KARACHI: Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Sunday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s IT and Artificial Intelligence (AI) sector, stating that national leadership is fully focused on transforming the country into a technology-driven economy.
Addressing participants at the Indus AI Week 2026 women hackathon ceremony held at IT Park Karachi, the minister said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Syed Asim Munir, along with provincial leadership, are prioritising growth of the IT sector.
She noted that Pakistan aims to emerge as a global provider of AI-driven entrepreneurship in the coming years. “The purpose of technology is to improve the lives of our citizens and promote inclusive economic development,” she said.
Referring to the recently held Indus AI Week, she said the initiative was designed to connect the youth with the legacy of the Indus Intelligent Civilization and inspire innovation rooted in local identity. She expressed pride in witnessing young children at the IT Park actively engaged in advanced technological work.
Under the Prime Minister’s vision of Digital Pakistan, she said, the country is empowering its youth with modern skills to lead the next phase of development. Highlighting Pakistan’s position as the world’s fifth-largest population, the minister stressed that equipping young people with cutting-edge technology skills can significantly accelerate economic progress.
She underscored the importance of expanding access to digital infrastructure in remote and underserved areas to prevent inequality and digital polarization. The minister particularly appreciated the enthusiastic participation of women, including homemakers, in the hackathon, emphasizing the need to create safe and enabling environments for their financial independence and meaningful inclusion in the digital economy.
“Women make up more than half of our population and must be empowered to fully contribute to national progress,” she said.
Shaza Fatima also congratulated the management of Saylani Welfare International Trust and other stakeholders for establishing a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to youth empowerment and technological advancement.
Special Assistant to Chief Minister Sindh on Science and IT, Ali Rashid, also addressed the ceremony.
Later, the Federal Minister, along with the SACM, distributed cash prizes among the winners of the women hackathon, encouraging participants to continue innovating and contributing to Pakistan’s digital future.
