Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said the launch of Indus AI Week 2026 marks a significant step in Pakistan’s efforts to integrate artificial intelligence with national priorities, values, and development goals. Speaking at the opening ceremony, she highlighted that Pakistan is at a crucial juncture as emerging technologies reshape global dynamics, emphasizing the country’s readiness to actively participate in digital transformation.
Shaza Fatima noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, Pakistan had been investing in digital initiatives long before artificial intelligence became a global focus. She recalled efforts during Prime Minister Sharif’s tenure as Chief Minister of Punjab, including the establishment of e-facilitation centres, co-working spaces, e-libraries, and single-window services across the province, including in remote areas. According to the minister, these early initiatives laid the groundwork for a broader national push towards AI and digital governance. Addressing the audience, she said, “Under the determined leadership of the Honourable Prime Minister of Pakistan, whose foresight came much before the noise and hype around technology, Pakistan has been digitizing its public service delivery. For the first time, when there was still no global hype around technology and digitization of services, Punjab introduced single-window services and e-facilitation centers across even the remotest areas for the ease of its citizens.”
Highlighting the progress achieved in the past two years, Shaza Fatima said 2025 was focused on strategy development and saw the launch of Pakistan’s first National AI Policy in September. The year 2026 is now dedicated to implementation and creating measurable impact. Indus AI Week is positioned as a platform to translate policy into action, featuring collaboration among universities, global technology firms, government institutions, startups, and defence organisations. The event also includes demonstrations of AI capabilities and structured policy dialogues aimed at practical outcomes. She added, “This year is about turning those plans into impactful and sustainable action. Today, the launch of Indus AI Week marks the beginning of that journey. Over the next week, you will see collaborations between universities, global technology firms and governments, demonstrations of AI capabilities from our government and defense sectors, contributions from the private sector and startup ecosystem and a series of policy dialogues that move beyond theory and towards action.”
The minister pointed out that Digital Nation Pakistan Act provides a comprehensive governance framework covering data, cybersecurity, AI, blockchain, and other emerging technologies. This framework enabled the establishment of National Digital Commission, chaired by Prime Minister Sharif, and Pakistan Digital Authority to oversee sectoral and national digitisation plans. Shaza Fatima highlighted initiatives such as AI education mandates, large-scale training programmes like Code for AI, and DigiSkills which empower citizens with AI knowledge. AI applications in tax digitisation, track-and-trace systems, and faceless customs operations demonstrate the technology’s role in improving transparency and operational efficiency.
Shaza Fatima further announced the creation of a National AI Fund aimed at accelerating AI adoption, emphasizing private-sector leadership, inclusivity, ethical use, and open-source development. She also encouraged global technology companies, research institutions, investors, and partner governments to engage with Pakistan through sustained strategic dialogues. The minister acknowledged Prime Minister Sharif’s guidance in driving digital transformation, noting that Indus AI Week 2026 represents a clear commitment to shaping Pakistan’s digital and technological future through collaboration, education, and practical application of AI.
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