Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja announced that Pakistan’s IT sector will be a core focus area under the newly signed Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) with Saudi Arabia. She made the statement during the opening of ITCN Asia 2025 in Karachi.
The minister said a formal note from London confirmed that IT investment opportunities are part of the broader SMDA. Though the agreement is mainly defense-related, it also opens the door for economic cooperation, including IT exports, FDI, and energy partnerships between the two nations.
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Highlighting Pakistan’s digital progress, Shaza shared that the tech sector has grown by 20% annually in recent years. Internet and data usage has surged 24% in two years, and the number of freelancers and remote workers has doubled within a year.
She revealed the government’s vision to turn Pakistan into a regional data transit hub. Plans are underway to expand internet access, address digital challenges, and roll out 5G nationwide. A spectrum auction is expected by year-end, increasing capacity and enabling next-gen connectivity.
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Shaza reaffirmed the government’s plan to train 1 million youth in AI to meet global demands. Meanwhile, IT exports reached $691 million in July–August, up from $584 million in the same period last year, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).