At Alibaba Group's headquarters, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif outlined Pakistan's ambitious shift toward complete digitalisation, with a sharp focus on innovation, technology, and governance designed for the future. He highlighted a strategic appetite for closer cooperation with China in intelligence and digital platforms as a cornerstone for mutual progress, economic growth, and a digitally empowered future. The speech sketched a roadmap to enhance e-governance, digital infrastructure, and a conducive environment for startups and investment, signaling a long-term partnership with China to accelerate Pakistan's digital economy. While the optimism is compelling, the plan raises important questions about data sovereignty, regulatory alignment, capacity building, and ensuring that digital benefits reach all regions and social groups. From a personal vantage, the initiative is timely and potentially transformative, but its success hinges on robust privacy protections, transparent governance, independent oversight, and diversified partnerships that avoid overdependence on a single tech corridor. A holistic approach—investing in local talent, open competition, and inclusive digital education—will determine whether Pakistan’s digital uplift translates into broad-based prosperity or remains concentrated among urban centers.

Source: Statement from @PakTVGlobal

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Published: May 24, 2026, 6:59 am