Web Desk: Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Ms Shaza Fatima Khawaja, shared key insights into Pakistan’s digital roadmap, government initiatives. And upcoming projects shaping the country’s IT landscape in an exclusive interview with The Pakistan Connect.
An Exciting Journey
“It has been an exciting journey since the last year and a half,” she said.
Sharing an early memory from her ministry, she added that right after taking the oath, the Prime Minister called a meeting with key ministers. Including economic ministers, to discuss major projects and set a roadmap.
“The target given to me was a 25 billion dollar economic impact,” she explained. “At that time, we were at 2.4 billion dollars in exports, it meant achieving 10 times growth.”
She added that the Prime Minister sets ambitious goals to encourage maximum effort. “He always says, Aim for the moon and land on the stars,” she noted.
Tech Destination Pakistan
The first major vertical to achieve these goals, she said, is Tech Destination Pakistan, focused on increasing direct IT exports through better policies, resources, and by building a positive global image for Pakistan.
The second is Digital Nation Pakistan, which aims to digitise the economy. “Digitising the economy would automatically add almost 200 to 300 million people to the formal sector,” she said.
Digital Nation Pakistan Act
“In January this year, we were able to pass the Digital Nation Pakistan Act, which is a milestone in Pakistan’s history,” Shaza Fatima said.
She explained that the Pakistan Digital Authority has been developed to lead the digitisation roadmap. ‘We are making a master plan for Pakistan’s digitisation. Followed by sectoral plans, like health stack, agri stack, and fintech stack.’
She added that Tech Destination Pakistan is expected to contribute $15 billion. While Digital Nation Pakistan aims to bring another $10 billion in economic impact.
Partnership with NADRA
The Minister said the government has started issuing digital identities in partnership with NADRA. Which has taken the lead in the project.
“We are also working on a national ‘super app’, a data exchange layer to create a Pakistan Stack,” she said.
“For example, if FBR needs your financial status, your excise data should automatically update when you buy a car, but this will work through a strict, consent-based system ensuring privacy and data security.”
She compared the system to Singapore’s SingPass, UAE Pass, and Estonia’s digitisation model, saying Pakistan is embarking on a similar journey.
Addressing concerns over data breaches, she said that after biometric verification for SIMs became mandatory, data leaks have reduced significantly. We now have stronger regulations, better systems, and improved cybersecurity.
Freelancers and Content Creators
Talking about freelancers and IT professionals, the Minister said, “The Prime Minister is very hands-on when it comes to training and skilling young people.”
She explained that the new performance metric focuses not on how many people are trained, but on how many become employed, promoted, or start businesses.
The government is supporting up to one million young people this year through free tech training programs. From basic digital skills to high-tech certifications.
She added, “Freelancers in Pakistan are tax-free. Despite being under the IMF program, we have retained zero rating for the IT sector, that shows our commitment to this industry.”
Credit to SIFC and Field Marshal
Acknowledging the government’s unified approach, she said, “Credit goes to the SIFC, the Prime Minister, and Field Marshal General Asim Munir. Their whole-of-government approach has helped keep incentives intact and ensured all ministries support the IT sector.”
She added that the Finance Minister and Planning Minister are now actively supporting the tech industry. With the sector growing nearly 20 per cent annually.
PayPal in Pakistan
Responding to a question about PayPal and international payment gateways, the Minister said, “This is not just a challenge for freelancers, it’s also a challenge for the government.”
She explained that when freelancers don’t have easy payment options, they often park their funds outside Pakistan, which affects official export figures.
The Ministry is in talks with several international payment gateways. “One will come very soon,” she revealed. “They operate in over 150 countries. We are also in discussions with PayPal and other platforms.”
She highlighted that Pakistan’s private fintech sector is already making progress. “For example, NayaPay can now be used interchangeably with Alipay; that’s a big step toward interoperability,” she added.
The government is also working to connect GCC countries with Pakistan’s Raast system to make transactions easier and improve IT export and home remittances.
Chromebook in Pakistan: A Highlight of the Year
Talking about Google’s Chromebook assembly plant in Pakistan, the Minister said it is one of the biggest highlights of the year.
“A company like Google coming to Pakistan is not something small, it’s something the whole nation should celebrate,” she said.
There are three components:
- Chromebook assembly in Pakistan: bringing high-tech manufacturing and job creation.
- Google’s physical presence: the company is now officially registered in Pakistan and will soon open an office.
- Google’s MOU with the IT Ministry: focused on training youth, opening AI labs, and improving tech education from schools to universities.
She credited Tech Valley Pakistan and Allied Australia for helping establish the assembly line at the National Radio and Telecom Corporation (NRTC) in Haripur.
“This was made possible through strong support from the Prime Minister, SIFC, Field Marshal’s team, and the Ministry of Defence Production,” she said.
Concluding, she remarked, “This whole-of-government effort achieved within a year is nothing short of miraculous, and something Pakistan should truly celebrate.”
