IT minister showcases digital transformation in Riyadh

• Shaza Fatima Khawaja stresses innovation, strong institutions and private-sector leadership as key drivers of digital growth
• Calls for execution of measurable KPIs for successful transformation

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minis­ter for Information Technology and Telecom­munication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said that Pakis­tan was now developing a na­­tional digital stack, which, combined with its young workforce, political and economic stability, and expanding digital infrastr­u­cture, would help accelerate the country’s digital transformation.

“These steps have positioned the country as one of the region’s most attractive investment destinations,” the minister said while delivering a keynote address at the LEAP 2026 conference in Riyadh.

Speaking at the session, “How We Built a Digital Nation,” she also formally inaugurated the Tech Des­tination Pakistan Pavilion and highlighted Pakis­tan’s digital transformation journey.

She affirmed that the go­­ver­n­ment’s approach to gro­­­wth rem­a­ined ancho­red in innovation, par­tnerships, and smart investment.

Pakistan had anchored its digital transformation in legislation through the Digital Nation Pakistan Act, which established the National Digital Commis­sion and Pakistan Digital Authority to ensure institutional ownership. She fu­­rther stated that the le­­gal foundation had been complemented by investments in connectivity and competitiveness, including one of the largest spectrum (5G) auctions, the creation of special technology zones, and reduced taxation for the IT industry.

Sharing insights from Pakistan’s digital journey, the minister noted that the government had succeeded by leading through sound policymaking and strong institutions, there­­by creating an enabling environment in which the private sector can take the lead in driving growth.

She emphasised that a dedicated central digital agency was essential to translating policy into effective execution, while discipline and measurable key performance indicators (KPIs) kept large-scale digital transformation focused and on track.

The minister further un­­derscored that the state’s role lies in building core digital infrastructure that empowers the private sector to innovate and build upon it, noting that genuine digital progress is achi­eved through partnerships.

She reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to further deepen its partnership with Saudi Arabia, expressing confidence that continued collaboration in digital innovation, capacity building, and emerging technologies would open new avenues for shared growth and prosperity for both nations.

Earlier in the day, she formally inaugurated the Tech Destination Pakistan Pavilion, which featured 25 startups and 50 leading Pakistani technology companies showcasing inno­vative solutions in AI, automation, and digital technologies.

Pakistan’s participation in LEAP 2026 aims to facilitate B2B partnerships, attract international investment, expand glo­bal market access for country’s technology sector, streng­then international business net­works, and create new opportunities for technology exports.

Published in Dawn, September 2nd, 2026