Minister of State for IT and Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, has announced a groundbreaking step towards Pakistan’s digital transformation with the introduction of legislation for the Digital Nation Pakistan initiative in the National Assembly. Speaking at an event in Islamabad on Monday, she revealed that the legislation would be presented at 5 PM and is expected to be passed into law in the coming days.

“We are hopeful that the legislation will soon be approved, leading to the formation of the National Digital Commission,” said Shaza Fatima. The commission, she explained, will be chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and include the Chief Ministers of all four provinces, along with the heads of major regulatory bodies such as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), NADRA, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), and other key data organizations.

National Digital Authority to Oversee Transformation
The minister further announced that the commission will pave the way for the establishment of the Pakistan Digital Authority, which will oversee the implementation of a comprehensive national framework for digitization. This framework will focus on three key areas: the economy, governance, and society.

“We aim to create a unified digital identity for every citizen of Pakistan, which will unlock the country’s true potential,” she said, emphasizing the transformative impact of the initiative.

Boosting Technology and Internet Infrastructure
Shaza Fatima expressed optimism about the future of Pakistan’s technology sector, highlighting several upcoming developments. She noted that the government plans to auction spectrum for 4G and 5G services in April, which is expected to significantly improve internet connectivity across the country.

“All else going well, we must acknowledge that internet speeds in Pakistan are not where they should be, which affects freelancers and the broader industry,” she said. The minister added that the government is in advanced talks with satellite internet providers and hinted at positive announcements in the near future.

A Vision for the Future
The minister underscored the government’s commitment to improving technology infrastructure and attracting investment in the sector. “In the coming years, we anticipate a significant increase in investment in technology infrastructure,” she said, adding that these efforts will help position Pakistan as a key player in the global digital economy.