KARACHI: Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja inaugurated the 26th ITCN Asia-2025 in Karachi, emphasizing that Pakistan’s IT sector is progressing at an annual growth rate of 20 percent. Addressing the opening ceremony and speaking to media representatives, she underlined the government’s plan to equip one million young people with IT skills this year and projected that the country’s IT exports could surpass $5 billion annually, driven by new policies and initiatives. She said authorities are actively addressing technology and internet-related challenges, with steps underway to ensure that 5G access reaches all regions of the country in the coming months.
The minister noted that IT will form a core element of Pakistan’s recent agreement with Saudi Arabia, underlining its importance in strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure. She said 5G services will initially launch in seven major cities before expanding further. Commenting on Pakistan’s economic position, she added that the macroeconomic situation has stabilized and is moving toward sustainability. Highlighting Karachi’s significance as the engine of national economic growth, she reiterated that improved connectivity and digital services will support the city’s pivotal role. She also pointed to Pakistan receiving international recognition for initiatives such as Marqa e Haq, which she said had earned the country considerable acclaim.
Shaza Fatima Khawaja stated that the Special Investment Facilitation Council was established to enhance ease of doing business, streamline investment, and strengthen coordination across government departments. She said that national digitalization efforts are underway under the Digital Pakistan initiative, including the rollout of projects designed to upgrade infrastructure and expand high-speed connectivity. The government’s ongoing work on its first Artificial Intelligence policy and cybersecurity training programs reflects a commitment to preparing the workforce for future demands. She encouraged technology companies, academia, and public institutions to contribute to the drive toward national digital readiness.
This year’s ITCN Asia Karachi 2025 has the full patronage of the Special Investment Facilitation Council and Tech Destination Pakistan. Organizers expect more than 50,000 attendees, including delegations from over 25 countries such as the United Kingdom, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, China, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, the United States, and Australia. Building on last year’s success, which secured $500 million in Memoranda of Understanding, early reports from this year’s event indicate strong interest in new agreements in areas including AI, cybersecurity, and telecom. According to Muhammad Umair Nizam, Group Director of Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd., ITCN Asia has evolved from its 2001 debut into a major platform that navigated challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic with hybrid editions. More than 700 exhibitors, from international tech leaders to local startups, are participating in dedicated zones for government technology, fintech, and edtech, showcasing new solutions for Pakistan’s expanding digital economy.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
