Islamabad, 28 Feb. 2025

By Ahmad Javaid

(The writer is a renowned Digital Trust Advisor, and Vice President, Pakistan Engineering Forum Qatar)

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan has achieved a significant milestone by being elected as the President of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) Council for 2026. This accomplishment underscores Pakistan’s growing influence in the global digital landscape. The success was driven by the relentless efforts of the team led by the Minister of State for IT & Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, whose visionary leadership has been instrumental in securing this prestigious role for Pakistan.

Shaza Fatima Khawaja’s dedication to advancing Pakistan’s digital economy was evident at the DCO 4th General Assembly, where she championed the Digital FDI Initiative. This initiative, a collaboration between Pakistan, the DCO, and the World Economic Forum (WEF), aims to develop policy frameworks and investment strategies for the digital economy. Her efforts have not only elevated Pakistan’s global standing but also laid the foundation for transformative projects like Pakistan Stack and the Digital Nation Pakistan Act.

Her emphasis on multi-stakeholder collaboration, policy stability, and regulatory support has created a conducive environment for digital innovation and foreign investment. Additionally, her initiative to host the Digital FDI Summit in April 2025 in Pakistan highlights her vision to position the country as a global hub for digital investment.

To build on the momentum to drive Digital Nation Pakistan initiative, the following suggestions are proposed:

1. Develop comprehensive policies aligned with global best practices, focusing on data protection, cybersecurity, and intellectual property rights.
2. Accelerate the deployment of Pakistan Stack to establish a robust digital infrastructure supporting e-governance and financial inclusion.
3. Strengthen public-private partnerships to drive innovation and address digital ecosystem challenges.
4. Invest in education and training to build a skilled workforce for the digital economy.
5. Leverage the DCO presidency and the Digital FDI Summit to attract foreign investors and showcase Pakistan’s digital potential.
6. Ensure inclusivity in digital initiatives to benefit women, rural populations, and marginalized communities.
7. Foster international collaboration on digital trade, cross-border data flows, and cybersecurity during Pakistan’s DCO presidency.

H.E. Shaza Fatima Khawaja’s leadership has positioned Pakistan as a rising star in the global digital economy. I am certain that under the strong leadership of this Digital Nation Pakistan Act, Pakistan can solidify its leadership role at DCO, attract foreign investment, and ensure inclusive digital growth. The upcoming Digital FDI Summit, April 2025 in Pakistan and Pakistan’s DCO presidency in 2026 present unparalleled opportunities to drive meaningful change and establish Pakistan as a model for digital innovation. With continued commitment, Pakistan is poised to become a global leader in the digital era.