Pakistan strengthening cyber defence and digital capabilities, says Shaza Fatima

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja has said Pakistan is taking steps to strengthen its sovereign technological capabilities and cyber defence with the aim of ensuring the country's digital security remains among the strongest.

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja has said Pakistan is taking steps to strengthen its sovereign technological capabilities and cyber defence with the aim of ensuring the country’s digital security remains among the strongest.

Addressing the Margalla Dialogue in Islamabad on November 11 she said the government was pursuing a comprehensive strategy to accelerate Pakistan’s digital transformation and improve its capacity to respond to cyber challenges.

The minister also referred to the Marka-e-Haq claiming that Pakistan had demonstrated its cyber capabilities during the confrontation with India last year alongside its conventional military performance.

Shaza Fatima said the government had prepared a comprehensive Data Governance Policy which is expected to be unveiled within the next couple of weeks. The policy aims to promote secure and responsible data sharing and improve interoperability among government institutions under strict governance standards.

She added that the framework would also facilitate public access to properly sanitised data particularly for young people to encourage innovation and support the development of new ideas.

The minister said the government was working on establishing the essential foundations needed to transform Pakistan into a digital nation.

She further highlighted a planned investment of $1 billion in artificial intelligence (AI) with a focus on developing infrastructure, enhancing skills, encouraging innovation and strengthening the country’s technological ecosystem.

The government’s stated priorities include improving digital governance, expanding technological capacity and building a stronger framework for data security and responsible information sharing.

Note: The supplied source text ends mid-sentence after mentioning the AI investment priorities. The rewrite is based only on the available material.