Federal Minister for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja has held a meeting with Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi, President of the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), to discuss avenues for collaboration in artificial intelligence, secure data exchange, and digital public services. The engagement took place during the Minister’s visit to Saudi Arabia, where she represented Pakistan’s vision for building a secure and inclusive digital ecosystem under the government’s Digital Nation Pakistan initiative.
During the meeting, both sides acknowledged the growing importance of AI as a critical driver of innovation and economic progress. The discussions covered the possibility of joint initiatives aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s AI ecosystem, enhancing research capabilities, and enabling skill development in emerging technologies. SDAIA’s expertise in deploying large-scale AI programmes and managing data governance frameworks was highlighted as an area where Pakistan could benefit through knowledge sharing and capacity building. The Minister noted that the collaboration would help in accelerating Pakistan’s journey toward becoming a Tech Destination by aligning with international best practices in artificial intelligence.
Another key focus of the talks was secure data exchange and digital public services. Both parties discussed frameworks for enabling interoperability between systems, improving data security, and ensuring public trust in digital services. With Pakistan increasingly shifting government and citizen services onto digital platforms, strengthening safeguards around data sharing has become a policy priority. The meeting underlined the importance of creating robust mechanisms that protect personal data while also allowing innovation to thrive. Pakistan’s Ministry of IT and Telecommunication (MOITT) has been actively pursuing strategies to enhance citizen-facing digital services, and support from partners such as SDAIA could provide valuable technical expertise in scaling these systems.
The meeting also reflected Pakistan’s broader effort to forge international partnerships that support its digital transformation agenda. Saudi Arabia’s growing investment in technology, artificial intelligence, and smart governance aligns with Pakistan’s ambition to position itself as a global hub for IT exports and innovation. By exploring collaborations in AI research, training, and data-driven governance, both countries aim to strengthen bilateral ties while contributing to shared goals of building resilient, future-ready digital economies. Such engagements reinforce Pakistan’s commitment to advancing its IT sector, equipping its workforce with modern skills, and integrating with international networks of innovation.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
