IT minister discusses AI, fibre collaboration

Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, held back-to-back meetings with top Chinese tech firms during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai to advance Pakistan's digital agenda.

In a meeting with PeaceCable International Network, led by CEO Sun Xiaohua and Sales Director Zhuang Wei, talks focused on enhancing digital connectivity through submarine and terrestrial fibre-optic infrastructure. PeaceCable shared details of its $24 billion portfolio in submarine cables, fibre, and power solutions.

Khawaja briefed the delegation on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's vision for a "Digital Pakistan," highlighting the National Fiberisation Policy. Key targets include connecting 10 million homes to fibre broadband in three years and increasing fiberised mobile towers from 14% to 60%. She encouraged PeaceCable to invest in FTTH rollout, the ODN market, and terrestrial fibre, assuring full support from the Ministry of IT and Telecom (MOITT).

In a separate meeting, Khawaja met with a Chinese delegation led by Cheng Dong of the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese. Other members included Liu Yuangui of Shenlan Technology, Prof Zhao Shanting, and Dr He Bin from the Zhangjiang High-tech City Medical Innovation Research Institute.

The meeting focused on AI skill development, digital governance, and tech innovation in smart cities and medical research.

Discussions included launching an AI skills exchange programme for Pakistani youth, digital solutions with Pakistan's National IT Board, and joint ventures in health tech, edtech, and fintech.

Chinese delegates also proposed showcasing smart maintenance machinery and AI-powered tools in Pakistan.