Freedom Gate Prosperity brought together senior representatives from government institutions, media, academia, civil society, development organisations and the technology sector for the Pakistan Digital Democracy Dialogue 2026 in Islamabad on 5 August 2026.
Organised by Freedom Gate Prosperity in collaboration with Accountability Lab and DDI South Asia, the Dialogue was held under the theme, “Digital Pakistan for All: Trust, Rights and Responsible Innovation.”
The gathering provided a platform for national experts to examine how Pakistan can build a trusted, inclusive and democratic digital ecosystem. Discussions focused on information integrity, digital civic space, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital governance, GovTech and inclusive digital transformation.
Participants called for coordinated national action to promote responsible innovation, protect fundamental rights, strengthen public trust and ensure that emerging technologies serve citizens and the wider public interest.
Strengthening Information Integrity and Democratic Resilience
Chairing the first session, Mr Murtaza Solangi, Spokesperson to the President of Pakistan, highlighted the growing importance of information integrity in the digital era.
He observed that digital platforms have significantly expanded access to information, but have also contributed to the spread of misinformation, polarisation and declining public trust. He stressed that democratic resilience requires credible institutions, responsible media, informed citizens and continuous engagement among all stakeholders.
Brigadier Dr Muhammad Mukarram Khan, Director General of the Cyber Vigilance Division at the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, described digital trust and cybersecurity as fundamental pillars of national resilience.
He emphasised the need to strengthen Pakistan’s institutional preparedness to address cyber threats, online fraud, identity theft and emerging digital risks. He said technological progress must remain secure, citizen-centred and respectful of fundamental rights.
Ms Farhat Javed Rabani, Correspondent with BBC Eye Investigations, highlighted the vital role of ethical journalism and fact-based reporting in preserving public trust. She said stronger investigative journalism and enhanced media literacy are essential for countering misinformation and promoting a well-informed digital society.
Leading the event discourse, Ms Urooj Raza Sayyami, Board Member of Freedom Gate Prosperity, observed that digital transformation should ultimately strengthen democratic participation, public trust and citizen empowerment.
Raza Ali Shah, Chief Executive Officer of the Peace and Justice Network, emphasised that digital inclusion should be accompanied by efforts to promote social cohesion, civic engagement and responsible online behaviour. He said technology should serve as a bridge for dialogue, understanding and peaceful coexistence.
Representing Accountability Lab, Ali Imran reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to democratic values, accountable governance and citizen participation through technology and innovation. He emphasised that sustainable digital transformation must be supported by transparency, inclusion and collaborative partnerships that empower citizens and strengthen democratic institutions.
Advancing Responsible Artificial Intelligence
Professor Dr Yasar Ayaz, Chairman of the National Centre of Artificial Intelligence, highlighted the enormous opportunities that artificial intelligence offers for governance, education, healthcare and economic productivity.
He underlined the need for Pakistan to invest in indigenous AI research, ethical governance frameworks and skilled human resources. He said these investments are essential to ensure that technological advancement remains inclusive, transparent and beneficial to society.
The experts agreed that the development and use of artificial intelligence should be guided by clear ethical principles, public accountability and strong safeguards for citizens’ rights. They also stressed the importance of ensuring that innovation responds to Pakistan’s social and economic priorities.
Making Digital Transformation Inclusive
The second session, titled “Inclusive Digital Transformation, AI and GovTech,” explored how Pakistan can accelerate responsible digital innovation while ensuring equitable access to technology and public services.
Dr Saad S. Khan, Additional Secretary, Revenue Division, Ministry of Finance, chaired and moderated the session. He emphasised that digital transformation must be supported by institutional coordination, regulatory coherence and citizen-centred governance.
He noted that the effective use of emerging technologies requires sustained collaboration among government, academia, industry and civil society. Such cooperation is necessary to deliver public services that are efficient, transparent and inclusive.
Sharjeel Murtaza, Chief Digital Officer at Karandaaz Pakistan, highlighted the transformative role of digital public infrastructure in improving service delivery and expanding financial inclusion. He said digital innovation should simplify citizens’ interactions with public institutions while creating greater access to economic opportunities for underserved communities.
Ms Sidra Jalil, Founder of InspireMill and President of OPEN Islamabad, emphasised that Pakistan’s digital future depends on empowering entrepreneurs, innovators and women leaders. She called for stronger support for startups, digital skills development and innovation ecosystems that enable young people to participate meaningfully in the country’s digital economy.
Ali Asghar, Chairman of the National Commission for Human Development, described digital literacy as a cornerstone of inclusive national development. He stressed that technology can only become an effective instrument for progress when citizens have the knowledge and skills to use it safely, responsibly and productively.
The session also featured interventions from experts working in digital innovation, entrepreneurship and public policy. They underscored the importance of ethical AI, citizen-centred digital services, stronger institutional coordination and sustained investment in digital skills and innovation ecosystems.
Creating Space for Constructive Policy Dialogue
Welcoming the participants, Muhammad Anwar, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Freedom Gate Prosperity, said FGP remains committed to promoting constructive dialogue on Pakistan’s critical policy and development challenges.
He said the organisation brings together stakeholders from government, academia, media, civil society and the private sector to exchange knowledge, build understanding and explore practical solutions.
He emphasised that Pakistan must protect citizens’ freedoms and rights while fostering a culture of responsible digital citizenship, ethical innovation and shared accountability.
The Dialogue reflected FGP’s broader commitment to civic empowerment, responsible innovation and inclusive policy engagement. It also created an opportunity for representatives of diverse institutions to identify areas of common interest and consider possibilities for future cooperation.
A Shared Roadmap for Pakistan’s Digital Future
Concluding the Dialogue, Shafqat Aziz, Strategic Policy Advisor at Freedom Gate Prosperity, presented the key recommendations emerging from the discussions.
Key Recommendations
Emerging from the discussions at the Pakistan Digital Democracy Dialogue 2026.
- A multi-stakeholder national framework on information integrity.
- Accelerated and inclusive digital transformation.
- Responsible and ethical governance of artificial intelligence.
- Greater investment in digital literacy and cyber safety.
- Stronger protection of digital rights and personal data.
- Closer collaboration among government, academia, industry, media and civil society.
- Citizen-centred digital public services.
- Continued investment in digital skills, research and innovation.
- Institutionalised policy dialogue to guide Pakistan’s digital future.
The Pakistan Digital Democracy Dialogue 2026 concluded with a shared understanding that technological progress must be accompanied by public trust, inclusion, accountability and respect for fundamental rights.
Participants agreed that Pakistan’s digital transformation can deliver meaningful benefits only when institutions and citizens work together to ensure that innovation remains responsible, accessible and focused on the public interest.
