The Government of Pakistan, through the Ministry of IT & Telecom (MoITT) and Ignite – National Technology Fund, in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has unveiled the Pakistan Digital Sector Roadmap. The initiative marks a major milestone in achieving the Prime Minister’s vision for a Digital Pakistan. The launch also coincided with the announcement of winners of the AI Wrapper Competition 2025, showcasing practical outcomes of the National AI Policy 2025.
The two-day event began with the National Workshop on AI Use Case Development. Experts from government, academia, and the private sector collaborated to design AI solutions for national priorities, including health, education, agriculture, finance, and governance. The outcomes of this workshop will support the creation of the National AI Innovation Hub (NAIIH), envisioned as a national ecosystem for applied AI research, entrepreneurship, and digital capacity building.
Federal Minister for IT and Telecom, Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, said: “The Digital Sector Roadmap is a strategic step for a connected, competitive, and future-ready Pakistan. It aligns with the vision for a Digital Nation where technology drives inclusive growth, transparency, and innovation.”
The roadmap sets a 10-year vision to achieve a digitally empowered, connected, and inclusive Pakistan by 2035. It focuses on four pillars: Digital Infrastructure, Digital Economy, Digital Governance, and Digital Society. These pillars align with Uraan Pakistan 2024–2029 and the Digital Nation Pakistan Act 2025.
The AI Wrapper Competition 2025 highlighted Pakistan’s growing AI talent. Over 1,700 teams from 106 cities participated, with 33% female representation. Competitors addressed EdTech, HealthTech, Climate/AgriTech, GovTech, and FinTech challenges. Winners were awarded PKR 8.7 million for developing AI-based solutions to national problems.
Minister Khawaja congratulated the winners, stating the competition reflects the spirit of the National AI Policy 2025. Ignite CEO Rafique A. Buriro added that initiatives like the AI Wrapper Competition and NAIIH will turn policy into actionable solutions.
Dr. Antonio García Zaballos of ADB highlighted that the roadmap provides a clear pathway for inclusive, innovation-driven growth. Pakistan’s Digital Sector initiatives aim to strengthen digital infrastructure, encourage entrepreneurship, and establish a knowledge-based economy.
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This roadmap positions Pakistan as a leader in digital transformation while fostering sustainable AI-driven innovation and technological growth across the country.
