to the digital age was already a major shift, but now the focus must be on adapting to the intelligent era. This requires equipping the youth with the necessary skills to meet future demands, especially as global labor markets are rapidly evolving due to advancements in artificial intelligence.

A Comprehensive AI Policy and Training Initiatives

Shaza Fatima outlined the government's commitment to developing a comprehensive AI policy built on six key pillars. To support this initiative, nationwide training programs have been launched to ensure that sectors such as industry, finance, health, education, and agriculture remain competitive globally. So far, three million young people have benefited from these initiatives, demonstrating the government's proactive approach to skill development.

She urged individuals to take personal responsibility for upskilling themselves, emphasizing that even dedicating 15 to 30 minutes a day can make a significant difference. "The digital age created equal opportunities for all, but in the intelligent age, only those with knowledge and skills will lead," she stated.

Economic Growth and Sectoral Support

Despite challenging economic conditions, the government has ensured special tax protection for the IT sector, supporting its growth. The minister also recognized the contributions of various organizations, including the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), and the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA), for their efforts in addressing the concerns of freelancers and remote workers.

The IT sector experienced a remarkable 19 percent growth in the previous financial year, reaching $3.8 billion in exports. Freelancers recorded an impressive 91 percent annual growth, highlighting the sector's potential as the future of Pakistan's economy. The government pledged continued support, aiming to further strengthen the digital economy and e-governance.

Digitizing Government Operations

The federal government has made significant strides in digitizing and streamlining official operations through the implementation of the e-Office system. Within six months, 98 percent of ministries and departments had adopted the system, with all federal ministries and over 50 affiliated departments operating paperlessly. The progress of every file is now accessible directly on the Prime Minister's master dashboard.

This shift has significantly reduced red tape and delays, ensuring transparency in officers' performance. It has also led to substantial savings in human resources, paper, and printing costs, prompting discussions about claiming carbon credits.

Closing the Gender Gap in Mobile Internet Usage

Pakistan has received international recognition for its efforts in narrowing the gender gap in mobile internet usage. According to the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), the gap dropped from 36 percent to 25 percent, with nearly eight million women using the internet for the first time during 2024-25.

Digital Payments and Financial Inclusion

On the Prime Minister's directive, the Ramazan Subsidy Programme introduced 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 both receiving subsidies and making transactions.

Future Goals and National Digital Transformation

The minister announced that the government aims to shift all government and citizen services to fully digital platforms before the next Independence Day. This initiative will eliminate the need for queues and lengthy paperwork, modernizing the country's economy and administrative framework.

Pakistan has already established a system of digital identities and developed a national data exchange layer. The 'Pakistan Stack' initiative is advancing rapidly, with a portal under development to enable people to access all government services online—from paying electricity bills to verifying academic degrees.

NADRA and PTA are key partners in this digital transformation, alongside the Ministry of IT, National IT Board, and Board of Investment. The goal is to deliver a large-scale national digital transformation agenda that benefits businesses, citizens, and governance alike.

Recalling a landmark achievement, the minister highlighted that Pakistan undertook groundbreaking digital legislation in January this year, with a commitment to ensuring its effective implementation rather than letting it remain on paper.