KARACHI: Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja has said that Pakistan has entered the implementation phase of its first-ever National Artificial Intelligence Policy, with the federal government preparing to launch digital IDs and a “super app” to deliver public services through mobile phones.
While addressing a mega IT test organised by Saylani Welfare International Trust at the Hockey Stadium here, she said that under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Digital Nation Pakistan vision, the country’s first National AI Policy has been introduced and is now moving into the implementation phase.
She said the federal government is working to strengthen Pakistan’s digital infrastructure and modernise governance through technology-driven solutions aimed at improving ease of doing business and public service delivery.
The minister said that the government, through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), will help attract international investment and provide facilitation to entrepreneurs seeking to launch new businesses in Pakistan.
Highlighting a major upcoming initiative, she announced the launch of digital IDs that will allow citizens to access services without visiting government offices such as NADRA or the Higher Education Commission for verification and documentation. “All services will be available through your mobile phone,” she said, explaining that the digital ID will function within a comprehensive super app where personal data and official documents can be verified securely.
She noted that citizens in developed countries already enjoy the convenience of accessing government services through a single mobile device, adding that Pakistan aims to provide similar facilities in the coming years. This initiative will reduce bureaucratic hurdles, save time, and enhance transparency while enabling citizens to interact with government institutions efficiently.
She emphasised that digital governance reforms are a key component of Pakistan’s broader effort to build a modern, technology-driven economy and improve public service delivery nationwide. She said that if every child in the country is provided internet access and a smart device and trained in at least one IT skill, Pakistan could progress in months rather than decades.
She urged collective commitment to ensure Pakistan participates fully in the AI revolution and said that at opening of Indus AI Week, the Prime Minister announced USD 1 billion in investment. One million children will be trained, and 1,000 students will receive international PhD scholarships. The aim, she added, is to strengthen national infrastructure in AI and technology while maximising the country’s human resource potential, she added.
However, Governor Kamran Khan Tessori said he fully supports the IT minister’s efforts and predicted that Pakistan, especially Sindh, will soon become a hub of IT and AI. He praised initiatives connecting youth with modern technology and said talented young Pakistanis will bring pride to the nation.
Over 500,000 students have been invited for IT course tests, and about 50,000 are currently studying in a single session at Governor House. Each course at Governor House IT center, valued at Rs900,000, is offered free of cost, he mentioned He added that 98,000 students have completed courses in AI, Meta technologies, and web design, with many earning respectable incomes through freelancing, some making $1,000 to USD 2,000 per month.
Sindh IT Minister Ali Rashid reiterated that AI is a present-day necessity. It will replace tools, not humans, but those who fail to learn new tools risk becoming obsolete like outdated technologies.
Pakistan Freelancers Association representative Fahad Sheikh praised Saylani Welfare International Trust for its role in promoting an IT revolution in the country, saying the initiative is creating meaningful opportunities for young people to build digital careers.
The ceremony was also addressed by Saylani Welfare Education Board head Afzal Chamadia, and COO Mohammad Ghazal.
President of Karachi Press Club Fazil Jamili, Secretary Muhammad Aslam Khan, former secretary Muhammad Rizwan Bhatti, Fahad Sheikh Co-founder Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) and other senior journalists attended as special guests.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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