IT Minister Emphasizes 27% Growth in Exports Despite Challenge

At the prestigious HBL-PASHA ICT Awards ceremony held in Islamabad on Monday, Minister of State for IT and Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, praised the achievements of Pakistan’s IT industry. The event, organized by the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), celebrated companies making significant contributions to the sector. “Recent weeks have brought positive news for our IT sector. Pakistan has achieved Tier One status in the global cybersecurity rankings, and our EGDI index standing has improved from mid-tier to high-tier,” Shaza Fatima Khawaja remarked. She also emphasized the importance of legislative support and the critical role PASHA has played in driving this progress.

Punjab’s Leadership in Digitisation

Shaza Fatima Khawaja further highlighted Punjab’s leadership in adopting digitization initiatives, drawing attention to the prime minister’s vision of implementing similar systems at the federal level. “Punjab has led the way in e-governance with electronic land records and an e-complaint system. The federal government is committed to following suit,” she explained. This alignment between provincial and federal initiatives aims to enhance governance through technology.

Record IT Export Growth

The minister lauded P@SHA’s role in driving IT exports, which have reached a record $3.22 billion. “These awards not only recognize excellence but also inspire new companies and startups, which is crucial for transforming Pakistan into a digital hub,” Khawaja remarked. The 27% growth in exports highlights the resilience of Pakistan’s IT sector despite global and local challenges.

P@SHA’s Contribution to Job Creation and Export Growth

P@SHA Chairman Zohaib Khan expressed his gratitude for the government’s support, particularly from the Ministry of IT and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). He acknowledged the growing job opportunities and export success driven by P@SHA’s initiatives. “We aim to promote ‘Made in Pakistan’ on a global scale, and these awards are a testament to our industry’s dedication,” Zohaib Khan said while congratulating the award recipients for their achievements.

Government Commitment to Fostering Innovation

In her closing remarks, Shaza Fatima Khawaja reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and competitiveness within the IT sector through comprehensive policies. She emphasized that the government will continue to support the growth of the industry, enabling Pakistan to become a global digital hub.