ISLAMABAD – Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja has hailed the budget 2026-27 as a defining moment for Pakistan’s digital transformation. She stated that its focus on artificial intelligence and youth empowerment marks the beginning of a new era of innovation. An allocation of Rs19.58 billion has been made for ongoing and new projects designed to drive technological progress and generate employment opportunities across the country.
Budget Reflects PM’s Vision for Youth
During an interview with a local media outlet, Shaza Fatima Khawaja said that the budget 2026-27 embodies the Prime Minister’s vision of equipping Pakistan’s youth with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in the digital age. She emphasized that the government is investing heavily in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to modernize institutions and position Pakistan at the forefront of the global digital economy.
Positive Developments for IT and Telecom Sector
She stated that the budget brings a number of positive developments for the IT and telecom sector, calling it a package of encouraging news that will strengthen digital growth, expand opportunities, and support innovation across the country. She highly appreciated that the IT budget has been designed with a 100% focus on youth, describing it as a forward-looking initiative aimed at empowering young people with digital skills, opportunities, and access to the growing tech economy. She noted that this youth-centric approach reflects the PM’s commitment to building a knowledge-based economy where innovation, entrepreneurship, and long-term technological growth are driven by the country’s younger generation.
International Tech Projects Expected
She further revealed that several significant international technology projects are expected to materialize in Pakistan by the end of the year, opening new avenues for employment and innovation. She also welcomed the continuation of a reduced 0.25 percent tax on IT exports and measures aimed at facilitating freelancers, describing them as crucial steps to strengthen the country’s growing tech ecosystem.
Government’s Three Transformative Priorities
Shaza Fatima Khawaja said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has outlined a clear reform agenda centered on three transformative priorities. The first priority is the complete digitization of government services to ensure citizens receive fast, transparent, and hassle-free access to public facilities. The second pillar is the push toward a cashless economy to modernize financial systems, curb inefficiencies, and strengthen accountability. The third priority is the move toward a fully paperless government through advanced digital integration, aimed at improving governance, reducing delays, and enhancing institutional efficiency.
Focus on Youth Entrepreneurship and Future Tech
She said the government is placing strong emphasis on youth entrepreneurship, aiming to equip young people with modern skills and opportunities to start and scale innovative businesses in the digital economy. She added that by the end of the year, Pakistan will introduce a world-class IT system based on global standards, alongside the establishment of AI and robotics centers for students and advanced future technology labs designed to prepare the next generation for emerging technological trends.
Cyber Security and Digital Ecosystem
She said that more than 300 million cyber-based programs are being launched under the IT funds to strengthen Pakistan’s digital ecosystem, enhance cyber-security capacity, and expand opportunities for skill development in emerging technologies.
Budget Marks Decisive Step Toward Digital Future
She concluded that the budget 2026-27 marks a decisive step toward Pakistan’s digital transformation, expressing confidence that the government’s focus on AI, youth empowerment, and IT development will accelerate innovation, strengthen the telecom sector, and open new avenues of opportunity for the country’s future generation.
