Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, addressed the LEAP 2026 conference in Riyadh , delivering a keynote address titled "How We Built a Digital Nation." The Minister also formally inaugurated the Tech Destination Pakistan Pavilion.
In her keynote address, Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, underscored that Pakistan had anchored its digital transformation in legislation through the Digital Nation Pakistan Act, which established the National Digital Commission and Pakistan Digital Authority to ensure institutional ownership. She further stated that the legal foundation had been complemented by investment in connectivity and competitiveness, including one of the largest spectrum (5G) auctions, creation of special techology zones, and reduced taxation for the IT industry.
Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja highlighted that the digital transformation journey was guided by the vision of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and supported by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), chaired by the Prime Minister and Chief of Army Staff & Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, with the participation of all provincial chief executives. She added that, building on these foundations, Pakistan was now developing a national digital stack, which, combined with a young workforce, political and economic stability, and expanding digital infrastructure, positioned the country as one of the region's most attractive investment destinations. The government's approach to growth, she affirmed, remained anchored in innovation, partnerships, and smart investment.
Sharing insights from Pakistan's digital journey, the Minister noted that governments succeed by leading through sound policymaking and strong institutions, thereby creating an enabling environment in which the private sector can take the lead in driving growth. She emphasized that a dedicated central digital agency is essential to translating policy into effective execution, while discipline and measurable KPIs keep large-scale digital transformation focused and on track. The Minister further underscored that the state's role lies in building core digital infrastructure that empowers the private sector to innovate and build upon it, noting that genuine digital progress is achieved through partnerships.
Concluding her address, the Minister reaffirmed Pakistan's resolve to further deepen its partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, expressing confidence that continued collaboration in digital innovation, capacity-building, and emerging technologies would open new avenues of shared growth and prosperity for both nations.
Earlier in the day, the Minister formally inaugurated the Tech Destination Pakistan Pavilion, featuring 25 startups and 50 leading Pakistani technology companies showcasing innovative solutions in AI, automation, and digital technologies. Pakistan’s participation in LEAP 2026 aims to facilitate B2B partnerships, attract international investment, and expand global market access for Pakistan's technology sector, while strengthening international business networks and creating new opportunities for technology exports.
