Startup Fund to help youth turn ideas into reality: Shaza Fatima

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja has said that the government’s newly launched Startup Fund will enable young entrepreneurs to turn their innovative ideas into practical ventures, helping create jobs and drive digital transformation across Pakistan.

She said the main goal of the fund is to attract foreign investment into Pakistan’s growing technology sector, adding that the initiative will support the country’s startup ecosystem and strengthen investor confidence. “Through this fund, young people will have a platform to bring their ideas to life and contribute to the national economy,” she stated.

Shaza Fatima noted that Pakistan’s IT sector is witnessing steady growth, supported by the government’s policies to promote innovation, technology exports, and skill development. She said the country’s economic indicators are showing positive trends, while Pakistan is also achieving success on the diplomatic front, reflecting an overall improvement in confidence and stability.

Referring to the government’s broader digital vision, the minister reaffirmed the commitment to using technology to improve citizens’ lives and make governance more efficient and transparent.

Speaking earlier at an event titled “Future in Focus: AI and Innovation,” held on October 27 in collaboration with Meta, she said that technology must be placed at the centre of all development efforts to enhance how people live, work, and engage with the government.

“At the heart of every technological development is the citizen. Our goal is to make the life of every Pakistani easier — economically, socially, and administratively,” she said, adding that the government had already digitised 98 percent of its internal systems under the E-Office initiative to ensure greater transparency and efficiency.

Shaza Fatima also appreciated Meta’s regional leadership for supporting the government’s vision, as outlined by the Prime Minister, to transform Pakistan into a “Digital Nation.”