Meta AI logo is seen in this illustration taken May 20, 2024. PHOTO:REUTERS
Jam Kamal Khan, Minister for Commerce, appreciated Meta’s collaboration in strengthening Pakistan’s digital economy. He stated that Pakistan is among South Asia’s fastest-growing digital economies, noting that over 75,000 IT graduates enter the market annually.
Kamal noted that exports of IT and IT-enabled services had risen by 18% to reach $3.8 billion, while in the first quarter of the current fiscal year alone, IT exports grew by 21% to $1.06 billion. He said the National E-Commerce Policy 2.0 is being finalised, targeting a $20 billion market by 2030.
The minister invited Meta to collaborate on AI ethics, digital safety, and e-commerce standards, noting that Pakistan has made significant progress in promoting artificial intelligence through the National AI Policy 2025 and the Digital Pakistan Act.
Read: Bilawal, Meta delegation discuss AI, youth safety
Kamal also invited Meta to partner in AI-skilling programmes for youth. Meta’s Rafael Frankel commended Pakistan’s digital progress and assured enhanced cooperation.
Meta expressed willingness to support digital training programmes for Pakistani entrepreneurs and SMEs, with both sides agreeing to promote innovation, online safety, and economic empowerment through technology.
On Tuesday, Bilawal Bhutto, PPP Chairperson, met with a delegation from Meta Platforms, led by Director of Public Policy for South and Central Asia Sarim Aziz. Sarim briefed him on the latest measures Meta had introduced for teen accounts on Instagram, stating that children’s accounts will now feature enhanced messaging restrictions, automatic language filtering and time limits.
