Pakistan, U.S. move to deepen cooperation in digital transformation

December 09, 2025 (MLN):  Pakistan, USA discussed expanding cooperation in digital transformation as both sides explored new avenues to deepen collaboration in digital literacy, skills development, youth capacity building, and technology-led economic growth.

A delegation from the U.S. Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA)  Sherry Keneson-Hall, Shelly Seaver, Caitlin Meyers, Andrew Halus, Alexander Noppe, Katherine (Katie) Smith, and Umar Farooq called on Federal Minister for Information Technology & Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, said a press release issued.

The Minister briefed the delegation on Pakistan’s large-scale, future-oriented digital skills initiatives being rolled out through PSEB.

This including advanced training programs in 5G technologies, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, data analytics, full-stack development, and global certification pathways in Web Engineering, Cloud Infrastructure, and Artificial Intelligence.

She highlighted Ignite’s nationwide digital upskilling efforts, especially the DigiSkills program, which has trained more than 4.87 million learners in freelancing, digital marketing, e-commerce, and emerging technologies such as AI, helping Pakistani youth access global online work opportunities on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork.

She also shared details of Ignite’s Code4AI initiative targeting the training of 7,500+ youth in AI, Blockchain, and Quantum Computing creating potential pipelines for U.S. companies to hire skilled remote talent from Pakistan.

The Minister further pointed to Ignite’s national cybersecurity hackathons and proposed joint ECA-led cross-border competitions, mentorship programs, and training exchanges.

Further emphasis was made on the role of the new Center of Excellence for Gaming & Animation (CEGA) in developing skills in animation, gaming, AR/VR, and digital content creation, with strong potential for U.S. Pakistan institutional partnerships.

Additionally, she noted that Ignite’s National Incubation Centers have so far supported over 2,100 startups, generating Rs33+ billion in revenue, securing Rs32+ billion in investment, and creating more than 185,000 jobs across the country.

The U.S. delegation outlined American educational and exchange initiatives including Fulbright, IVLP, PFP, YES, TechWomen, TechGirls, and English Access & Virtual Exchanges aimed at strengthening leadership, innovation, and academic ties.

Both sides agreed to expand university-to-university collaboration, including opportunities for U.S. professors to deliver advanced technology training in Pakistan, supporting long-term academic partnerships and digital growth.

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