The Tech Advisory Forum (TAF) and Allied Bank Limited (ABL), in collaboration with Ignite, National Technology Fund and Pakistan Single Window (PSW), have hosted the inaugural TAF ABL Public Sector Digital Transformation Awards 2026, bringing together government officials, technology innovators, development partners, academics and industry representatives to recognise achievements in public sector innovation and digital transformation. The ceremony highlighted individuals, organisations and project teams whose initiatives are contributing to Pakistan’s digital transformation through technology adoption, innovation and citizen focused service delivery. The event also highlighted the expanding role of digital solutions in improving governance, increasing inclusion and strengthening public services across the country.
The ceremony was attended by Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Ms Shaza Fatima Khawaja as Chief Guest, who presented awards to the recognised individuals and organisations. The gathering also included development partners, digital sector experts, policymakers and industry leaders, along with public and private sector digital officials from Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Program member countries. Awards were presented across a wide range of areas reflecting different aspects of public sector digital development, including AI Innovation, Project Implementation, Public Private Collaboration, EdTech Innovation, Digital Skills, Climate Technology, Data Innovation, Interoperability, Citizen Experience, Health Technology, FinTech, Regional Connectivity and Adaptive Leadership. The awards provided a platform to recognise projects and leadership efforts focused on using technology to address public sector requirements and improve services for citizens.
Among the recognised initiatives, Federal Board of Revenue received an award for Revenue Reform transformation as well as CAREC Regional Connectivity Innovation, while Ministry of Education was recognised for the Connected Classrooms System. Pakistan Single Window received the Data Innovation of the Year Award for its digital platform, which has automated cross border trade processes through integrated and data driven services. NADRA was recognised for its Pakistan E Visa System, Pak ID Citizen Experience and e Sahulat projects. The ceremony also recognised the Electronic Government Procurement e GP e Pak Acquisition & Disposal System, known as EPADS, of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority. The Adaptive Leadership of the Year Award was presented to Syed Aftab Haider, CEO of PSW, in recognition of his role in leading innovation and implementation of the single window platform. Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education received an award for its Departure from Pencil to Pixel project, while other recognised initiatives demonstrated developments across education technology, climate resilience, healthcare, digital trade, financial inclusion and citizen focused digital services.
The event also featured a presentation of Pakistan’s AI Readiness Report, prepared with support from the Asian Development Bank following extensive consultations with public and private sector stakeholders. The report provided insights into Pakistan’s preparedness to adopt and use artificial intelligence to support inclusive economic growth and modernization across the public sector. Federal Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja was recognised as Digital Visionary of the Year for her leadership in advancing the Digital Nation Pakistan initiative and AI Policy, which are contributing to the country’s digital transformation agenda. Aizid Razzaq Gill, Chief Executive Officer of Allied Bank Limited, received the Digital Transformation Patron of the Year Award. Speaking at the ceremony, Shaza Fatima Khawaja said digital transformation is no longer solely a technology agenda but has become a national development imperative that can improve government efficiency, enhance service delivery, support economic growth and expand opportunities for citizens.
The inaugural TAF ABL Public Sector Digital Transformation Awards 2026 concluded with a renewed commitment from TAF and its partners to continue supporting innovation and collaboration among stakeholders involved in Pakistan’s digital development. The initiative brought recognition to public sector projects and leaders working across technology, governance, education, healthcare, financial services, trade and connectivity. By bringing government representatives, industry stakeholders, academics, development partners and technology professionals together, the event provided a platform for showcasing initiatives aimed at building more connected and digitally enabled public services. The awards also reinforced the importance of continued collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders in supporting digital transformation and initiatives intended to contribute to a more inclusive and digitally empowered Pakistan.
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