Pakistan has secured a major win by being elected as the DCO Council President for 2026, strengthening its global digital leadership. This achievement was announced at the DCO 4th General Assembly, where Minister of State for IT & Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, represented Pakistan and championed the Digital FDI Initiative. The Digital FDI Initiative is a joint effort between Pakistan, the DCO, and the World Economic Forum (WEF) to develop policy frameworks and investment strategies for the digital economy. This initiative will be piloted in Pakistan and expanded globally, with a launch date set for April 2025.
Pakistan’s tech sector has seen rapid growth, with a 27% annual increase, and the government has introduced the Digital Nation Pakistan Act to digitize the economy, governance, and society. The country is committed to creating a digital-first economy, with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif leading the National Digital Commission. A key component of this transformation is the development of Pakistan Stack, a national digital infrastructure aimed at establishing digital identities, streamlining governance, and fostering a secure, inclusive, and innovative digital ecosystem.
The Digital FDI Initiative follows a multi-stakeholder consultative process to identify priority areas that will enhance private sector participation, investor confidence, and human capital development in the digital space. Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja also highlighted the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in attracting foreign investment by ensuring policy stability and regulatory support for the digital sector. As part of this initiative, Pakistan will host the first-ever Digital FDI Summit in Islamabad on April 29-30, 2025. This event will bring together global investors, policymakers, and technology leaders to explore Pakistan’s growing digital economy and investment opportunities.
Minister Khawaja extended a formal invitation to international stakeholders, urging them to participate in this landmark event and collaborate on shaping the future of digital investment. She also emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to digital transformation, positioning the country as a premier destination for foreign direct investment in the tech sector. With its rapid growth in the tech sector and innovative initiatives, Pakistan is shaping the future of digital investment. The country’s election as DCO Council President for 2026 is a testament to its growing influence in the global digital landscape.
Source: MoITT
