Pakistan needs stronger digital infrastructure to support the growth of its technology industry, including better fibre connectivity, mobile broadband, spectrum availability, and satellite regulations, Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said.
Speaking at an ABF–LUMS Thought Leadership Session titled “Taking Pakistan’s IT Industry to the Next Level,” she said a stronger digital ecosystem would help technology companies expand, attract investment, and compete globally.
Shaza Fatima also stressed the need to improve technology skills and human resources. She said Pakistan has plenty of IT jobs and opportunities but lacks enough professionals with the right skills.
A national baseline test involving around 33,000 computer science students showed that only 0.4% scored above 80%, while about 4% scored above 68%. She called for improvements in education, curricula, teaching methods, and the K-12 system to produce more employable graduates.
The minister said stronger human resources and digital infrastructure would be essential for Pakistan to achieve its $15 billion IT export target.
Industry experts also called for Pakistan to move beyond its dependence on freelancing and build technology companies capable of competing internationally. They highlighted the need for better education, predictable taxation, stronger public-private partnerships, government procurement, and more opportunities for local tech companies.
The discussion also highlighted technology’s potential to increase women’s participation in the workforce by creating flexible and remote employment opportunities.
The ABF–LUMS session brought together government officials, academics, and industry leaders to discuss ways to strengthen Pakistan’s technology ecosystem and IT sector.