Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, emphasized the pivotal role of digital technology in national development during his keynote address at the national conference titled “Empowering Pakistan through Digitalization” held on August 21, 2024. He highlighted the government’s commitment to leveraging digital transformation as a catalyst for Pakistan’s progress.

According to Press Information Department, Minister Iqbal stressed the transformative impact of the digital revolution on societal norms and the global economy, advocating for its integration into every aspect of Pakistani life to enhance personal freedoms and social autonomy. He reflected on the historical challenges associated with adopting new technologies and the lengthy timeline often required to realize policy benefits.

The Minister underscored the necessity of political stability for effective national development, citing the setbacks caused by past governance issues and emphasizing the long-term impact of policy decisions. He lamented the consequences of inexperienced leadership and outlined the repercussions on projects like the Narowal Sports City, which faced significant delays and budget overruns due to political controversies.

Additionally, Minister Iqbal addressed the ongoing issues of corruption and governance, proposing the elimination of bureaucratic fear and the restoration of international partnerships, particularly in the context of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC 2.0). He also warned of the dangers posed by digital misinformation and stressed the importance of responsible technology use to prevent it from becoming a societal burden.

The conference concluded with a call to action to continue promoting digital empowerment initiatives, ensuring that Pakistan remains equipped to face the challenges and opportunities of the digital era.