The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom has succeeded in securing its development budget for the next financial year without any cuts, following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s instructions.
Federal Minister for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima said the ministry will receive the full Rs22 billion it had demanded, despite reductions in the development budgets of other ministries.
According to Shaza Fatima, PM Sharif had instructed that the development budget of the IT Ministry should not be reduced. She said the Ministry of Finance and Planning, along with the prime minister, is focused on the development of Pakistan’s IT sector.
Ministry to receive full Rs22bn
The federal minister said the IT Ministry is getting its full development budget as per its requirement.
“There has been no cut in the budget of the IT Ministry,” Shaza Fatima said, adding that other ministries have faced reductions but the IT Ministry’s budget has remained intact.
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She confirmed that the Rs22 billion demanded by the ministry will be received.
Shaza Fatima said the size of the IT budget, including long-term projects, stands at Rs76 billion. She said special funds will be allocated for artificial intelligence training and startups, while several AI projects have also been included in the development budget.
AI policy implementation
The federal minister said implementation of the AI policy is progressing rapidly. She added that the government is focusing on artificial intelligence as a key area for future growth, innovation and economic opportunity.
Shaza Fatima said good funds are also being allocated for the digital training of youth. She said 900,000 people were trained in digital skills this year, while baseline testing of university students has also been completed.
Rural internet, connectivity to improve
The minister said internet and connectivity in rural areas will be improved through Universal Service Fund funds.
She stressed that connectivity is essential in Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, where improved digital access can support education, business and public services.
Connectivity linked to climate response
Shaza Fatima said coordination is also essential for climate change response and early warning systems.
She said stronger connectivity can help improve preparedness, communication and timely alerts during climate-related emergencies.
The federal minister said Pakistan’s brand image will be further strengthened at the global level. She said continued investment in IT, artificial intelligence, startups, youth training and connectivity will help position Pakistan more strongly in the global digital economy.
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