ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Information Technology has succeeded in obtaining a full development budget as per its overall demand.

Minister of State for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja, while talking to senior journalists, said that no cuts have been made in the ministry’s development budget and the government has maintained a clear focus on the development of the IT sector.

She said that the IT sector is at the top of the priorities of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Finance and the Planning Division, due to which the IT budget has been maintained despite the reduction in the budget of other ministries.

According to Shaza Fatima, the demand of Rs 22 billion for the Ministry of IT is expected to be approved in full, while the total development budget including long-term projects reaches Rs 76 billion.

She said that special funds have been allocated in the development budget for artificial intelligence (AI) training, support for start-ups and promotion of digital skills.

Work is also underway to improve internet and connectivity in rural areas through USF funds, while improving connectivity in Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan has been declared essential.

The Minister of State said that digital connectivity is being promoted for climate change and early warning systems, so that timely information can be provided.

He added that various steps are also underway to strengthen Pakistan’s brand image globally, while the AI ​​policy is being implemented rapidly.

According to Shaza Fatima, 900,000 people have been provided digital skills training this year, while baseline testing of university students has also been completed.

He said that rapid progress is being made on the vision of Digital Pakistan and connecting the youth with modern technology is the government’s top priority.