In the digital economy and society, information and communication technologies (ICTs) are no longer mere tools to enable particular aspects of development, but the platform that mediates development.
Pakistan’s technology sector and Internet usage are booming. Banking, advertising, social interactions, consumer markets and shopping are all rapidly evolving in Pakistan’s new digital landscape. With 200 million people and counting, digital technologies hold great promises for the country, requiring dialogues and actions to empower a digital economy and society.
Internet Society is organizing the Pakistan Digital Forum 2017, bringing together government and industry leaders for a wide-ranging dialogue on the growth, current developments and future outlook of digital spaces in Pakistan.
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In a collaborative effort between Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, Higher Education Commission and Internet Society – Pakistan, this first of its kind event will be held in the capital city on the 19th of July.
The Forum features 5 thematic sessions including:
- Digital Transformation and Pakistani Society
- Smart Cities, Internet of Things (IoTs) and Big Data in Pakistan
- Digital Payments for a Digital Economy
- Digital Technologies and Sustainable Development Goals
- Building a Digital Pakistan
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Speaking to IDG Pakistan, Naveed Haq, Regional Development Manager, Asia-Pacific for Internet Society, said:
“Digital technologies are enabling businesses to operate more efficiently, getting access to new consumers and markets. Digital transformation has reached the tipping point in Pakistan, offering opportunities as well as testing challenges that need to be addressed. Pakistan Digital Forum is anticipated to host fruitful dialogue between local stakeholders, on crucial elements of digital transformation, and how to promote development of a digital economy in Pakistan; building an inclusive digital future for its citizens”.
Keynote address will be delivered by Chairman PTA, Dr. Syed Ismail Shah and Dr. Arshad Ali, Executive Director at HEC, whereas the closing note will be delivered by Mr. Rajnesh Singh, Regional Bureau Director for Asia Pacific, Internet Society. Industry thought leaders including Parvez Iftikhar, Syed Raza Ali, Aamir Matin, Aamir Ibrahim, Yusuf Hussain, Wahaj us Siraj, Adnan Shahid, Dr. Shahbaz Khan, Naseer Akhtar, Durdana Achakzai, Zulfiqar Ali, Nadeem A. Malik, and others will be joining in as speakers for the event.
More details on the program agenda and event are available on the event website. This full day event will be held at the Marriott Hotel, Islamabad where the discussions are to be convened in a bi-lingual (English and Urdu) format.
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Organized by Internet Society Asia-Pacific Bureau, and hosted by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, Pakistan Digital Forum is supported by the Ministry of Information Technology and the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. IDG Pakistan is the official Technology Media Partner for the event.
Image Source: Internet Society
