During a meeting held on Tuesday with Pakistani freelancers and influencers, IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication, asserted that freelancers and influencers are important stakeholders in promoting the digital economy of Pakistan. Shaza praised freelancers for keeping Pakistan in the spotlight globally as a hub of talent, innovation, and creativity.
The meeting also had IT Secretary Zarar Hashim Khan the President of the Pakistan Freelancers Association, Tufail Ahmed Khan, and Chairman Ibrahim Amin joining through a video link. One of the major promises made by Shaza Fatima was to resolve the grievances that freelancers faced through the government’s support in developing the IT and telecommunication industry. She emphasized making digitization compulsory for all youth, freelancers, students, and professionals so that they can capture opportunities in both local and international markets.
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Some of the initiatives highlighted by the minister include the DigiSkills program which was meant to ensure the employability of young people through modern digital skills. She spoke of efforts that were being made to address connectivity challenges across the country through the National Fiberization Plan in the quest to improve telecommunications services.
“The government is much interested in advocating digitalization in Pakistan and at the same time stressing the responsible use of the internet,” she said. “IT exports have increased as would reflect the entire potential of this sector.” Improved connectivity and better telecom services would be critical components of this vision. A Q & A session was conducted welcoming freelancers to share their opinions and problems.