Pakistan has taken a decisive step toward building a technologically advanced nation with the official launch of the Pakistan Digital Sector Roadmap, developed in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Led by the Ministry of IT and Telecom (MoITT) and Ignite – National Technology Fund, the initiative aligns closely with the Prime Minister’s vision of a digitally empowered Pakistan.
The two-day launch event also showcased the winners of the AI Wrapper Competition 2025, a key milestone reflecting the practical implementation of the National AI Policy. The competition drew more than 1,700 teams representing 106 cities, including 33 percent female participants. These teams developed innovative AI solutions for sectors such as education, health, and finance, with winners receiving PKR 8.7 million in prize money.
Federal Minister for IT and Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, described the roadmap as a strategic foundation for building a connected and future-ready Pakistan. She said the initiative reinforces efforts to promote transparency, innovation, and inclusive growth across all segments of society.
The roadmap outlines a 10-year national vision extending to 2035, centered on four pillars: Digital Infrastructure, Digital Economy, Digital Governance, and Digital Society. Together, these pillars aim to drive widespread digital transformation and strengthen Pakistan’s competitiveness on the global stage.
The event opened with a National Workshop on AI Use Case Development, where experts from government, academia, and industry collaborated to design AI-driven solutions for national challenges. The workshop’s outcomes will play a crucial role in shaping the National AI Innovation Hub (NAIIH), envisioned as a central ecosystem for applied AI research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Ignite CEO Rafique A. Buriro highlighted the commitment to converting policy into real-world impact, while ADB’s Dr. Antonio García Zaballos praised the roadmap for charting a clear path to inclusive and innovation-led growth.
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The Ministry of IT and Telecom reaffirmed its dedication to advancing the National AI Policy 2025, establishing the NAIIH, and expanding partnerships aimed at accelerating Pakistan’s journey toward a knowledge-based digital economy.