Abu Zar
In an age where technological innovation drives global economies, nations must prioritize digital transformation to remain competitive and inclusive. Recognizing this imperative, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to building a robust digital ecosystem in Pakistan—one that promises economic growth, social development, and a future-ready workforce.
Speaking at a recent national IT and digital innovation summit in Islamabad, the Prime Minister emphasized that digitalization is no longer a luxury or a distant goal, but a national necessity. “Our vision is clear: to make Pakistan a digitally empowered nation,” he stated. “This government is fully committed to fostering a digital ecosystem that benefits every citizen.”
A Vision for a Digital Pakistan
PM Shehbaz Sharif’s digital strategy is part of a broader agenda to modernize Pakistan’s infrastructure, governance, and education systems. The government’s push toward digitalization is designed to unlock opportunities in key areas such as:
- E-governance for efficient and transparent public service delivery
- Digital education to bridge the learning gap
- Financial technology (FinTech) to boost financial inclusion
- Start-up support and incubation to nurture homegrown innovation
- Cybersecurity infrastructure to safeguard data and national security
PM Shehbaz. At the heart of this vision lies a belief that technology can democratize access to services and opportunities, particularly for marginalized communities. “From a farmer in Punjab to a software developer in Karachi, every citizen should feel the impact of digital progress,” the Prime Minister said.
Public-Private Synergy: A Cornerstone of Success
Acknowledging the limitations of government alone, PM Shehbaz stressed the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors to drive digital innovation. He encouraged tech giants, local startups, educational institutions, and international investors to become stakeholders in Pakistan’s digital journey.
To support this collaboration, the government has already begun developing Digital Pakistan Hubs—technology parks and innovation zones in key cities including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta. These hubs will provide state-of-the-art infrastructure, high-speed internet, and business incubation services to startups and IT companies.
“To compete globally, we must create an environment that is attractive to talent, investment, and entrepreneurship,” the Prime Minister noted. “We are building bridges between academia, industry, and government to make this happen.”
Boosting the IT Sector and Exports
One of the top priorities of the government is to expand Pakistan’s IT exports, which have shown promising growth in recent years. In the fiscal year 2021-22, Pakistan’s IT exports surpassed $2.6 billion, a record achievement for the country. However, PM Shehbaz believes that this figure could be exponentially higher with the right policies and support systems.
“We have the talent. We have the ambition. What we need is a stable policy framework and efficient execution,” he remarked.
To this end, the government has announced tax incentives for IT companies, simplified procedures for business registration, and established special technology zones to facilitate export-oriented tech services. Additionally, efforts are being made to improve payment gateways, ensuring that freelancers and startups can easily receive international payments.
Empowering Youth Through Digital Skills
With over 64% of Pakistan’s population under the age of 30, the country holds immense demographic potential—if harnessed correctly. PM Shehbaz’s digital roadmap places strong emphasis on digital literacy and skill development, particularly for the youth.
Under initiatives like ‘DigiSkills’, ‘eRozgar Program’, and ‘National Freelance Training Program’, thousands of young Pakistanis are receiving training in coding, data analytics, digital marketing, graphic design, and more. The government aims to train 1 million freelancers over the next five years, enabling them to tap into the global gig economy.
“Empowering our youth with digital skills is not just about employment—it’s about nation-building,” the Prime Minister said. “Our freelancers are our ambassadors. They show the world what Pakistan is capable of.”
Expanding Digital Access Nationwide
Despite the optimism, challenges remain. One of the biggest hurdles is limited internet penetration in rural and remote areas. To address this, the government has launched initiatives to expand broadband infrastructure to underserved regions, including Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and parts of Sindh and KP.
PM Shehbaz announced that new 4G and 5G projects will be prioritized in the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), with funding allocated to improve telecom infrastructure nationwide. “Digital inclusion cannot be limited to cities. The entire country must be connected,” he emphasized.
Additionally, through the Universal Service Fund (USF), the government is working with telecom operators to bring internet access to thousands of villages, schools, and health centers.
E-Governance and Citizen Services
A key component of the digital ecosystem is e-governance—the use of technology to improve public administration. PM Shehbaz reiterated that digitizing citizen services is critical to fighting corruption, improving efficiency, and enhancing trust in government institutions.
Through platforms like Pakistan Citizen Portal, NADRA’s digital ID services, and online tax filing via FBR, citizens are now able to access services that once required tedious paperwork and in-person visits. More services are being added every quarter, including land records, pension disbursement, and court case tracking.
PM Shehbaz “In a digital ecosystem, government services should be just a few clicks away,” the Prime Minister declared. “That’s what we’re working toward.”
Ensuring Data Protection and Cybersecurity
As digital adoption accelerates, so does the need for robust cybersecurity and data privacy regulations. PM Shehbaz acknowledged that Pakistan must move quickly to establish frameworks that protect citizens and businesses from cyber threats.
The government is working with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and National Information Technology Board (NITB) to finalize a comprehensive cybersecurity policy, including data encryption standards, incident response protocols, and legal recourse for victims of digital crimes.
“Our digital progress must be secure. Trust is the foundation of any digital society,” the PM Shehbaz stated.
A Call for Unity and Progress
PM Shehbaz’s message concluded with a call to action for citizens, institutions, and political leaders alike. “We must rise above divisions and focus on the future. The digital age will not wait for us. We must act boldly and decisively.”
He urged all stakeholders to support the digital transformation agenda, recognizing that its benefits—economic growth, job creation, innovation—would uplift all segments of society.
“Let us not see technology as a threat, but as a tool. A tool that can break barriers, erase inequalities, and bring us closer to our aspirations as a nation.”
Conclusion: A Promising Road Ahead
Pakistan stands at a critical juncture. With a young population, growing IT capabilities, and strong leadership vision, the country has the raw materials needed to build a thriving digital economy. PM Shehbaz Sharif’s commitment to fostering a digital ecosystem reflects a recognition that the future belongs to those who embrace change, invest in people, and build for tomorrow.
While challenges such as infrastructure gaps, cybersecurity, and political will persist, the roadmap is clear. If executed with consistency and inclusivity, Pakistan’s digital transformation could become a model for the developing world, proving that innovation is not bound by geography but by vision and determination.
