ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Sunday credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership for steering Pakistan from the brink of economic instability to a path of sustainable economic growth and digital transformation.
Speaking to media representatives, the minister said that just two years ago, Pakistan faced the threat of default, declining exports, reduced investor confidence, and economic stagnation. Through coordinated efforts across government institutions, she said, the situation has changed considerably.
“The interest rate, which stood at 23 percent, has dropped to 11 percent, and inflation, once nearing 40 percent, is now below 5 percent,” she said. “Exports have increased and remittances from overseas Pakistanis have reached record highs, driven by economic stability and coherent policymaking.”
Highlighting progress in the digital sector, the minister said that Pakistan’s IT exports, including freelance earnings and company-based services, surpassed $3.5 billion between July 2024 and April 2025. Of this amount, $3.14 billion came directly from IT services, underlining the sector’s growing role in the national economy.
“Our trade surplus in the IT sector stands at approximately $2.3 billion — the highest among all services sectors,” she stated. Despite global economic headwinds, she emphasized, Pakistan’s IT industry has demonstrated resilience, supported by improved macroeconomic indicators and investor-friendly reforms under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
She hailed the successful organization of Pakistan’s first-ever Digital Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Forum in collaboration with the Saudi-based Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) as a landmark achievement. The forum brought together over 500 participants, including 100 international investors, global tech CEOs, development professionals, and senior government officials.
Over 100 Pakistani IT firms showcased their services and products, resulting in the signing of investment agreements worth $700 million. “These are not mere MoUs. These are confirmed agreements that will have a lasting impact on the economy,” she said.
Shaza Fatima thanked the Ministry of IT, Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Foreign Ministry, Interior Ministry, and DCO for their contributions, while also acknowledging P@SHA Chairman Sajjad Syed for industry leadership.
She emphasized that the government’s role is to provide systemic support and foster investor confidence, while the private sector drives delivery. “This $700 million investment is a testament to that successful partnership,” she noted.
Pakistan, she said, has now surpassed 200 million mobile subscribers, an indicator of increasing digital inclusion. In 2024 alone, 13 million new users adopted mobile internet services, including 8 million women, reflecting the impact of the government’s Gender Digital Divide Policy.
“The gender gap in mobile internet use has dropped from 38 percent to 25 percent,” she stated. “Women’s internet access rose from 33 percent to 45 percent in just one year, underscoring our commitment to inclusive digital growth.”
Youth and women, the minister said, are central to Pakistan’s development strategy, and the Prime Minister has consistently prioritized policies that enhance their participation in national progress.
She also praised key digital development initiatives, including projects by Ignite R&D Fund, USF, PTA, and PSEB, which collectively helped connect over one million people in 900 underserved regions during the past year. Internet usage grew by more than 25 percent, and two new submarine cable projects are underway to further enhance connectivity.
“These developments are laying the foundation for a truly digital Pakistan, where citizens can access services through mobile platforms without facing bureaucratic delays or physical hurdles,” she said. The goal, she added, is to provide every citizen with a digital identity and mobile access to government services.
In a broader national context, Shaza Fatima congratulated the nation on the recent successful operations by Pakistan’s armed forces, commending the professionalism shown under the leadership of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and the heads of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
She noted that Pakistan’s defense operations had also demonstrated the country’s technological capacity. “Our armed forces have proven both courage and precision. The message is clear — Pakistan can secure its digital economy and defend its sovereignty,” she said.
“The country’s transformation — from economic instability to digital progress and national security readiness — has been possible due to unity, sound leadership, and a shared national vision,” the minister concluded.
