Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has intensified Pakistan’s transition towards a cashless and digitally enabled economy, personally leading bi-weekly briefings to review progress and set targets for the national digitalization agenda. Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunications Shaza Fatima Khawaja shared that the Prime Minister has taken a direct role in monitoring advancements in the digital economy, underlining the government’s commitment to building a technology-driven financial ecosystem across the country.
According to the Ministry of IT and Telecommunications, the Prime Minister has constituted three specialized committees focused on accelerating the development of a cashless economy. These committees have been tasked with formulating strategies, ensuring inter-ministerial coordination, and driving implementation across public and private sectors. The move reflects a strategic approach to expand financial inclusion, reduce reliance on physical currency, and promote transparency through digital transactions. By fostering digital adoption across government services, commerce, and daily financial activities, the initiative aims to modernize economic infrastructure and enhance convenience for citizens and businesses alike.
During the briefings, officials discussed the upcoming launch of the Prime Minister’s ASAAN KHIDMAT initiative, scheduled for the first quarter of 2026. This program is designed to provide citizens with simplified, technology-driven access to government services, enabling them to complete key transactions online without lengthy paperwork or in-person visits. The initiative aligns with the broader Digital Pakistan vision, which seeks to integrate digital tools into public administration and service delivery to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure accessibility for all regions, including underserved communities.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership in this area demonstrates a consistent focus on positioning Pakistan’s economy for sustained digital growth. The government has set an ambitious target of generating 10 billion dollars for the national economy over the next four years through digital transformation initiatives. This includes expanding e-governance systems, strengthening digital payment infrastructure, and supporting fintech innovation. Shaza Fatima Khawaja emphasized that the government’s strategy involves close collaboration between the IT Ministry, financial regulators, and the private sector to ensure that reforms translate into measurable economic impact.
The bi-weekly briefings reflect a proactive and hands-on governance approach aimed at overcoming challenges in implementation and ensuring steady progress. By prioritizing transparency, efficiency, and technological adoption, Pakistan aims to establish a sustainable digital economy that enhances competitiveness, supports entrepreneurship, and empowers citizens. Through these coordinated efforts, the country is taking concrete steps toward a more inclusive and digitally connected future.
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