Islamabad, During a meeting with a delegation from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Friday, Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja emphasized the critical importance of women’s access to technology and the internet in today’s digital age. The discussions focused on digital gender inclusion and the broader digital transformation efforts in Pakistan.
According to Press Information Department, Minister Khawaja expressed the government’s commitment to closing the digital gender divide to empower women. She highlighted the development of a Digital Gender Inclusion Strategy as a key initiative to remove barriers that women face in utilizing mobile phones and information and communication technology. This strategy is seen as a step towards creating a digital ecosystem that provides equal opportunities for all.
The PTA delegation, led by Ms. Syeda Shafaq Karim, Director of Wireless Licensing and Head of the Digital Gender Inclusion Committee, presented their work on digital gender inclusion, which was well-received by Minister Khawaja. The delegation, including Ms. Rabeeya Pervez, Director Coordination/Member of the Committee, and Ms. Malahat Obaid, Director of Public Relations/Member of the Committee, discussed the measures being taken to advance the telecom sector through digital inclusion.
The meeting underscored the significant role of the PTA in promoting digital access and inclusion, particularly for women, in an effort to enhance the nation’s technological and digital capacities.