Budget 2026-27 sets stage for Pakistan’s tech revolution and youth empowerment: Shaza Fatima says

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Jun, 2026) Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja hailed the Budget 2026-27 as a defining moment for Pakistan’s digital transformation, stating that its focus on artificial intelligence and youth empowerment marks the beginning of a new era of innovation, as Rs19.58 billion has been allocated for ongoing and new projects designed to drive technological progress and generate employment opportunities across the country.

During an interview with a local media outlet, Shaza Fatima Khawaja said the Budget 2026-27 embodies the Prime Minister’s vision of equipping Pakistan’s youth with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in the digital age.

She emphasized that the government is investing heavily in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to modernize institutions and position Pakistan at the forefront of the global digital economy.

She said that the budget brings a number of positive developments for the IT and telecom sector, calling it a package of encouraging news that will strengthen digital growth, expand opportunities, and support innovation across the country.

She highly appreciated that the IT budget has been designed with a 100% focus on youth, describing it as a forward-looking initiative aimed at empowering young people with digital skills, opportunities and access to the growing tech economy and said this youth-centric approach reflects the PM’s commitment to building a knowledge-based economy where innovation, entrepreneurship and long-term technological growth are driven by the country’s younger generation.

Khawaja further revealed that several significant international technology projects are expected to materialize in Pakistan by the end of the year, opening new avenues for employment and innovation.

She also welcomed the continuation of a reduced 0.25 percent tax on IT exports and measures aimed at facilitating freelancers, describing them as crucial steps to strengthen the country’s growing tech ecosystem.

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She said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has outlined a clear reform agenda centered on three transformative priorities, beginning with the complete digitization of government services to ensure citizens receive fast, transparent and hassle-free access to public facilities.

She added that the second pillar is the push toward a cashless economy to modernize financial systems, curb inefficiencies and strengthen accountability.

The third priority, she noted, is the move toward a fully paperless government through advanced digital integration, aimed at improving governance, reducing delays and enhancing institutional efficiency.

She said the government is placing strong emphasis on youth entrepreneurship, aiming to equip young people with modern skills and opportunities to start and scale innovative businesses in the digital economy.

She added that by the end of the year, Pakistan will introduce a world-class IT system based on global standards, alongside the establishment of AI and robotics centers for students and advanced future technology labs designed to prepare the next generation for emerging technological trends.

She said that more than 300 million cyber-based programs are being launched under the IT funds to strengthen Pakistan’s digital ecosystem, enhance cyber-security capacity, and expand opportunities for skill development in emerging technologies.

She concluded that the Budget 2026-27 marks a decisive step toward Pakistan’s digital transformation, expressing confidence that the government’s focus on AI, youth empowerment and IT development will accelerate innovation, strengthen the telecom sector and open new avenues of opportunity for the country’s future generation.