Islamabad, Oct 21: Shaza Fatima Affirms Government’s Commitment to Strengthening IT and Telecom Sector. Innovations in data networks, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and 5G are essential for Pakistan’s economic growth and for tackling important issues like healthcare, education, and sustainable development, according to Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication.
In his remarks at the SANOG-42 Conference, the Minister emphasized the value of regional collaboration in building inclusive, safe, and sustainable technologies as well as improving the nation’s digital infrastructure.
Through a number of initiatives, she reiterated the government’s commitment to bolstering the telecom and IT industries.We have established IT Parks in Karachi and Islamabad, and our National Incubation Centers are helping more than 1,300 businesses. “Our Digital Pakistan Policy seeks to advance cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, and e-governance,” she said.
She recognized the telecom industry’s substantial economic contribution to the country. She also said that initiatives like the National Fiberization Policy and Spectrum Sharing, as well as the impending 5G spectrum auction in early 2025, would further spur growth.
Pakistan has made significant strides in cybersecurity, ranking among the top countries in the ITU 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index, the minister said. “This development places us alongside top nations in cybersecurity readiness and demonstrates our strong commitment across all cybersecurity pillars,” she said.
She emphasized the flourishing exports from the IT industry, which have now topped $3 billion. Initiatives like Google’s local Chromebook manufacture and Islamabad’s conversion to a Model Digital City highlight the nation’s thriving IT sector.
“To ensure a skilled workforce for the future, we continue to focus on training young people, particularly in cybersecurity,” Shaza Fatima said. In order to guarantee steady growth and worldwide competitiveness, she delineated all-encompassing strategies that seek to improve access, affordability, and innovation.
The minister also advocated for deeper collaborations throughout South Asia, utilizing SANOG’s expertise to align policies and develop capacity. “We are still committed to improving network resilience and optimizing Internet Exchange Points. To further propel the expansion of our IT industry, we welcome global collaborations and investments,” she continued.
