Islamabad: Highlighting the pivotal role of the youth in national development, Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja detailed significant investments in digital skills training and infrastructure development aimed at empowering young Pakistanis. Speaking at the National Youth Convention on Tuesday, Minister Khawaja announced plans to further integrate information technology across various sectors, emphasizing its crucial impact on the country’s progress.

According to Press Information Department, Minister Khawaja noted that the government plans to spend over Rs. 4 billion this year on youth skills development, with approximately 4.5 million individuals already benefiting from the DigiSkills Program. She encouraged more young people to engage with this initiative to prepare for emerging digital opportunities.

The Minister also highlighted major projects that underscore the government’s commitment to digital transformation, including the construction of IT Parks in Islamabad and Karachi, in collaboration with the Korean government. These parks are expected to generate significant employment opportunities and help establish Pakistan as a leader in technology and innovation in the region.

In addition to infrastructure, Shaza Fatima emphasized the broader digitalization efforts, including transforming Islamabad into a model digital city. This pilot project aims to showcase the potential of digital technologies in urban management and services.

Moreover, Minister Khawaja called on the youth to actively participate in the ongoing technological revolution and to use media responsibly. She stressed that misinformation could significantly damage national perception and unity.

The session concluded with a call for collaborative efforts to harness the potential of Pakistan’s youth, ensuring their active participation in driving the country’s development forward.