Islamabad: Pakistan is taking significant steps to bolster its technological sovereignty and cyber defense, according to Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima. The minister emphasized the country’s commitment to ensuring its cyber defense remains unparalleled during her address at the Margalla Dialogue in Islamabad.

According to Radio Pakistan, Minister Fatima highlighted Pakistan’s recent cyber accomplishments, noting the country’s successful conventional and cyber engagements against India last year, particularly during the operation referred to as Marka-e-Haq. She underscored the government’s focus on digital transformation, announcing a forthcoming Data Governance Policy designed to enhance secure data-sharing practices and interoperability among institutions. This policy, set to be unveiled in the coming weeks, aims to facilitate access to well-sanitized data, promoting innovation among the public and youth.

Additionally, Minister Fatima detailed the government’s broader efforts to transform Pakistan into a digital nation. This includes a declared investment of one billion dollars in Artificial Intelligence, targeting infrastructure development, skills enhancement, innovation, and connectivity. The initiative is expected to lay the groundwork necessary for Pakistan’s evolution into a digitally advanced society.