Pakistan is positioning itself for a leap beyond low-cost outsourcing toward becoming a global IT innovation leader through initiatives such as Quantum Valley, artificial intelligence programmes and expanded international collaboration. The emphasis on a modern digital economy signals a strategic shift in how the country aims to compete globally.
Speaking at the annual PASHA Awards, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal said the government, guided by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision, is committed to building a strong, export-led digital economy. He reiterated a national ambition to transform Pakistan into a one trillion dollar economy by 2035, linking technology growth to broader economic goals.
The minister outlined national priorities that will underpin this transition, stressing the need to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship, strengthen public-private partnerships, and create new employment opportunities while boosting exports. Attracting long-term investment and establishing a secure, sustainable digital infrastructure are central to making the digital economy resilient and growth-oriented.
Professor Iqbal congratulated PASHA, HBL and the award-winning organisations for their contributions, saying their efforts will serve as important milestones on the path to making Pakistan a genuine digital powerhouse. The minister framed these industry-government collaborations as essential to converting policy ambitions into tangible gains for the technology sector and the wider economy.
