Netxpress Oct Edition 2001
Rs. 2.6 billion programme for promoting electronic governance in the country is expected to be approved by the federal cabinet in its next meeting. This was stated by Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman, Federal Minister for Science & Technology at a gathering where Pakistan’s first Multi-node Video Conference facility was launched by Karachi Institute of Information Technology.
Under the e-governance program, the government would spend Rs. One billion while the private sector participation would be Rs. 1.6 billion. The program is aimed at tremendously improving the performance of government departments. He said that it is time to set our priorities as the world is changing very fast
mainly due to mind-boggling developments in the information technology sector. To develop IT base in the country and to increase the number of IT experts, the government would be offering a number of incentives which also include scholarships for those undertaking PH.D in information technology and computer sciences. He also announced reduction and uniformity in the fees of ISPs to US$ 6,000 which at one was at the level of US$ 80,000. Further reduction in this fee is expected.
He pointed out that government is making all out efforts to utilize its last remaining chance of launching of space satellite by April 2003. Last year internet facility was available in 38 cities whereas now 520 cities have internet facilities which is a big achievement by PTCL. PTCL has also increased its bandwidth capacity to 265 megabytes this year from 32 megabytes last year.
Earlier Senator (Retd.) Mazhar Ali, while speaking on the occasion said, “To compete in the global economy, we have to ensure that our students get the best possible I.T education. The introduction of International Multi-node Video Conference facility is yet another step in this direction. I strongly believe that speedy promotion of IT can solve majority of our problems, i.e. breaking out of the debt trap, enhanced revenue generation, creation of jobs, good governance, promotion of exports, better decision making, better law and order, efficient trade & industry and the ability to compete in the global market.”
During the video conference call, panels of IT experts sitting in New York, New Jersey, London, Houston and University of Huddersfield held discussion with KIIT panel and the two federal ministers Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman and Interior Minister Moin-uddin-Haider.
