ISLAMABAD — State Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja emphasized that Pakistan is rapidly advancing towards technological self-reliance, with artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics serving as key drivers of the country’s economic future.
Speaking at the Indus Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) Expo 2026 in Islamabad, the minister outlined the federal government’s vision under the “Digital Nation Pakistan” initiative, asserting that technological leadership now directly defines national sovereignty.
Key Takeaways from the Address
Full Value Chain Ownership: Pakistan aims to transition from a consumer of global technologies to an owner of the complete value chain in AI and robotics, spanning software, hardware, edge computing, and real-world deployment.
Economic Engine: AI and robotics are being positioned not merely as tech sub-sectors, but as foundational pillars driving industrial productivity, export competitiveness, and employment.
Industrial Automation: Conventional sectors—including agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, and critical infrastructure—have been urged to embrace automation to boost efficiency and global competitiveness.
National Capabilities: Through the National AI Policy and National AI Initiative, the government is expanding testbeds, centers of excellence, and real-world execution facilities for autonomous systems.
“Countries that lead these technologies will define the future global economy, while those that remain mere consumers will continue to depend on others. Pakistan has chosen to lead.” Shaza Fatima Khawaja, IT Minister
Key Progress Indicators Highlighted
The minister noted several tangible milestones demonstrating the momentum of Pakistan’s digital ecosystem:
ICT Export Growth: Information and Communications Technology (ICT) exports recorded a 21% growth over the past year.
Global Governance Ranks: Pakistan advanced 14 spots in the UN E-Government Development Index.
Connectivity Index: The country climbed 27 ranks in the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) ICT Development Index.
Building the Future Ecosystem
To sustain this growth, the minister stressed the importance of seamless collaboration across universities, startups, investors, and public sector defense institutions. The government’s goal is to build strong talent pipelines that prepare Pakistani youth for global competition in deep-tech and emerging fields.
