Federal Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to digital inclusion, gender empowerment, and technological advancement. In a powerful message shared during the national observance of the global event, Minister Khawaja emphasized the importance of creating a future where every girl in Pakistan can access and harness the power of technology to realize her full potential.
“Together, let us create a Pakistan where every girl can harness technology to fulfil her potential—where empowerment is not a dream, but a digital reality,” she stated, setting an aspirational tone for the government’s ongoing initiatives to bridge the digital and gender divide across the country.
The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication has been at the forefront of driving this transformation, with a series of ambitious projects aimed at expanding connectivity, nurturing digital skills, and building inclusive ecosystems that empower women in technology. Minister Khawaja highlighted the substantial progress made in recent years, underscoring the government’s resolve to ensure that the benefits of technological progress reach every corner of Pakistan.
To date, the Ministry has launched 161 development projects designed to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure and promote widespread access to modern communication tools. These initiatives have included the establishment of 4,400 new telecom sites, extending vital connectivity to previously underserved regions. As a result, more than 37.1 million Pakistanis—many from remote and rural areas—now have access to reliable telecommunication services, bridging the digital divide that has historically left many communities isolated.
Moreover, the deployment of over 17,200 kilometers of fiber optic cable has laid the foundation for a more connected, economically vibrant Pakistan. This extensive network expansion is not only connecting individuals but also enabling schools, hospitals, businesses, and government offices to leverage the power of the internet for education, healthcare, commerce, and public services.
At the heart of these efforts is a steadfast commitment to ensuring that digital skills are accessible to all Pakistanis, with a special focus on empowering young girls and women. Through various training programs, bootcamps, and public-private partnerships, the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication is fostering a new generation of tech-savvy citizens equipped to participate fully in the digital economy.
Minister Khawaja’s remarks on International Girls in ICT Day resonated deeply within Pakistan’s tech and education sectors, serving as a rallying cry to continue building an environment where no one—regardless of gender or geography—is left behind. By prioritizing gender empowerment alongside technological development, Pakistan is striving to position itself as a more inclusive and innovative nation in the global digital landscape.
The celebration of International Girls in ICT Day also served as a reminder of the critical importance of representation and opportunity for women in the technology sector. Events, workshops, and online campaigns across the country highlighted success stories of women in tech, encouraged girls to pursue careers in STEM fields, and showcased the government’s initiatives aimed at nurturing female talent in emerging industries.
As Pakistan moves forward, the Ministry’s vision remains clear: to deliver digital skills for all and ensure progress for every corner of the nation. Through sustained investments in infrastructure, education, and empowerment, the country is laying the groundwork for a future where technology serves as a bridge to equality and prosperity for all Pakistanis, especially for its young girls whose dreams and ambitions deserve every chance to flourish in a digital world.
