Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunications Shaza Fatima Khawaja emphasized on Wednesday that the government is actively fostering local talent within the technology sector while enhancing collaborations with international tech giants. She revealed that over 17,000 teams have registered for the “AI Sikho 2026” initiative, with women comprising 25% of participants, marking a notable stride in gender inclusion.
In a significant development, Khawaja described the inauguration of Google’s office in Pakistan as a major milestone that will bolster the country’s technology ecosystem both locally and globally. She highlighted plans to promote the export of Chromebooks manufactured domestically to neighboring regional markets, reflecting a strategic push towards expanding Pakistan’s tech manufacturing footprint.
Further underlining the government’s commitment, Khawaja noted that approximately 50,000 developers have been trained across diverse disciplines such as gaming and animation. Additionally, masterclasses focusing on app development and design have been conducted. The “Digital Safar” initiative has also provided journalists with training on online safety and digital security, broadening the scope of digital literacy.
She stressed that the partnership with Google and other global technology leaders is expected to usher in a new era for Pakistan’s tech sector by enhancing local talent capabilities and attracting foreign investment. This collaboration aims to establish a stronger business presence for global tech companies within the country.
On the economic front, Khawaja reported that IT exports have surged by nearly 18% compared to the previous year, with July alone generating $417 million in exports. She pointed out the sector’s critical role in Pakistan’s economy, noting that IT exports contribute a trade surplus of approximately 85 to 86%, largely due to minimal reliance on imported machinery.
