Senator Anusha Rahman briefed the US Consul General on various digital initiatives launched during different tenures of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz
LAHORE: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-Jan 21st, 2026) Senior Advisor to the Chief Minister Punjab, Senator Anusha Rahman, held a meeting with United States Consul General Mr. Stetson Sanders, who called on her along with his delegation.
The delegation included Head of Political and Economic Affairs Mr. William Campbell, Political and Economic Affairs Specialist Ms. Sadaf Saad, Senior Commercial Specialist Mr. Hassan Raza, and Economist Ms. Amina Anis. CEO CBD Mr. Imran Amin and Secretary IT & IT Department Punjab Mr. Zaheer Hassan were also present during the meeting.
During the meeting, Senator Anusha Rahman briefed the US Consul General on various digital initiatives launched during different tenures of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) showcasing a continuous commitment of PMLN towards adapting technology for improving governance and creating employment opportunities.
These digital initiatives include programs such as ICT for Girls, National Incubation Centers, Digital Skills program, availability and roll out of 3g and 4g spectrum, and historic projects aimed at extending internet connectivity to remote areas of Pakistan connecting the unconnected through affordable internet. She highlighted that these efforts have positioned Pakistan as an emerging player in the global digital landscape.
Discussing the progress of the Nawaz Sharif IT City project under the vision of Chief Minister Punjab Ms. Maryam Nawaz Sharif for Digital Punjab Senator Anusha Rahman stated that the Chief Minister Punjab is fully committed to creating dignified employment opportunities for youth through the use of advanced technologies. In line with this vision, the Punjab IT Department has been established to strengthen the digital economy and use of digital technologies for governance and public sector delivery.
She further explained that the IT Department is working on to enact legislation focusing on the provision of high-speed internet, including satellite technology, and creating pathways for youth to become part of the global workforce through digital connectivity.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the youth of Punjab are making a significant progress in the field of information technology.
Senator Anusha Rahman noted that the promises made to the public in the manifesto of Pakistan Muslim League (N), led by Maryam Nawaz Sharif jn Punjab are now yielding tangible results, as Pakistan ranks among the top three countries globally in freelancing, with a significant contribution from Punjab. To further enhance IT education and skills, incubation centers and Centers of Excellence are being established across the province.
She also emphasized that the Government of Punjab is actively welcoming international investment in the technology sector and providing maximum facilitation to investors. As a result, companies operating in Nawaz Sharif IT City Lahore are being offered a ten-year income tax exemption along with customs duty relief. She expressed the desire for Nawaz Sharif IT City Lahore and Silicon Valley, California, to be granted sister city status.
US Consul General Mr. Stetson Sanders appreciated the Government of Punjab’s initiatives in the field of modern technology and expressed keen interest in various digital projects, particularly Nawaz Sharif IT City. He stated that the IT and technology-driven public welfare initiatives in Punjab are highly commendable and welcomed the proposal to deepen the Punjab-California Sister State agreement and Lahore-Chicago Sister City relationship
He further remarked that Pakistani youth possess immense talent and expressed optimism that the ongoing technological initiatives of the Punjab Government will yield positive and far-reaching results.
