Pakistan Needs Stronger Digital Infrastructure to Boost IT Sector: Shaza Fatima

Pakistan needs to strengthen its digital infrastructure, including fibre connectivity, mobile broadband, spectrum availability and satellite regulations, to backing the expansion of its technology sector, Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja stated on Saturday.

Key points

• Shaza Fatima disclosed that around 33, 000 seventh- and eighth-semester computer science students had taken a national baseline test covering 10 employability competencies.
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• Ahmed Azmat, Director Operations at Stewart Pakistan, highlighted Pakistan's potential as a technology investment destination.
• The discussion was moderated by Dr Ihsan Ayyub Qazi, Faculty of Computer Science at LUMS.
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She was speaking at the American Business Forum (ABF)-LUMS Thought Leadership Session, titled"Taking Pakistan's IT Industry to the Next Level, " held at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS).

Meanwhile, the minister remarked improving the country's digital ecosystem was essential for creating an environment in which technology businesses could expand, attract investment and compete in international markets.

She additionally highlighted the importance of developing Pakistan's human resources, saying the country had jobs and opportunities in the technology sector but faced a shortage of appropriately skilled professionals.

"The jobs are there. The opportunity is there. But the right individuals with the right skills are not there, " she stated.

Shaza Fatima disclosed that around 33, 000 seventh- and eighth-semester computer science students had taken a national baseline test covering 10 employability competencies. While around 4% scored above 68%, only 0.4% scored above 80%.

She remarked structural improvements were required in curricula, teaching and the K-12 education system to improve the quality and employability of technology graduates.

Meanwhile, the minister remarked human resources and a stronger digital ecosystem would both be critical to achieving Pakistan's $15 billion IT export target.

Speaking during the discussion, Umair Khan, Co-founder and Chairman of Folio3 and Founding Partner of Mentors Fund, remarked Pakistan needed to move beyond its reliance on freelancing and develop technology businesses capable of scaling internationally.

He pressed improvements in K-12 education, a predictable taxation environment and stronger public-private partnerships to backing the expansion of technology businesses.

Dr Syed Sohail H. Naqvi, Chairperson of Knowledge Streams and Director, EdTech, TMC, remarked Pakistan's technology challenge was not limited to universities and argued that the availability of jobs and market opportunities was equally notable.

"We are saying that the logjam is in the universities, and I'm saying hell no. I'm saying the logjam is in the jobs, " he remarked, calling for greater administration procurement and rose opportunities for local technology businesses.

Ahmed Azmat, Director Operations at Stewart Pakistan, highlighted Pakistan's potential as a technology investment destination. He remarked Stewart Pakistan had been operating in the country for more than 15 years and continued to expand its operations.

He remarked the business had invested $1.3 million in a new office at the National NSTEP facility, reflecting continued investment in Pakistan's technology ecosystem.

Dr Hadia Majid, Faculty of Economics at LUMS, highlighted the potential of technology and freelancing to growth women's workforce participation by providing greater flexibility and access to remote employment.

Meanwhile, the session, organised by the American Business Forum in collaboration with LUMS, brought together administration, academia and industry representatives to discuss the measures needed to strengthen Pakistan's technology sector. The discussion was moderated by Dr Ihsan Ayyub Qazi, Faculty of Computer Science at LUMS. Stay Connected with ProPakistani. Obtain the latest news and stories wherever you prefer. Follow on Google Discover.

Taken together, the developments around pakistan Needs Stronger Digital Infrastructure to Boost IT Sector: Shaza Fatima point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.