Islamabad, Feb 21: Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to digital transformation at the 4th General Assembly of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), held at the Dead Sea, Jordan. The country’s delegation, led by Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, engaged in high-level discussions aimed at accelerating Pakistan’s digital agenda and fostering global collaborations.
During the event, Minister Khawaja announced that Pakistan will host its first-ever Digital Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Summit on April 29-30, 2025, in Islamabad. Co-organized by the Government of Pakistan, the DCO, and the World Economic Forum (WEF), the summit is designed to attract international investors and technology leaders, positioning Pakistan as a key player in the global digital economy.
READ MORE:Aurangzeb Reaffirms Government’s Commitment to Foreign Investors in Meeting with Asyad Group
A significant highlight of the assembly was Pakistan’s representation at the International Digital Cooperation Forum (IDCF), where Mehwish Salman Ali, Founder and CEO of Data Vault, participated in the “Connecting AI Startups” panel. She showcased Pakistan’s AI capabilities and announced plans for the country’s first AI Innovation Center, aimed at accelerating AI startups and integrating Pakistani innovations into the global market.
On the sidelines of the assembly, Pakistan engaged in a series of strategic meetings to enhance digital partnerships. Discussions with Saudi Arabia’s Elm, led by General Manager Hakeem AbdulAziz Alrasheed, explored collaboration in AI and digital security. Engagements with Fit4Internet, represented by General Secretary Mag. Ulrike Domany-Funtan, focused on AI-driven digital literacy and cybersecurity initiatives.
Talks with Portugal’s Secretary of State for Modernization and Digitalization, Alberto Rodrigues da Silva, emphasized cooperation in AI research and development. Additionally, Oman’s Under-Secretary for Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, Dr. Ali bin Amer al Shidhani, extended an invitation to establish a Data Vault office in Oman, aiming to develop AI-based solutions for international markets.
Minister Khawaja reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to digital progress, citing the recent passage of the National Digital Pakistan Act as a transformative step toward digitizing the economy, governance, and society. She also highlighted the establishment of the National Digital Commission, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which will oversee the country’s digital infrastructure development and investment strategies.
Pakistan’s proactive engagement at the DCO assembly reflects its ambition to integrate into the global digital economy, foster technological innovation, and strengthen international partnerships to drive digital transformation.
