Pakistan’s Cybersecurity Progress Places It Among Global Leaders: Shaza Fatima
— October 21, 2024
ISLAMABAD (AIA) Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, emphasised the pivotal role of innovations in data networks, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and 5G in driving Pakistan’s economic growth and addressing key challenges like healthcare, education, and sustainable development.
Speaking at the SANOG-42 Conference, Khawaja stressed the importance of regional cooperation in building a robust digital infrastructure and advancing inclusive, secure, and sustainable technologies. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the IT and telecom sectors through various initiatives.
“We have established IT parks in Islamabad and Karachi, supporting over 1,300 startups through National Incubation Centres. Our Digital Pakistan Policy focuses on promoting e-governance, cybersecurity, and entrepreneurship,” she said.
Highlighting the telecom sector’s substantial contribution to the national economy, the minister announced that the upcoming 5G spectrum auction is set for early 2025. She also noted that policies such as the National Fiberisation Policy and Spectrum Sharing will further fuel growth in the sector.
Khawaja praised Pakistan’s advancements in cybersecurity, which have earned the country a top-tier ranking in the ITU 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index. “Our progress across all pillars of cybersecurity reflects our strong commitment, positioning us alongside global leaders in cybersecurity readiness,” she stated.
The minister also pointed to the IT sector’s thriving export market, which has surpassed $3 billion, and highlighted initiatives like local Chromebook manufacturing by Google and Islamabad’s designation as a Model Digital City.
“We remain dedicated to training young people, particularly in cybersecurity, to ensure a skilled workforce for the future,” she added, outlining comprehensive policies designed to enhance access, affordability, and innovation within the IT sector, ensuring its sustained growth and global competitiveness.
Khawaja also called for strengthened partnerships across South Asia, leveraging SANOG’s experience for policy alignment and capacity building. “Our focus is on optimising Internet Exchange Points and boosting network resilience. We welcome international partnerships and investments to further drive our IT sector’s growth,” she concluded.
She emphasised the IT sector’s thriving exports, which have already surpassed $3 billion. Initiatives such as local Chromebook manufacturing by Google and Islamabad’s transformation into a Model Digital City underscore the country’s vibrant IT landscape.
“We continue to focus on training young people, particularly in cybersecurity, to ensure a skilled workforce for the future,” Minister remarked. She outlined comprehensive policies that aim to enhance access, affordability, and innovation, ensuring sustained growth and global competitiveness.
The minister also called for strengthened partnerships across South Asia, leveraging SANOG’s experience for policy alignment and capacity building. “Our focus remains on optimizing Internet Exchange Points and enhancing network resilience. We invite international partnerships and investments to further drive the growth of our IT sector,” she added.