Pakistan's Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, has received the prestigious Industry Champion of the Year 2026 title at The Fast Mode Awards, becoming the only individual worldwide selected for this annual distinction.
The recognition was announced on November 3, 2026, following an awards programme that attracted nominations from more than 500 companies across over 60 countries, competing in 11 categories.
The honour recognises individuals contributing to technological advancement, digital connectivity and industry development.
The recognition comes amid significant growth in Pakistan's technology industry. According to the Ministry of IT, the country's IT and IT-enabled services exports reached a record $4.6 billion in FY2025–26, representing 21% growth compared with the previous fiscal year.
The sector also generated a trade surplus of $3.9 billion, while Pakistani freelancers recorded export earnings of $1.76 billion. The country's freelancer workforce has grown to more than 2.37 million.
These figures reflect the expanding role of technology services, independent digital professionals and international business opportunities in Pakistan's economy.
Pakistan has also recorded developments across telecommunications, digital education and international technology partnerships. In March 2026, the country conducted its largest-ever 5G spectrum auction, increasing its total allocated spectrum to approximately 750 MHz.
Meanwhile, the DigiSkills programme has provided free digital training to more than 4.5 million people, including over 800,000 women. Google also formally established its first office in Pakistan in August 2026 and launched a local Chromebook assembly initiative.
The country further improved its position by 27 places in the International Telecommunication Union's ICT Development Index 2026.
Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, has received the prestigious Industry Champion of the Year 2026 title at The Fast Mode Awards, becoming the only individual worldwide selected for this annual distinction.
Pakistan's Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, has received the prestigious Industry Champion of the Year 2026 title at The Fast Mode Awards, becoming the only individual worldwide selected for this annual distinction.
The recognition was announced on November 3, 2026, following an awards programme that attracted nominations from more than 500 companies across over 60 countries, competing in 11 categories.
The honour recognises individuals contributing to technological advancement, digital connectivity and industry development.
The recognition comes amid significant growth in Pakistan's technology industry. According to the Ministry of IT, the country's IT and IT-enabled services exports reached a record $4.6 billion in FY2025–26, representing 21% growth compared with the previous fiscal year.
The sector also generated a trade surplus of $3.9 billion, while Pakistani freelancers recorded export earnings of $1.76 billion. The country's freelancer workforce has grown to more than 2.37 million.
These figures reflect the expanding role of technology services, independent digital professionals and international business opportunities in Pakistan's economy.
Pakistan has also recorded developments across telecommunications, digital education and international technology partnerships. In March 2026, the country conducted its largest-ever 5G spectrum auction, increasing its total allocated spectrum to approximately 750 MHz.
Meanwhile, the DigiSkills programme has provided free digital training to more than 4.5 million people, including over 800,000 women. Google also formally established its first office in Pakistan in August 2026 and launched a local Chromebook assembly initiative.
The country further improved its position by 27 places in the International Telecommunication Union's ICT Development Index 2026.
