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ISLAMABAD, Jan 05 (APP):Calling youth empowerment the cornerstone of Pakistan’s digital and economic future, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Monday said that sustained investment in young talent is essential for national progress
She was addressing the closing ceremony of the 19th Buraq Space Camp organized by OIC-COMSTECH at the COMSTECH Secretariat.
The minister attended the event as the chief guest and lauded the initiative for nurturing scientific curiosity, innovation, and leadership among students.
She informed the audience that the Buraq Space Camp commenced on December 29, 2025, and 40 shortlisted students successfully completed their intensive training.
“Children like you are the most precious asset of our country and the architects of our future,” she said, emphasizing that Pakistan urgently requires young leadership to navigate emerging national and global challenges.
She stressed that Pakistan has no shortage of talent, and with the right opportunities and mentorship, the youth can drive transformative change.
Highlighting the global impact of climate change, Shaza Fatima said it was vital to prepare young people to confront environmental and technological challenges, noting that around 150 million of Pakistan’s population consists of youth.
She said the government is rolling out targeted policies to guide young people towards productive pathways through skills development and capacity-building programs.
The minister said training is being provided to youth across multiple sectors, with a special focus on information technology, adding that students are being enrolled in various IT-related courses to enhance employability. “Our goal is to make our youth economically independent and globally competitive,” she said.
Referring to the government’s digital agenda, she said Pakistan is steadily moving towards Digital Pakistan, which will improve access to data and digital services for citizens.
Acknowledging infrastructure constraints, she said Pakistan currently has limited low-frequency spectrum, but assured that concrete steps are underway to improve high-speed internet services nationwide.
She announced that 5G internet services are expected to be launched in the coming months, terming it a major milestone in the country’s digital transformation.
“In today’s world, progress without the internet is impossible,” she said, adding that digital connectivity has significantly simplified work processes and enabled people to multitask efficiently.
Shaza Fatima also noted that Pakistan’s population is growing rapidly, making it imperative to equip youth with modern skills. Referring to Maarka-e-Haq, she said Pakistani youth played a key role in cybersecurity efforts, demonstrating technical capability and national commitment.
“Spending on youth is not a cost; it is an investment in the future,” the minister emphasized.
She disclosed that the freelancing sector recorded a 91 percent growth this year, highlighting the increasing contribution of young professionals to Pakistan’s economy.
The ceremony concluded with the minister congratulating the participants, trainers, and organizers on the successful completion of the camp, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to empowering youth through technology, innovation, and education.