ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, has assured that artificial intelligence (AI) will not wipe out employment but instead transform the nature of work worldwide. She emphasized that Pakistan’s youth must focus on developing modern technological skills to stay relevant in a rapidly changing global economy.
Speaking at Cadet College Hasan Abdal on Wednesday, Khawaja underlined that the future would belong to those capable of using AI effectively. “The real question is not whether AI will take away jobs, but whether our youth are ready to adapt, innovate, and lead with these tools,” she said.
Under a newly signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the college, top-performing students will gain access to internships and hands-on training, easing their transition into the professional world. Certification programs are also being introduced in fields such as cybersecurity, AI, coding, and content technology. To ensure accountability, she proposed forming a joint steering committee to oversee the MoU’s implementation.
Expanding Digital Infrastructure
The minister revealed that the government aims to connect every school and district unit in Islamabad with high-speed fibre internet within six months. The initiative will pave the way for e-classrooms, enabling teachers and students to integrate modern digital tools into learning. Teacher training in AI, data literacy, and emerging technologies is also a top priority to help build a digitally skilled generation.
Khawaja stressed that skill development should not be measured by sheer numbers but by how relevant those skills are to the jobs of the future. With more than 60 percent of Pakistan’s population under 30, she said, the country’s youth are central to the success of the digital transformation agenda. Last year, around 100,000 students were trained under the government’s Digital Skills Programme. This year, the target has been raised to one million.
From Digital Age to Intelligent Age
Calling AI the driving force behind a new global era, the minister said Pakistan was entering an “intelligent age” that would transform sectors such as healthcare, education, and financial technology. She confirmed that the government is digitising property, health, and education records to improve transparency and efficiency. Property sales will be automatically recorded, while health data will be linked with national identity cards to improve medical treatment without compromising privacy.
Highlighting progress in governance, Khawaja noted that the introduction of an e-office system through the National IT Board has already allowed ministers to monitor files at every stage, reducing bureaucratic delays. Pakistan’s ranking in the UN E-Government Development Index rose by 14 points last year, reflecting these reforms.
Additionally, a new digital identity system is being rolled out through the Pak ID mobile app. Citizens will be able to digitally access their IDs, health, education, and property records, reducing paperwork and red tape.
Commitment to Youth and IT Exports
The minister said Pakistan’s digital transformation rests on two key pillars: promoting IT exports and digitising governance. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to cybersecurity, e-learning, and creating skill-based opportunities for young people.
Praising Cadet College Hasan Abdal for producing outstanding professionals from soldiers and doctors to lawyers and engineers she said the institution had long served as a symbol of dedication and excellence for Pakistan.
