Minister Shaza Fatima announces tech reforms, including digital IDs and STEM education through TikTok
Islamabad – 4 August 2025 (Adnan Hameed) : Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, has announced that the government is set to introduce 5G services in Pakistan in the near future. Ensuring uninterrupted and high-speed internet access across the country remains a top priority, she said, along with providing smartphones to all citizens on easy installments under the “Smartphone for All” policy.
Speaking at the launch ceremony of TikTok’s new feature “STEM Feed,” the minister highlighted the rapid growth of Pakistan’s IT sector and emphasized the need for the responsible and ethical use of technology. She stressed that technology has become an essential tool in all sectors, including education and employment, and even individuals can bring about transformation through its proper use.
Encouraging youth to both learn and teach digital skills, Shaza Fatima stated that the government aims to turn platforms like TikTok into learning hubs, particularly through initiatives like the STEM Feed. She praised the efforts of the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Prime Minister’s Youth Program, and TikTok for their collaboration in making digital education more accessible.
The minister also announced that Pakistan is preparing to auction 550 MHz spectrum, which will not only enhance 3G and 4G services but also pave the way for the launch of 5G. She recalled that 4G was first introduced during Nawaz Sharif’s tenure in 2014 and said the upcoming advancements will further modernize the country’s digital infrastructure.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the government is working to ensure that every citizen, regardless of background, has access to a smartphone. To date, 1.2 million laptops have been distributed, and another 100,000 will be provided this year to deserving students under the Prime Minister’s Youth Program.
She also underlined ongoing efforts to establish a comprehensive Digital Pakistan framework. This includes legislation to create digital identities for all citizens and the implementation of the Digital Pakistan Act, aimed at integrating governance, economy, and national data on a single platform.
Minister of State for Education and Vocational Training, Wajiha Qamar, also addressed the event, emphasizing the role of platforms like TikTok in promoting education alongside entertainment. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing youth with IT training and technological access, noting that by December 2025, all schools in the federal capital will be connected with fiber-optic infrastructure to ensure high-speed internet.
The event underscored a unified effort by the government to digitally empower the youth, enhance educational opportunities, and bridge the digital divide across Pakistan.
