Pakistan has showcased its growing digital economy and technology sector at LEAP 2026, with Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja highlighting the country’s digital transformation and formally inaugurating the Tech Destination Pakistan Pavilion in Riyadh.

Addressing the conference, the minister delivered a keynote titled “How We Built a Digital Nation”, outlining the policy, institutional and infrastructure measures underpinning Pakistan’s digital transformation.

Khawaja said Pakistan had anchored its digital transformation in legislation through the Digital Nation Pakistan Act, which established the National Digital Commission and Pakistan Digital Authority to provide institutional ownership.

She said the legal framework had been complemented by investments in connectivity and competitiveness, including a major spectrum auction, the creation of special technology zones and reduced taxation for the IT industry.

The minister said Pakistan was now working towards developing a national digital stack, supported by a young workforce, expanding digital infrastructure and greater political and economic stability.

She stressed that governments could drive digital transformation by developing sound policies and strong institutions while creating an environment in which the private sector could lead growth and innovation.

According to the minister, a central digital agency, clear performance indicators and measurable key performance indicators (KPIs) are essential to ensuring that large-scale digital transformation remains focused and effective.

Earlier, Khawaja inaugurated the Tech Destination Pakistan Pavilion, which features 25 startups and 50 leading Pakistani technology companies showcasing solutions in artificial intelligence, automation and other digital technologies.

Pakistan’s participation at LEAP 2026 is aimed at facilitating business-to-business partnerships, attracting international investment and expanding global market access for the country’s technology companies.

The minister also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Saudi Arabia, particularly in digital innovation, capacity-building and emerging technologies, saying greater cooperation could create new avenues for shared economic growth.