Latest news with #ShazaFatimaKhawaja
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
IT ministry, Binance Academy launch nationwide blockchain education drive
Under the agreement, university educators will undergo intensive training in blockchain fundamentals, including BNB Chain, Solidity programming, and essential Web3 concepts. PHOTO: BINANCE WEBSITE Listen to article In a landmark move to promote digital literacy and future-ready skills, Binance Academy has partnered with Pakistan's Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) to roll out a nationwide blockchain education initiative. The programme is set to train 300 university educators and reach over 80,000 students across 20 institutions by 2026. The collaboration falls under Binance's Global University Outreach Program (GUOP), the world's largest blockchain education drive, aiming to cultivate a new generation of Web3 professionals. The initiative aligns with Pakistan's national digital transformation goals, positioning the country as a growing hub of blockchain expertise. Under the agreement, university educators will undergo intensive training in blockchain fundamentals, including BNB Chain, Solidity programming, and essential Web3 concepts. Upon certification, they will independently teach the newly developed curriculum. Students completing the courses will also receive official accreditation. 'As blockchain reshapes the global financial landscape, empowering people with the right skills is essential,' said Bader Al Kalooti, Head of Growth and Operations for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia at Binance. 'This partnership marks a significant step toward building a knowledgeable workforce ready to drive digital innovation.' Welcoming the initiative, Minister of IT and Telecom, Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, noted its potential impact on Pakistan's long-term economic trajectory. 'This partnership contributes to our digital transformation by positioning Pakistan as a global source of skilled blockchain talent,' she said. 'By collaborating with Binance and the Blockchain & AI Technology Center, we are equipping our students to lead in the digital economy.' Binance Academy has been active in Pakistan since 2022, having already trained over 3,000 students across 13 universities in three provinces. The new programme expands that effort on a national scale, leveraging past success to deliver widespread access to cutting-edge technology education. Globally, the GUOP began in Kazakhstan in 2023 and has since expanded to over 20 countries. Its broader target is to impact more than 200 universities across 50 countries, reaching one million students by 2026. The Binance Academy–MoITT partnership represents a significant step in embedding blockchain education into Pakistan's academic framework. By focusing on practical skills and global competitiveness, the initiative is expected to foster a generation of innovators prepared to lead in the digital economy — both locally and internationally.
Business Recorder
05-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
A digital future at risk
EDITORIAL: Speaking at the Digital Foreign Direct Investment Conference 2025 in Islamabad on April 29, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that Pakistan had secured a massive $700 million in foreign investment commitments for its IT sector. At the same event, Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja outlined the country's recent strides in the digital domain, noting a 25 percent increase in IT exports during the first nine months of FY25 and a remarkable 48 percent surge in mobile phone manufacturing over the past year. On the face of it, these achievements signal a promising trajectory for Pakistan's digital economy, reflecting both growing investor confidence and the government's commitment to technological advancement. However, these accomplishments cannot obscure some unsettling realities. Take, for instance, the foreign investment pledges that the prime minister announced with considerable fanfare. The truth is, unless these pledges materialise into tangible, on-the-ground developments, they will remain just that — promises. The country's history is replete with numerous instances where foreign businesses and friendly countries have expressed strong interest in investing across various sectors, yet all too often, progress has stalled at the stage of signing MoUs and Declarations of Intent. Little wonder, then, that Pakistan is often dubbed a 'graveyard of MoUs', a label born of its chronic inability to turn signed agreements into substantive action. An entire range of factors underpins this troubling track record in attracting and sustaining foreign investment, including a volatile security environment both domestically and along our borders — with the fallout of the Pahalgam incident sure to further deter potential investors – chronic political instability and the myriad structural issues plaguing the economy. Compounding these issues is the persistent lack of policy consistency. In the IT sector in particular, policy inconsistency has emerged as a critical obstacle, standing in the way of the sector truly taking off. While the prime minister eloquently outlines ambitions to position Pakistan as a hub for IT and AI, this narrative is sharply undercut by his government's tendency to introduce legislation and take actions that constrain the digital space. Repeated internet disruptions, arbitrary attempts to control VPN usage, sweeping laws that criminalise not only dangerous speech but also legitimate dissent, the ban on X, and an absence of a meaningful cybersecurity and data protection framework have created an unpredictable and stifling environment for IT businesses. Frequent internet disruptions — driven by the authorities' obsession with controlling people's online activities — for instance, have crippled Pakistan's digital infrastructure, placing it 96th in mobile internet speeds and 143rd in fixed broadband as of March. Furthermore, $10-20 million per day is lost in ad revenue on platforms like Facebook and YouTube during social media blackouts, while cloud service providers lose $2-5 million daily during times of internet disruptions. Compounding matters are data localisation requirements, limited spectrum availability and high taxation and import duties on digital equipment and software. The losses, however, cannot be measured in monetary terms alone. The reputational damage that has been caused to Pakistan raises serious questions about its credibility as a country aspiring to lead in innovation and technology. Most dangerously, government policy has fostered a climate that constitutes a particularly pernicious form of non-tariff barrier that undermines digital growth, innovation, investment and economic competitiveness. It's increasingly evident that much of the progress the country has made in the digital realm owes more to the resilience, ingenuity, and talent of its youth than to any coherent government strategy, and if the authorities stay the current course, Pakistan risks wasting the untapped potential of its young population. It's time to shift away from outdated control tactics and foster an environment that supports innovation and creativity, or the country will miss out on the opportunity to lead in the digital age. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
02-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Shaza Fatima says Starlink launch on track for December
Shaza also revealed that Chinese satellite internet firms, including Galaxy Space and Shanghai Space, have expressed interest in entering the Pakistani market. PHOTO: APP Listen to article Minister of State for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja has dismissed speculation over licencing delays for Starlink, stating that the satellite internet provider is on track to launch in Pakistan by December 2025. Speaking informally to reporters on Friday, the minister said that a consultant has been appointed by the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (SUPARCO) to draft regulatory frameworks for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, with the rulebook expected to be finalised by June. 'There is no delay in Starlink's licensing. The process is ongoing and structured,' she said, noting that Starlink has remained in contact with Pakistani authorities and is expected to spend the next five to six months building infrastructure ahead of its operational debut. Shaza also revealed that Chinese satellite internet firms, including Galaxy Space and Shanghai Space, have expressed interest in entering the Pakistani market. However, she clarified that no formal applications have yet been submitted. 'Our space policy is open and non-exclusive,' she added. 'We will facilitate any company that meets the criteria and comes forward.' Addressing the broader telecom sector, the minister acknowledged financial challenges, citing an average revenue per user (ARPU) of Rs270, the lowest in the region. She attributed the strain to currency fluctuations and rising electricity prices. The minister noted that the upcoming spectrum auction could help improve telecom services and confirmed that companies had submitted budget proposals for the next fiscal year, which are being reviewed in coordination with the Ministry of Finance. On the ongoing shutdown of social media platform X in Pakistan, Shaza rejected public claims that the move curtails freedom of expression. 'X has not engaged with the IT Ministry since the ban,' she stated, suggesting that any communication has likely occurred only with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). 'X is not in compliance with Pakistani laws,' she added, while noting that other platforms remain in contact and respond to government requests.
Business Recorder
01-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Investor confidence: Minister praises SIFC for being key driver
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Wednesday praised the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), describing it as a key driver in restoring investor confidence through its 'whole-of-government' approach. Speaking at the two-day Digital Foreign Direct Investment (DFDI) conference, Khawaja credited the military-backed initiative with streamlining decision-making and fostering a coordinated environment that reassures both local and foreign investors. 'The SIFC's whole-of-government approach has significantly contributed to building investor confidence in Pakistan,' she added. She said Pakistan is ready to become a hub of technology and digital investment, adding strong public-private partnerships, progressive policies, and a growing number of skilled IT professionals as key strengths. 'Today, we can proudly say that if you invest in Pakistan, we will make sure the magic happens for you,' she said, emphasising the need for continued collaboration between the public and private sectors, international partners, and development organisations to unlock Pakistan's full potential – not only in IT but also in agriculture, healthcare, finance, education, and manufacturing. 'Technology is no longer limited to one sector. It now plays a role in every field and is essential for overall development,' she added, noting that the digital shift brings both challenges and new opportunities for growth. Khawaja highlighted Pakistan's demographic advantage, with nearly 150 million young people under the age of 30, which she said gives the country a promising future in digital innovation. She also outlined key policy initiatives, including the Digital Nation Pakistan Act, the National AI Policy, the Cybersecurity Policy, the development of technology parks and special technology zones, and support for a strong startup ecosystem and the transition to a cashless economy. 'Pakistan now offers a complete digital ecosystem driven by leadership, vision, and talent. We are no longer followers—we are ready to lead,' she said. She credited the prime minister's leadership for steering these efforts and noted that around 75,000 IT graduates and 300,000 certified professionals join the workforce every year, providing a solid base for growth. She announced that Pakistan will assume the presidency of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) in 2026 and expressed hope for expanding regional technology corridors to ensure access to markets, talent, capital, and best practices. Khawaja also thanked the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, Ministry of Commerce, local administration, security agencies, and especially the private sector for their support. Speaking at a presser, Secretary General of DCO Deemah AlYahya commended Pakistan for championing DFDI. She emphasised that Pakistan's leadership role would not only advance the nation's technological infrastructure but also enable it to support other countries in their digital growth. She said the presidency of Pakistan for DCO in 2026 is a continued effort to position the country as the digital powerhouse for the region and the world, adding the DCO is working to open markets for enterprises across all member states, fostering cross-border collaboration. Pakistan, she noted, will play a key role in driving these advancements. AlYahya also expressed optimism about Pakistan's growing digital sector, particularly the youth-driven innovation. 'Seeing the youth and the growth in Pakistan's digital sector gives us a great sense of optimism,' she said. 'It motivates us to collaborate with all our member countries and utilise the advancements in each nation.' She highlighted the importance of identifying each country's competitive advantages to address global challenges, noting that DCO's role is to pinpoint these strengths and areas for improvement. She pointed to the Digital FDI event in Pakistan as an example of how the country's infrastructure, youth talent, and advancements in software and hardware could attract private sector investment and harness new opportunities. 'The Digital FDI event here in Pakistan is a prime example of how we can leverage Pakistan's competitive advantages to create global opportunities,' she added. The two-day moot concluded with a strong pledge to position Pakistan as a regional leader in technology, information technology (IT), and information and communication technology (ICT). The event saw participation from more than 45 countries, with over 40 international companies and startups showcasing their products. Around 35 ministers and official delegations from various countries attended, along with over 30 global speakers and more than 50 CEOs from leading IT firms. Organised by the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication in collaboration with the DCO, the DFDI Forum 2025 was aimed to promote Pakistan as a key destination for digital investment and innovation. The forum brought together investors, policymakers, industry leaders, and tech experts from around the world to explore opportunities in the growing digital economy. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
30-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
IT sector eyes $15b boom as DFDI spurs momentum
Listen to article Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, on Wednesday, reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to accelerating digital transformation, highlighting significant progress in IT exports and investment pledges during the Digital Direct Investment Forum (DDIF). Addressing a press conference alongside Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO) Secretary General Deemah AlYahya, Khawaja said government policies have already delivered a 25% increase in IT exports. Pakistan is projected to reach $4 billion in IT exports in the current fiscal year (July 2024-June 2025), up from $3.2 billion last year — marking 27% growth. The minister announced ambitious targets of generating $15 billion in direct IT exports and products, along with an additional $10 billion in economic impact through the National Digitalisation Programme. "Participants at the forum have pledged nearly $700 million in Pakistan's digital sector," she noted, calling the DDIF a vital platform for attracting international partners and investment. DCO Secretary General AlYahya praised Pakistan's digital efforts and thanked the Ministry of IT, Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) and partners for organising the successful forum. "We congratulate Pakistan on such an impactful event," she said. Meanwhile, on World Password Day, cybersecurity firm Kaspersky issued a warning about the risks of using AI-generated passwords. The company found that many passwords created by large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Llama, and DeepSeek were still vulnerable. According to Kaspersky's data science team lead Alexey Antonov, up to 32% of LLM-generated passwords lacked required elements like special characters or digits. Nearly 60% of the 1,000 passwords tested could be cracked in under an hour using modern GPUs or cloud-based tools. Kaspersky recommends using dedicated password management tools rather than relying on AI. "All of the models are aware that a good password consists of at least 12 characters, including uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols," says Antonov, adding that, "In practice, though, the algorithms often neglect these instructions."
