Pakistani Women Steer a New Course in Tech and Innovation
Rania Imran
Islamabad: In classrooms across Pakistan, a quiet revolution is unfolding. Young women, once steered toward conventional career paths, are now boldly entering domains long considered male-dominated Artificial Intelligence (AI), Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and Data Analytics.
These fields, once seen as bastions of male ambition, are increasingly being shaped by the curiosity, grit, and determination of Pakistan’s next generation of women tech leaders.
A significant uptick in female participation in science and technology programs underscores this shift. Data from the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) reveals a 40% increase in female enrollment in Computer Science between 2018 and 2023. These numbers are not just statistics—they represent a societal transformation that is redefining the country’s digital future.
Challenging Stereotypes, One Algorithm at a Time
“I wanted to prove them wrong,” says Bakhtawar Malik, a Software Engineering graduate from Mirpur University of Science and Technology. Her journey into tech was as much about passion as it was about challenging deep-rooted stereotypes. “People didn’t take me seriously, and that only fueled my determination.”
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Samra Batool, a Data Analytics student at COMSATS University, echoed similar sentiments. “It was about challenging expectations—breaking out of the box society had drawn around us,” she shared.
At the same university, Alishba Haider, studying Artificial Intelligence, sees a cultural shift supporting this new wave. “Previously, girls were nudged toward traditional programs. But now, with better job prospects and more family support, the tech field has become a serious option for many young women,” she explains.
Alishba also credits the emergence of female role models, new protective laws, and greater visibility for women in tech for helping boost confidence among aspiring students.
A Growing Ecosystem of Support
The changing tide isn’t just visible in academia. Pakistan’s National Incubation Centers (NICs)—technology hubs supporting startups—have played a critical role in promoting inclusivity.
Today, 30% of startups incubated at NICs are women-led, thanks in part to a policy that mandates at least 25% of startup founders be female. These initiatives are helping close the gender gap in the entrepreneurial space and fostering a new generation of tech-savvy businesswomen.
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Supportive male allies are also part of the picture. Uzzam Arif, a Cybersecurity student at FAST University, believes in the power of early exposure. “We need to introduce tech concepts at the school level and highlight successful women in tech,” he says. “Mentorship programs and women-focused networks can really amplify this change.”
Institutions at the Forefront
Educators agree that academic institutions play a pivotal role in this transformation.
“AI and related fields are vast,” says Mr. Kamran Qureshi, a professor at Askaria College Rawalpindi. “Whether it’s creativity, logic, or analysis—there’s something for everyone. We must ensure students, especially women, don’t let stereotypes or self-doubt stand in their way.”
Miss Asma Ahmed, faculty at the Islamic Asian College of Commerce, believes universities must go beyond traditional coursework. “We need interdisciplinary programs, real-world research opportunities, and strong industry linkages to attract more women into these fields,” she said in response to an APP query.
Learning from the World
Around the globe, targeted efforts to bridge gender gaps in STEM are yielding transformative results. In the United States, women now constitute nearly 45% of the science and engineering workforce at the bachelor’s level, according to the National Science Foundation (2023).
Scandinavian nations like Sweden and Norway have introduced robust policies promoting gender equality, resulting in over 35% female enrollment in STEM university programs. Closer to home, India has seen a 28% increase in female tech education participation, driven by scholarship programs and mentorship schemes.
These global successes offer valuable lessons for Pakistan—a country with enormous talent waiting to be unlocked through the right policies and platforms.
The Road Ahead
The rise in female enrollment in AI, computer science, and related disciplines in Pakistan is more than just a positive trend—it’s a powerful statement of progress. These young women aren’t just learning to code or build algorithms; they’re rewriting the narrative of what women can and will achieve in the digital age.
With continued support from academic institutions, targeted policy frameworks, mentorship opportunities, and shifting societal attitudes, Pakistan stands poised to harness the full potential of its female tech talent. As more women step into leadership roles in AI and innovation, the country’s digital future is not just bright—it’s inclusive.
The feature report was released by APP on May 25, 2025.
The article is the writer’s opinion, it may or may not adhere to the organization’s editorial policy.
