Tech Desk 
Nov 11, 2024
The Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja announced Pakistan’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) exports exponential growth while addressing the opening ceremony of the Pak-US Tech Investment Conference 2024, through a video link.
She said that the ICT export growth has been jacked up by 25% with the country's government dedicated to sustaining this incredible growth with an aim to reach the $25 billion mark.
This key landmark will certainly help in boosting Pakistan’s IT industry to promote partnership between two countries pursuing innovative progress.
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Khawaja appreciated the substantial growth of Pakistan’s technology sector which has seamlessly exhibited promising growth in the past few years, driven by a diversified ecosystem of innovation, and dedication towards groundbreaking developments in this modern era.
This event is certainly an essential step to accomplish the goals, as it offers a great medium for United States (US) and Pakistani businesses to partner and come forward with progressive approaches to contribute to the economies of their respective countries, she added.
The minister further reflected on the enhancements in the cyber security system to fortify cyber space for all businesses by notifying the groundbreaking initiatives such as National Cyber Security Policy, CERT rules, nCERT, Cyber Security Regulations, and more.
She said: “We are now proudly in the High EGDI category, reflecting our growing strength in e-governance and digital innovation,” and noted that Pakistan has already been ranked in Tier-1 (Role-Modeling), alongside the leading countries including the US and Japan.
While emphasising the quality of work delivered from Pakistan, Khawaja stated that over 60% of Pakistan’s IT and ITeS exports go to the US and UK and Pakistan’s government is focused on fostering innovation and growth of the country's IT industry.
Khawaja added that Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has instructed to develop the National Digital Commission and the Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA), which will soon undergo legislation with an aim to lead in driving digital modernisation.
Highlighting the stats of the country, Khawaja said that almost 75,000 new IT graduates enter the workforce annually in Pakistan, but the government is focused on investing in youth not only to contribute to the local economy but internationally too.
