AI to reshape jobs, not replace them: IT minister

Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said Wednesday that artificial intelligence (AI) will not eliminate jobs but reshape the global employment landscape. She stressed the need for youth to acquire skills in modern technologies.

Speaking at Cadet College Hasan Abdal, she said future opportunities will belong to those who can use AI tools. "The question is not whether AI will replace jobs, but whether our youth are ready to adapt and lead with these technologies," she added.

Under an MoU with the college, top students will get internships and training to ease their professional transition. Certification programmes will also be launched in cybersecurity, AI, coding, and content technology. She proposed a joint steering committee to monitor MoU implementation.

The ministry aims to connect all schools and district units in Islamabad with fibre internet within six months to activate e-classrooms. She stressed teacher training in AI, data literacy, and modern tools to build skilled generations.

Skill development, she said, should be judged by future job relevance, not just numbers. Pakistan's youth, over 60% of the population, form the foundation of digital transformation. She noted that last year 100,000 students were trained under the Digital Skills Programme, and the target this year is one million.

The government remains committed to cybersecurity, e-learning, and skill-based opportunities. "We are moving from a digital age to an intelligent age driven by AI. This is a revolution shaping health tech, fintech, education, and beyond," she said.

She added that Pakistan is moving to digital records for property, health, and education. Property purchases will automatically be recorded to ensure transparency, while health data will link to national IDs for better treatment. Privacy will be maintained, with hospitals accessing only relevant medical data.

She highlighted two verticals of digital transformation: supporting IT exports and digitising governance. Through the National IT Board, an e-office system now lets ministers track files at each stage, addressing delays. Pakistan's UN E-Government Development Index ranking improved by 14 points last year.

A digital identity system is also being launched via the Pak ID app. Citizens will be able to digitally access their IDs, health, education, and property records, cutting bureaucratic hurdles.

Khawaja also praised Cadet College Hasan Abdal for producing soldiers, doctors, lawyers, and professionals who have served Pakistan with dedication.