Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja emphasized Pakistan’s growing focus on the IT sector during the Indus AI Week 2026 women hackathon ceremony held at IT Park. She highlighted that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and provincial leadership are actively prioritizing technological development across the country.
Addressing participants, Fatima Khawaja said Pakistan is preparing to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) entrepreneurship to the global stage in the near future. She underlined that the core purpose of technology is to enhance citizens’ lives while driving inclusive economic growth. The Federal Minister added that the Indus AI Week, conducted over the past one and a half weeks, was designed to connect young people with the legacy of Pakistan’s Indus Intelligent Civilization.
During her visit, Fatima Khawaja met with young children working on technology projects at the IT Park, praising their innovation and commitment. She reiterated that under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, the government remains dedicated to building a Digital Pakistan, with young individuals playing a crucial role in steering the country toward a technology-driven future.
Highlighting Pakistan’s potential as the fifth-largest country by population, the Minister stressed that equipping the youth with modern technological skills can accelerate national development significantly. She also underscored the importance of expanding technology access in remote and underserved areas to prevent digital inequality and polarization.
Fatima Khawaja particularly recognized the active participation of women, including homemakers, in the hackathon. She called for the creation of safe and enabling environments to ensure women’s financial independence and meaningful inclusion in the digital economy. Noting that women constitute more than half of Pakistan’s population, she emphasized their essential role in contributing fully to national progress.
The Federal Minister also congratulated Saylani management and relevant stakeholders for establishing a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to youth empowerment and technological advancement. Special Assistant to Chief Minister Sindh on Science and IT, Ali Rashid, also addressed the ceremony, highlighting ongoing initiatives to support innovation and entrepreneurship among the country’s youth.
The event concluded with the distribution of cash prizes to hackathon winners by Fatima Khawaja and Ali Rashid, celebrating young innovators and reinforcing the government’s commitment to nurturing talent, promoting AI entrepreneurship, and fostering a technology-driven economy.
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