Tech Desk 
Nov 26, 2025
An image of Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja attending the inauguration ceremony of the 26th ITCN Asia Expo at Expo Centre Karachi, Sindh, September 23, 2025. — X/@MoitOfficial
State Minister for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja said on Tuesday that Pakistan is making strong progress in digital transformation and emerging as a key player in the South Asia–Middle East Digital Corridor.
Speaking at a roundtable conference, she said the Digital Pakistan Vision 2030 was guiding reforms with unified leadership and clear policies. “Pakistan now has 200 million mobile users, 60% broadband penetration, and a 210,000 km fibre network,” she noted.
Khawaja spoke of the signing of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Regional Fibre Connectivity Agreement in Bishkek, which was a great step towards enhancing Pakistan's position in cloud services, cross-border fintech, and modern digital solutions.
She said removing the right-of-way fee has simplified the rollout of high-speed fibre across the nation.
The minister promised that the forthcoming Digital Nation Pakistan Act 2025, along with national policies on cloud, data, and tech governance, would spur innovation and startups.
She talked about progress being made in terms of public-service platforms, digital inclusion, and programmes designed to increase youth involvement in the tech sector.
Khawaja also highlighted improved readiness on cybersecurity, a narrowed gender gap in mobile internet use, and the launch of a WebTrust-audited national public key system.
She said agreements inked during the prime minister’s China visit with leading tech companies will speed up initiatives on cloud development, submarine cable projects, smart-city initiatives and youth skill programmes.
During the GSMA Mobile World Congress, she met a delegation from the Islamic Development Bank to discuss expanding connectivity, increasing digital access, and strengthening innovation for the future.
