AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad, The Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, has reinforced the commitment of the government to the expansion and empowerment of Pakistan’s IT sector through collaboration with the private sector.
According to Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, Minister Khawaja addressed a congregation of tech enthusiasts and professionals at the Global Digital Summit during the 24th ICTN Asia Conference at the Expo Centre. She celebrated the potential of technology as a pivotal force in shaping the future of nations and underlined the summit’s role in enhancing partnerships and knowledge sharing between public and private entities.
The minister affirmed the government’s, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, active review and improvement of policies to nurture the growth of private enterprises in the technology domain. She highlighted the significance of creating an environment conducive to innovation and business within Pakistan, touching on aspects of industry culture, technology, and ecosystems.
Addressing challenges like cybersecurity and the skills shortage, the minister viewed these as opportunities to harness the young workforce for development. She stressed the urgency for educational reform to produce a skilled and employable talent pool, referencing initiatives that connect academia with industry to prepare students for the job market.
She also discussed the planned National Digitization Plan aimed at revolutionizing governance, the economy, and societal functions through digital solutions, including the introduction of a ‘Pakistan stack’—a digital interface to streamline services for individuals.
Minister Khawaja emphasized the government’s open stance towards public engagement and partnership to drive the digitization mission forward. She discussed policy progression in areas of data protection and cybersecurity, and the fostering of a business-friendly environment for global ventures.
With aspirations for G-20 participation and further economic growth, the minister encouraged the private sector to gear up for emerging opportunities, assuring government support via incentives and venture capital investments.
In her concluding remarks, Minister Khawaja called upon industry leaders to focus on comprehensive skill development and to be innovative in their approach towards creating global technology alternatives. She touched upon the issue of internet shutdowns, clarifying that while not ideal, they are occasionally necessitated by security concerns. The session closed with the minister presenting awards to distinguished contributors in the IT sector.