By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE, February 14 – Federal Minister for IT & Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja said the government is taking rapid steps to promote the digital economy and investment in the technology sector. She said that next month, the 600 MHz spectrum will be auctioned, significantly increasing mobile internet capacity and providing citizens with fast, high-quality, and reliable internet. She added that this will reduce connectivity issues for citizens and boost digital services, e-commerce, e-governance, and other online facilities.
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She was speaking at the Indus AI Week conference at Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Alongside LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol, she inaugurated the Chamber’s online membership portal and said LCCI has become the first chamber in the country to offer online services. She explained that through this portal, new and existing businesses can easily obtain membership, access information, and increase business collaboration.
She emphasized that using technology will make business processes easier, transparent, and faster, helping strengthen the national economy.
Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmad Sheikh, Vice Presidents Khurram Lodhi, Vice President SAARC Chamber Mian Anjum Nisar, former President Muhammad Ali Mian, Chairman P@SHA Sajjad Syed, former Senior Vice President Khalid Usman, former Vice President Haris Atique, Executive Committee members Rana Muhammad Nisar, Ahd Amin Malik, Amir Ali, Ahsan Shahid, Hafiz Muhammad Sajjad, Ali Imran, Umar Sarfraz, Ehtesham-ul-Haq, and Standing Committee Convener Saadia Rana were also present.
The Minister highlighted the “Smartphone for All” policy and said the government is taking steps to make smartphones accessible to citizens so everyone can benefit from modern technology. She said one million people will be reskilled and upskilled in AI so youth, women, and professionals can meet digital market needs. She added that revolutionary steps are also being taken in education so students and professionals can gain skills for the future.
LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol welcomed the Minister and said AI has the potential to bring change in the economy, industry, education, and governance. He emphasized that the business community must focus on AI and modern technology adoption so Pakistan’s economy can compete globally. He said small and large businesses, whether in manufacturing or the service sector, must integrate AI and automation into their supply chains, assembly lines, and financial systems to increase global competitiveness. He also stressed promoting technology adoption through collaboration with the government and training programs, so that both business groups and workers can benefit from this transformation.
He assured full support from LCCI to promote the effective and responsible use of technology, increase IT exports, and improve the business environment. He also emphasized that the Chamber is committed to bringing stakeholders together to develop strategies for AI adoption, governance, and risk management.
The Minister said the government wants digital platforms and AI to be used safely, transparently, and responsibly. Steps are being taken for cybersecurity, data protection, and strong governance so businesses and users can trust technology. She said global-standard laws and regulations are being introduced to attract investors and boost IT and AI sector investment in Pakistan.
She emphasized that youth, women, and people with disabilities should also participate in the digital economy, expanding economic opportunities and social inclusion. She said the government is focusing on improving digital infrastructure, fiberization, digital payments, and a cashless economy. These measures will reduce business costs, increase support for small and medium enterprises, strengthen credit histories, and bring transparency to the economy.
The Minister also highlighted that non-tech industries must adopt AI and modern technology in supply chains, manufacturing, and management to remain competitive globally.
She said the government is supporting startups, cloud credit programs, and digital skills training to include youth and women in economic growth. She noted that recent digital payment programs have enabled millions of women to create digital wallets, showing progress in removing social and economic barriers.
