ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said that innovations in data networks, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and 5G are pivotal for our economic growth and addressing challenges like healthcare, education, and sustainable development.
She said regional cooperation is essential for enhancing our digital infrastructure and developing inclusive, secure, and sustainable technologies.
Minister of State for IT Shaza Fatima was addressing SANOG-42 Conference here on Monday.
She said present government is committed to strengthening IT and Telecom sector through
several initiatives.
“We’ve launched IT Parks in Islamabad and Karachi and support over 1,300
startups through our National Incubation Centers. Our Digital Pakistan Policy aims to boost e-
governance, cybersecurity, and entrepreneurship.”
She said the telecom sector has significantly contributed to our economy.
She said upcoming 5G spectrum auction in early 2025, along with policies like the National
Fiberization Policy and Spectrum Sharing, will further propel growth.
She said Pakistan made remarkable strides in cybersecurity, ranking among the top-tier nations in the ITU 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index.
This advancement reflects our strong commitment across
all cybersecurity pillars, positioning us alongside leading countries in cybersecurity readiness.
Our IT sector is thriving, with exports already exceeding $3 billion. Initiatives like local
Chromebook manufacturing by Google and Islamabad’s transformation into a Model Digital City are testament to our vibrant IT landscape, she said.
“We continue to focus on training young people,
particularly in cybersecurity, to ensure a skilled workforce for the future.”
Our comprehensive policies aim to enhance access,
affordability, and innovation, ensuring continued growth and global competitiveness.
We seek to strengthen partnerships across South Asia, leveraging SANOG’s experience for
policy alignment and capacity building. Our focus remains on optimizing Internet Exchange
Points and enhancing network resilience. We invite international partnerships and investments to
further our IT sector’s growth, she said.