Senate of Pakistan’s Digitization To Further Enhance Transparency, Efficiency: Shaza Fatima
ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Sep, 2026)
Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Tuesday welcomed the launch of the Senate Mobile App, stating that digital transformation would make the institution more efficient, transparent, and responsive.
Addressing the launching ceremony of the Senate Mobile Application, she explained that the government’s digital transformation agenda encompasses three key areas: digital economy, digital society, and digital governance.
She noted that under digital governance, the digital transformation of all government and public-sector institutions is a core priority. Shaza Fatima highlighted the passage of the Digital Nation Pakistan Act by the Senate and National Assembly last year, leading to the formation of the Pakistan Digital Authority.
She emphasized that digital transformation is no longer confined to the IT sector but has become a cross-sectoral element, impacting daily life, health, education, finance, and national security with rapidly emerging systems like EdTech, GovTech, and FinTech.
The minister argued that the Senate’s participation in the digital transformation process and bringing governance to technology will not only enhance efficiency but also promote transparency and efficacy, empowering senators.
She stressed that this initiative is more than just launching a mobile application; it represents a broader process of digitalization.
Recalling the parliamentary system in 2013, she noted that Parliament operated entirely on paper when she joined it. Subsequent reforms were implemented in the National Assembly. She recounted how the process for submitting questions previously involved a rushed and opaque system, with members visiting a small room on the last Friday of a session. This was later automated through ballots, emails, and timestamps, allowing participants to submit questions from anywhere globally and access their agendas.
She expressed hope that efficiency would continue to improve alongside enhanced transparency.
Shaza Fatima noted that approximately 68% of parliaments worldwide have digital transformation strategies, and Pakistan is moving swiftly in this direction. The government aims to develop a complete legislative stack by digitizing parliamentary data, including legislation, laws, committees, and press releases. She also mentioned collaboration with the Supreme Court to digitize its decisions.
This system will empower parliamentarians to access relevant information at their convenience.