Shaza Fatima Khawaja Drives Internet Infrastructure Upgrades in Pakistan

State Minister for IT and Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, has committed to a transformative overhaul of Pakistan’s internet infrastructure. At the ITCN Asia conference in Lahore, she outlined initiatives designed to solidify Pakistan’s position as a competitive force in the global IT sector. Key projects include the expansion of Special Technology Zones (STZs), a nationwide fiberization program, and efforts to make high-speed broadband and smart devices more affordable.

Government’s Role in Boosting ICT

The government is actively encouraging both foreign and local investments in ICT by implementing policy reforms and legislation to create a favorable environment. This includes the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in mitigating barriers for stakeholders and advancing Pakistan’s digital economy, which is projected to contribute $5.9 billion by 2030.

Digital Inclusivity and Workforce Development

In her address, Shaza Fatima emphasized inclusivity, particularly for women, in the IT workforce. Efforts include skill development programs to prepare a digitally literate workforce and incentives for the local manufacturing of laptops to reduce costs for consumers.

Pakistan’s Global IT Ambitions

Through its membership in the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), Pakistan aims to establish itself as a regional tech hub. With a talented human resource pool and cost advantages, the nation is poised to become a preferred destination for multinational companies and freelancers.