Latest news with #InformationTechnologyandTelecommunication
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Internet firewall: Govt defends controversial rollout in NA
ISLAMABAD: Amid fierce criticism over the multi-billion-rupee internet firewall installation, the federal government on Wednesday staunchly defended the controversial rollout, insisting it is essential to protect the country's digital infrastructure from escalating cybersecurity threats. In a written response to a question raised in National Assembly by MNA Muhammad Jawed Hanif Khan, the Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, emphasised the firewall's role in protecting citizens' data and complying with legal mandates under Article 19 of the Constitution. 'The internet is central to economic activity in the era of the fourth industrial revolution,' Khawaja said. 'Safeguarding the data of citizens, institutions, and entities is of paramount importance.' The firewall, quietly installed last year, blocks access to websites deemed objectionable under Pakistani law, including content violating morality, national security, or public order. Civil society groups and digital rights advocates have criticised the lack of transparency surrounding the firewall's deployment, warning it represents unprecedented surveillance rather than mere content filtering. Industry insiders say the firewall operates at upstream internet gateways, using deep packet inspection and traffic rerouting to monitor and restrict online content in real time. Users and service providers have noted disruptions, particularly on WhatsApp and Facebook, while IT businesses cite degraded connectivity. Officials describe the firewall as a 'web management upgrade,' but digital rights organisations like Bytes for All view it as a full-scale surveillance apparatus. The country's Internet infrastructure remains underdeveloped compared to regional peers, hampered by weak fibre networks and low broadband penetration. Critics argue the firewall prioritises governmental control over genuine cybersecurity improvements. Khawaja reiterated that the firewall is based on constitutional provisions allowing restrictions on freedom of expression for national security and public order, highlighting the government's commitment to protecting the country's digital space while navigating complex legal and ethical challenges. Separately, the House approved two amendments to criminal law removing the death penalty for tearing a woman's clothes and for contacting hijackers. The amendments, presented by Law Minister Azam Tarar in the National Assembly, are part of the Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill 2025. The first reduces punishment for tearing a woman's clothes, previously punishable by death under Section 354A – a provision introduced during late military dictator Gen Zia-ul-Haq's regime and criticised for misuse. 'The death penalty for this offence is being removed, and a lesser sentence imposed,' Tarar said. The second amendment abolishes the death penalty under Section 402C for anyone meeting or contacting hijacking suspects. This section was introduced under former president late Pervez Musharraf. The amendments faced opposition from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) MNA Aliya Kamran during the debate; however, the amendments were passed by a majority vote. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Minister links 5G spectrum auction with resolution of two key issues
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja has linked the much-anticipated 5G spectrum auction with the resolution of two key issues including the acquisition of Telenor by the PTCL and ongoing spectrum litigation cases. 'The government plans to auction 5G spectrum by the end of this year, subject to the resolution of pending matters,' said the minister while addressing at an event where Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) and the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, in partnership with, TikTok, announced the official launch of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) feed in Pakistan, reinforcing its commitment to make high-quality educational content more accessible and engaging for all. Pakistan is currently operating on 274 MHz of spectrum, while the upcoming auction is expected to offer double that capacity. Fatima also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve digital infrastructure, including fibre optic expansion, satellite internet, and smartphone affordability. A new policy is being drafted to allow smartphones on easy installments. 'We are working on a comprehensive digital identity system under the Digital Pakistan Act,' she said, adding that internet access in the country has increased by 25 percent. She also stated that inflation and policy rates have declined due to better integration of digital systems. The minister revealed that Pakistan's IT exports rose by $1 billion over the past two years, with 96 percent of freelancers contributing over $700 million. Additionally, 1.2 million laptops were distributed on merit, with another 100,000 to be provided soon. She announced that one million children will be trained under the country's Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy, while 100,000 individuals have already received training via DigiSkills in the last year. She said that seven submarine cables are already connected to Pakistan; with three more expected this year. The world's largest submarine cable will also link with Pakistan by the end of 2025. 'In today's era, technology is becoming a part of our lives. We want to see how we can learn something new using technology,' said the minister, adding that technology should be used in an ethical and positive way. She said that technology played a crucial role in the India-Pakistan war. The new STEM feed on TikTok is a dedicated in-app experience where users can explore a curated stream of high-quality content focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It is designed to spark curiosity, promote critical thinking, and expand digital learning opportunities, especially for students, educators, and young professionals across Pakistan. TikTok is also partnering with leading academic institutions across the country to launch a training programme for teachers, educators and instructors. These trainings are focused on empowering them with the tools, techniques, and best practices, needed to create compelling, informative, and engaging STEM content tailored for short-form video. In addition, TikTok is actively nurturing Pakistan's local STEM creator community, providing training and guidance to increase the volume and quality of STEM content across the platform in English, Urdu and regional languages as well. This effort is aimed at building a self-sustaining educational ecosystem where both formal educators and independent creators contribute to a shared mission: making STEM education fun, inclusive, and discoverable. TikTok has also launched a dedicated hashtag #StemTok, as well as a landing page, where it will feature content created by partners, creators and publishers, providing easy access to local language STEM content in Pakistan. The minister said that this initiative is aligned with our broader vision to use digital platforms to enhance education and skill development in Pakistan. TikTok's STEM feed is an excellent example of how technology can democratize access to knowledge and empower our youth, including aspiring female students, to explore new career pathways in science and technology. 'We are proud to support this collaboration with TikTok and look forward to seeing its long-term impact.' Wajiha Qamar, Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training, stated, 'We welcome the launch of TikTok's dedicated STEM Feed in Pakistan as a step towards making science and technology more accessible and relatable to our youth. Digital platforms, when used responsibly, can become powerful tools for education, creativity, and empowerment.' Fahad Muhammad Khan Niazi, Head of Public Policy and Government Relations, Pakistan at TikTok said: 'The launch of the TikTok STEM feed in Pakistan marks an exciting milestone in our mission to inspire and educate through creativity.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
12-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Minister, Google team discuss Pak AI landscape
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja held a key meeting with Google's Regional AI Developer Ecosystem team to strengthen Pakistan's artificial intelligence (AI) landscape. The meeting focused on exploring opportunities for collaboration to advance AI adoption, skills development, and innovation in Pakistan. The Google team briefed the minister on ongoing community-based initiatives including Google Developer Groups (GDGs), TaleemAabaad, and other efforts to foster local talent. The federal minister also held a special session with the N+1 team — a group of young Pakistani developers who recently represented Pakistan in the Google Solution Challenge held in the Philippines. The team's placement in the global top 10 was commended by the minister, who praised their achievement as a proud moment for the country. 'Pakistani youth are proving their capabilities at the global level. The government is committed to supporting and empowering such talent through the right platforms and opportunities,' said Minister Khawaja. She also emphasised the need for a strong, structured partnership between the Ministry of IT and Google to ensure sustainable progress in Pakistan's digital and AI ecosystem. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
11-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Shaza, Google team focus on AI
Listen to article Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja met with Google's Regional AI Developer Ecosystem and Communities team to explore strategic collaboration in advancing Pakistan's artificial intelligence landscape. The Google team provided an overview of their developer ecosystem in the region, highlighting the contributions of Google Developer Groups (GDGs), community-based AI initiatives and impactful platforms like Taleemabad. The discussion focused on expanding community-driven innovation and AI adoption across Pakistan. During the meeting, the minister also had an interactive session with the N+1 team, a group of young Pakistani developers recently selected among the global top 10 in the Google Solution Challenge. The team represented Pakistan at the regional showcase in the Philippines. Minister Shaza Fatima praised their achievement, noting it as a testament to the country's emerging talent pool and the importance of nurturing such success stories through structured support and mentorship. In the wider policy discussion, the minister emphasised the government's strategic focus on AI training across three critical domains: mainstream education (from KG to university), workforce development including freelancers and industrial innovation. She stressed the need for inclusive access to tools such as the AI Seekho programme, sandbox environments and cloud credits. Separately, the federal IT and telecom minister chaired a high-level meeting on the Faculty AI Training Programme, developed in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Meta and NCEAC. The minister termed the initiative a model of public-private-academic synergy aimed at preparing Pakistan's higher education sector for the digital future. The programme introduces a two-track approach – AI soft skills training for over 1,000 non-technical university faculty and AI hard skills certifications – including Meta's LLaMA credentials via Coursera – for 250-500 technical faculty, across Pakistan. The minister emphasised that AI was not just a technical tool but a transformative force across sectors like education, healthcare, agriculture and governance. She assured them of the IT ministry's full support for the programme's nationwide rollout, policy alignment and integration with the forthcoming National AI policy and other digital skill initiatives.
Business Recorder
10-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Cashless economy: Minister assures support to PM's vision
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja reaffirmed full support for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's vision of transforming Pakistan into a cashless economy, terming digital payments a vital need for a modern financial system. She expressed these views during a key meeting with Easypaisa Digital Bank CEO Jahanzeb Khan, where both sides discussed ways to accelerate digital and financial inclusion in the country. 'Digital payments are essential for modern economic growth,' said the minister, highlighting the ministry's commitment to creating an inclusive society by expanding access to digital opportunities. Praising Easypaisa's leadership in the digital finance sector, she said the bank is playing a leading role in the country's digital transformation. The meeting also reviewed potential areas of cooperation, including a positive exchange on collaboration under the 'Smart Islamabad' initiative. Jahanzeb Khan lauded the IT Ministry's digital vision, noting that 'Easypaisa Digital Bank, Pakistan's first digital retail bank and the largest financial services app, continues to play a crucial role in advancing digital and financial inclusion.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
