Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, delivered a keynote address at the national conference on "Empowering Pakistan through Digitalization." During his speech, the Minister emphasized the government's commitment to laying the foundation for rapid progress through digital transformation. He noted that the modern world has already undergone significant changes driven by digital technology, making the digital revolution a hallmark of contemporary development. Speaking at the seminar, Mr. Ahsan Iqbal remarked, "The digital revolution has redefined every aspect of our lives. Today, we are no longer confined to specific regions or locales but are part of a vast global network. Digital technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, ensuring personal freedoms and social autonomy." Reflecting on the challenges of adopting new technologies, the Minister shared, "Our generation has witnessed the transition from traditional slates to advanced digital technologies. Adopting new technologies is never easy for any nation. Formulating new policies itself is a significant challenge, and it often takes around fifteen years to see the tangible outcomes of these policies." Mr. Ahsan Iqbal also underscored the importance of political stability for national development. "Countries that have made remarkable progress have done so on the back of political stability. It takes at least ten years for government policies to yield results. We must decide now what our future will be, as a wrong decision can set us back by decades." Addressing the current state of the country, he lamented, "Unfortunately, we handed the reins of the nation to someone inexperienced, and the consequences of that decision will be felt for years to come. As we approach the centenary of our independence, if we do not address instability and policy continuity, we will be left far behind the rest of the world." The Minister also touched on issues of corruption and governance, stating, "There is less corruption in our country compared to neighboring nations, but over the past decade, Pakistan's reputation has been tarnished, and the self-respect of the Pakistani people systematically destroyed. I was personally targeted for political revenge over the Narowal Sports City project, which was deliberately made controversial. Due to this, the construction costs tripled over four years. Decision-making in the country was paralyzed during this period, and now even a Grade 18 officer hesitates to sign a file. We need to eliminate this fear and rebuild trust with China as we launch CPEC 2.0." Discussing digital challenges, Mr. Ahsan Iqbal pointed out, "The world's greatest challenge today is misinformation. If we do not act responsibly, digital technology could become a burden rather than a blessing. In Vision 2010 and Vision 2025, we prioritized the promotion of information technology." The conference concluded with a commitment to continue fostering digital empowerment in Pakistan, ensuring that the country is well-equipped to navigate the challenges of the digital age.
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