Islamabad: Pakistan celebrated its 78th Independence Day with a focus on its digital advancements and the recent Marka-e-Haq victory over India. Federal Minister for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja addressed a gathering of leaders from various sectors, emphasizing the nation’s progress.
Khawaja connected Quaid-e-Azam’s vision of a self-sufficient Pakistan with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s “Digital Nation Pakistan” initiative. This program rests on the foundations of a digital economy, society, and governance, aiming to propel Pakistan’s development through technological advancement.
The minister praised the government, armed forces, and particularly Field Marshal COAS General Syed Asim Munir for their contributions to the nation’s economic and technological progress, including the Marka-e-Haq success.
Pakistan’s digital achievements have garnered international acclaim, including Tier-1 status in the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) and a significant improvement in the UN E-Government Development Index (EGDI) ranking. The minister also highlighted the reduction in the mobile internet gender gap, with a substantial increase in women using mobile internet.
Khawaja outlined the “Digital Nation Pakistan” roadmap, concentrating on youth empowerment, enhanced administration, and industry support. The recently approved National AI Policy 2025 aims to foster AI innovation and economic expansion.
Initiatives like the National Ferberization Initiative and IMT Spectrum Auction will enhance connectivity and support 5G readiness. Satellite internet services and the Uninterrupted Internet for IT Companies Policy will further strengthen connectivity. DigiSkills 3.0 will train millions of IT professionals in the coming years.
Minister Khawaja concluded by linking independence with digital sovereignty, emphasizing the role of youth, women, entrepreneurs, and IT professionals in building a prosperous Pakistan. She reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to leveraging technology for national development, drawing inspiration from the Marka-e-Haq victory.