‘Digital Nation Pakistan 2025’ aims at full digital governance

LAHORE: Khurram Schehzad, Advisor to the Finance Minister, stated that ‘Digital Nation Pakistan 2025’ is not merely a project; it is a comprehensive vision aimed at transforming Pakistan into a digitally empowered nation.

“This transformation will be achieved through improved governance, a robust digital economy, and an inclusive digital society. This includes creating digital identities, building digital public infrastructure, and streamlining online services for both citizens and businesses. We are committed to ensuring data privacy and fostering innovation,” he stated while addressing the FinTech Forward Forum during the 27th ITCN Asia held on Monday.

Schehzad said currently 99 percent of government files are being transferred digitally from one ministry to another under the E-Office platform which has eliminated problems like loss of data or delay of decisions with performance accountability through the tracking system which is ensuring transparency and credibility in the system as well.He added the government has a clear goal to have 120 million bank accounts and all government-to-government (G2G) transactions to become 100 percent digital while the entire government system will be put on digital foundations this year. “Through PVARA, crypto holders will be able to become part of the formal digital economy. Tax incentives are also being worked on, and various options are being discussed in this regard,” he added.

In response to a question, he said special incentives are being planned to be offered to investors under the industrial policy while small loans are being given to SMEs, agriculture and youth to start businesses so that they can become self-sufficient. He added that skill bonds are also being issued to encourage skilled individuals.

Emphasising the role of the government in the digital economy, he said the primary responsibility of the government is to provide an environment conducive to innovation and create a supportive policy framework for emerging technologies. “The government is actively formulating policies to empower the youth, especially in the modern financial and digital sectors,” he added.

Discussing regulatory and institutional issues, Schehzad said the establishment of a special framework or virtual assets regulatory authority to regulate and better understand crypto assets is being considered; however, Pakistan is in the early stages of this field. He gave the example of the United Arab Emirates, saying a structured and effective system for virtual assets is already in place there while Pakistan is also moving forward in a cautious but confident manner, learning from global best practices. On this occasion, the importance of balanced policy-making, innovation-friendly regulations and global best practices was emphasised.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026