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ISLAMABAD, Aug 27 (APP):Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja Wednesday, said that artificial intelligence (AI) will not eliminate jobs but will significantly reshape the global employment landscape, stressing the need for youth to acquire skills in modern technologies.
Speaking at an event at Cadet College Hasan Abdal, she said that future employment opportunities will belong to those who can effectively use AI tools and technologies.
“The question is not whether AI will replace jobs, but whether our youth are prepared to adapt and lead with these emerging technologies,” she added.
Under the MoU, signed with the college, the young people with top talent will also be provided internship and training opportunities to help them smoothly transition into the professional field after completing their education, the minister added.
She said that as per the MoU, multiple certification programs will be launched in fields such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, coding, and content technology. Top-performing students will also be provided with internship opportunities across various departments to enhance their practical experience and career readiness.
The minister proposed the formation of a joint steering committee to monitor the implementation of MoUs and ensure regular follow-ups, either quarterly or annually.
She said the Ministry of IT aims to connect all schools and district units in the Islamabad region with fiber optic high-speed internet within the next six months to activate e-classrooms.
Shaza Fatima further emphasised the crucial role of teacher training in building generations of skilled students. “Teacher capacity-building and upskilling—whether in artificial intelligence, data literacy, or the use of modern learning tools—transform entire generations, not just individuals,” she said.
She also pointed out that skill development should now be measured by its relevance to future employment. “The question is not just how many students received training, but whether their skills will match the jobs and industries of the next 8–10 years,” she added, recalling how trends in computer science shifted within a decade, requiring flexibility and foresight.
Shaza Fatima said that youth and their skills form the foundation of Pakistan’s digital transformation, and MoUs in this sector will ensure long-term support in building a technology-driven future.
The minister said that technology and digitization are not limited to a specific sector but are transforming the lives of every citizen of Pakistan, particularly the country’s youth, who will lead the nation into the future.
She said that whether young people aspire to join the military, become doctors, lawyers, or engineers, they will inevitably engage with technology at every step of their journey.
Shaza Fatima said that the government remains committed to strengthening cybersecurity, expanding e-learning, and providing skill-based opportunities to prepare Pakistan’s youth for the future job market.
“We are moving from a digital age to an intelligent age driven by artificial intelligence. This is not only about coding or technological education; it is a revolution shaping every aspect of life—health tech, fintech, education, and beyond,” she added.
She said that Pakistan is moving towards a system where citizens’ essential information—including property, health, and education records—will be stored in digital form to improve efficiency and access.
She said that when a person buys a property, its digital record will automatically be maintained, ensuring transparency and reducing disputes.
Similarly, health data will also be linked with the national ID system so that whenever a patient visits any hospital in Pakistan, their medical history will be accessible through their identity card.
The minister said that currently, many patients are unaware of their medical background or medications, which complicates treatment. With digital integration, hospitals will only access the data relevant to healthcare, not property or criminal records, ensuring both privacy and effective service.
On skill development, the minister said that providing modern training to youth is a national priority. Last year, around 100,000 students were offered opportunities under the Digital Skills Program, and this year, the target has been expanded to one million.
She added that Pakistan, with over 60 per cent of its population under the age of 30, has the potential to channelise its youth through digital training platforms, making them globally competitive.
She mentioned that several countries have also expressed interest in collaborating with Pakistan to enhance skills training, particularly in emerging technologies, to empower the younger generation.
She said that Pakistan’s digital transformation is being advanced through two major verticals—supporting the IT industry for global outreach and digitizing governance to improve transparency and efficiency.
The minister explained that under the first vertical, the government is helping the IT industry by facilitating exports, enabling participation in global markets, and arranging meetings with major international companies and governments so that Pakistani firms can showcase their products, secure deals, and scale up operations.
The second vertical, she said, focuses on Pakistan’s economy, digital society, and governance. Highlighting digital governance reforms, she said the federal government, through the National IT Board, has introduced an e-office system across ministries.
This allows the Prime Minister and ministers to track files at every stage—viewing which officer is handling a file, how much time is being taken, and whether there are any delays.
“This system has addressed the long-standing issue of files being stalled in government offices,” she said, adding that Pakistan’s ranking in the UN E-Government Development Index improved by 14 points last year.
The minister further said that a digital identity system for every citizen is being launched soon. Through the Pak ID mobile application, citizens can digitally access their national identity cards and apply for them without repeated visits to government offices.
Over time, health records, educational qualifications, and property registrations will also be digitally linked to a citizen’s ID, eliminating the need for multiple verifications, photocopies, attestations, and stamps currently required for basic procedures.
“This will greatly ease the burden on citizens, cut bureaucratic hurdles, and allow seamless access to public services, from job applications to property registration,” she said.
Highlighting the legacy of Cadet College Hasan Abdal since its establishment, Shaza Fatima Khawaja said the institution has produced countless soldiers, politicians, doctors, lawyers, and professionals who have served and safeguarded Pakistan with dedication and sacrifice.
“This institution has a deep personal connection with my family and has contributed significantly to Pakistan’s progress,” she added.