LAHORE: Federal Minister for IT & Telecom Shaza Fatima Khwaja says the government is taking rapid steps to promote the digital economy and investment in the technology sector.

“Next month, the 600 MHz spectrum will be auctioned, significantly increasing mobile internet capacity and providing citizens with fast, high-quality, and reliable internet. This will reduce connectivity issues for citizens and boost digital services, e-commerce, e-governance, and other online facilities,” she said while speaking at the Indus AI Week conference here at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Alongside LCCI President Faheemur Rehman Saigol, she inaugurated the chamber’s online membership portal and said LCCI has become the first chamber in the country to offer online services. She explained that through this portal, new and existing businesses can easily obtain membership, access information, and increase business collaboration. She emphasised that using technology will make business processes easier, transparent, and faster, helping strengthen the national economy.

The minister highlighted the “Smartphone for All” policy and said the government is taking steps to make smartphones accessible to citizens so everyone can benefit from modern technology. She said one million people will be re-skilled and up-skilled in AI so that youth, women, and professionals could meet digital market needs. She added that revolutionary steps are also being taken in education so students and professionals can gain skills for the future.

Shaza Fatima inaugurates LCCI online membership portal

The minister said the government wants digital platforms and AI to be used safely, transparently, and responsibly. Steps are being taken for cyber security, data protection, and strong governance so businesses and users can trust technology. She said global-standard laws and regulations are being introduced to attract investors and boost IT and AI sector investment in Pakistan.

She emphasised that youth, women, and people with disabilities should also participate in the digital economy, expanding economic opportunities and social inclusion. She said the government is focusing on improving digital infrastructure, fiberisation, digital payments, and a cashless economy. These measures will reduce business costs, increase support for small and medium enterprises, strengthen credit histories, and bring transparency to the economy.

The minister also highlighted that non-tech industries must adopt AI and modern technology in supply chains, manufacturing, and management to remain competitive globally. She said the government is supporting start-ups, cloud credit programmes, and digital skills training to include youth and women in economic growth. She noted that recent digital payment programmes have enabled millions of women to create digital wallets, showing progress in removing social and economic barriers.

Speaking on the occasion, LCCI President Faheemur Rehman Saigol said that AI has the potential to bring about change in the economy, industry, education, and governance. He emphasised that the business community must focus on AI and modern technology adoption so Pakistan’s economy can compete globally. He said small and large businesses, whether in manufacturing or the service sector, must integrate AI and automation into their supply chains, assembly lines, and financial systems to increase global competitiveness.

Published in Dawn, February 15th, 2026