Shaza Fatima named ‘Industry Champion of the Year’ at The Fast Mode Awards 2026

ISLAMABAD, Nov 03 (APP): Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja has received international recognition for her role in advancing Pakistan’s digital landscape, having been named “Industry Champion of the Year” at The Fast Mode Awards 2026. The prestigious honour, presented to only one individual worldwide each year, recognises outstanding leadership and contributions to the telecommunications, satellite and data centre industries.

The award marks a significant achievement for Pakistan’s technology sector, placing the country’s digital transformation efforts on an international platform. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication on Tuesday, this year’s awards attracted more than 500 company nominations from over 60 countries, with participants competing across 11 categories for more than 80 awards.

Organised by global technology media platform The Fast Mode, the awards recognise individuals and organisations making notable contributions to technological advancement and digital connectivity. Commenting on this year’s results, the platform’s Executive Editor, Tara Neal, said the winners in the leadership category represented talented and visionary voices driving the industry’s evolution. She also highlighted the importance of leaders whose vision, influence and initiatives were bringing meaningful changes to digital transformation and connectivity.

The ministry attributed Khawaja’s recognition to Pakistan’s growing achievements in the information technology sector over the past two years, particularly in IT exports, telecommunications infrastructure, digital governance, artificial intelligence and international investment.

One of the most significant developments has been the steady growth in Pakistan’s information technology and IT-enabled services exports. According to the ministry, exports increased from $3.223 billion in fiscal year 2023-24 to a record $4.6 billion in FY2025-26, registering annual growth of 21 per cent. The sector also generated a trade surplus of $3.9 billion, the highest among the country’s services sectors.

Pakistan’s freelance economy has also witnessed substantial expansion, with export earnings reaching an unprecedented $1.76 billion. The country’s freelancer workforce has grown to more than 2.37 million, reflecting the increasing contribution of digital professionals to the national economy.

Telecommunications infrastructure has remained another major area of progress. In March 2026, Pakistan conducted its largest-ever next-generation mobile services and 5G spectrum auction, selling 480MHz of spectrum for $509.6 million. The auction increased the country’s overall spectrum allocation from 274MHz to approximately 750MHz, creating greater capacity for improved mobile connectivity and advanced digital services.

By July 2026, commercial 5G services had been launched in four cities, according to the ministry. Pakistan also became the first country in Asia to abolish right-of-way charges for fibre-optic expansion, a move aimed at reducing infrastructure costs and accelerating the development of high-speed internet networks across the country.

Alongside infrastructure development, the government has pursued policy reforms to establish a stronger foundation for a digitally connected economy. Khawaja played a key role in securing the passage of the Digital Nation Pakistan Act 2025, which provides for the establishment of the National Digital Commission, Pakistan Digital Authority and Pakistan Stack. These institutions are intended to strengthen digital governance, improve coordination among government departments and facilitate the delivery of public services through technology.

Artificial intelligence has also emerged as a priority within the government’s digital agenda. In July 2025, the federal cabinet approved Pakistan’s first National Artificial Intelligence Policy, providing a framework for the development and adoption of AI technologies. Pakistan also assumed the chairmanship of the Digital Cooperation Organization Council for 2026, marking the first time the country has led the 16-member international organisation.

Growing international confidence in Pakistan’s technology sector has further strengthened the country’s digital ambitions. Google completed its registration in Pakistan and opened its first office in the country in August 2026. The company also launched a Chromebook assembly line with an annual production capacity of between 500,000 and 600,000 units, reflecting increasing interest in local technology manufacturing.

Investment commitments have provided another boost to the sector. The first Digital Foreign Direct Investment Forum, held in Islamabad in April 2025, secured commitments worth approximately $700 million. Meanwhile, international technology companies Huawei and ZTE pledged to train 300,000 and 100,000 young Pakistanis, respectively, in digital and technology-related skills.

Recognising that digital transformation requires a skilled workforce, the government has also expanded initiatives aimed at providing young people with opportunities in the digital economy. The DigiSkills programme has recorded more than 4.5 million enrolments in free digital skills training courses, including over 800,000 women. The initiative is designed to equip participants with practical skills that can help them access employment and freelance opportunities in domestic and international markets.

Progress has also been reported in improving women’s access to digital services. According to the ministry, data from the GSMA shows that Pakistan’s mobile internet gender gap has declined significantly from 38 per cent to eight per cent, indicating improved digital inclusion and greater access to connectivity among women.

Pakistan has also made progress in international assessments of its digital capabilities. The country improved its position by 27 places in the International Telecommunication Union’s ICT Development Index 2026, entered the top Tier 1 category of the ITU Global Cybersecurity Index and achieved the “High” tier in the United Nations E-Government Development Index for the first time.

These developments reflect the growing importance of technology in Pakistan’s economic and institutional transformation, as the country seeks to expand its digital infrastructure, attract foreign investment, develop a skilled workforce and strengthen its position in the global technology market.

The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication congratulated Khawaja on receiving the international award, describing the recognition as an endorsement of confidence in Pakistan’s digital progress and its ambition to emerge as a major technology hub.

Beyond the individual honour, the award highlights the increasing international attention being given to Pakistan’s digital ambitions. With rising IT exports, expanding 5G infrastructure, growing foreign investment and wider access to digital skills, the country is seeking to establish technology as a key driver of economic growth and future development.