Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja has reaffirmed the government’s resolve to place technology at the core of governance, emphasizing that digital transformation should directly enhance citizens’ lives.
Speaking at the “Future in Focus: AI and Innovation” event, organized in collaboration with Meta, the minister said the true value of technology lies not only in knowledge or business growth but in improving how people live, work, and interact with the state. “At the heart of every technological development is the citizen,” she remarked. “Our goal is to make life easier for every Pakistani — economically, socially, and administratively.”
Appreciating Meta’s regional leadership for its support, Shaza Fatima said the initiative aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of transforming Pakistan into a Digital Nation. She highlighted that 98 percent of government internal systems have now been digitized under the E-Office initiative, ensuring greater transparency and efficiency.
The minister explained that the government’s digital transformation agenda aims to bring governance closer to the public by simplifying administrative procedures and improving service delivery. She said the rollout of digital identities and upcoming Super Apps will allow citizens to access government services from home, eliminating queues, paperwork, and intermediaries.
She noted that the City of Islamabad App already provides residents with multiple online services and serves as a model for future governance tools. “Our objective is to make government interaction seamless, accountable, and efficient through technology,” she added.
Under Pakistan’s National AI Policy, the government aims to train one million youth in artificial intelligence to prepare them for a technology-driven future. At present, about 300,000 young Pakistanis are receiving free online training in AI and digital skills under the Digital Pakistan program run by Ignite, with another 300,000 participants expected to join by December.
Highlighting inclusivity as a key pillar of the government’s strategy, Shaza Fatima said 130 women-led startups have been supported this year. Training opportunities span from low-tech to high-tech programs, helping young people acquire practical AI skills. She added that Pakistan has seen a 91 percent rise in freelancers and remote workers in the past year, demonstrating strong digital momentum.
Discussing the AI Policy’s scope, she said it would form the foundation of Pakistan’s future government, industrial, agricultural, and social initiatives. It encompasses economic empowerment, computing infrastructure, GPUs, and AI-enabled cloud services to develop a robust AI ecosystem.
She revealed that the government had received 30,000 applications for the AI Wrapper Competition 2025, reflecting the growing interest of youth in artificial intelligence. Regional rounds are in progress, with national winners to be invited to Islamabad for the grand finale. The competition features themes such as EdTech, HealthTech, GovTech, FinTech, and ClimateTech, aimed at encouraging young innovators to create AI-based solutions for real-world challenges.
“These initiatives not only nurture innovation but also improve public service delivery,” the minister said, calling on industry, academia, and government to strengthen collaboration in building Pakistan’s AI ecosystem.
She emphasized that artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are reshaping every sector, from healthcare and security to governance and education. The government, she said, is committed to making Pakistan a future-ready nation through comprehensive legislation, policy, and regulatory frameworks.
Shaza Fatima recalled that Pakistan passed historic digital legislation in January and that the National AI Policy received federal cabinet approval in July. “These are not just policy documents,” she said. “They represent our commitment to execution — because no law has meaning unless it benefits the people.”
Under the Prime Minister’s leadership, she said Pakistan possesses all the necessary ingredients for digital success, including a young population, skilled educators, and a growing tech ecosystem. The government’s vision, she noted, is to make institutions AI-empowered to enhance efficiency and democratize governance, education, and innovation.
She also highlighted the Meta AI Faculty Training Program, which has equipped educators — both IT and non-IT — with AI integration skills for classroom teaching. “Every educator, even at the primary level, should understand AI,” she said, describing it as essential in today’s learning environment.
Acknowledging partners, Shaza Fatima thanked Dr. Naveed Iftikhar, Co-Founder of Atom Camp, and Meta for collaborating on the initiative. “Together, we are empowering the long-term drivers of change — our educators — who are shaping Pakistan’s AI-driven future,” she said.
Expressing gratitude to Meta for promoting digital skills and opportunities, she reiterated that youth are Pakistan’s greatest asset, and empowering them through digital literacy is key to the nation’s progress.
The minister concluded by underscoring the importance of responsible AI use, stressing the need for digital safety, transparency, and public trust. “The future we are discussing today depends on the actions we take now,” she said, reaffirming her commitment to ensuring ethical AI adoption and a secure digital environment for all citizens — particularly children, women, and vulnerable groups.
