ISLAMABAD:
Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Syed Aminul Haque, launched Pakistan’s National ICT Development White Paper on Tuesday. The objective of this initiative is to identify gaps, gather suggestions on modern ICT requirements, and incorporate global best practices. In light of the world’s transition into the digital economy and society, the Covid-19 pandemic underscored the importance of digital readiness in crisis management and future resilience. A comprehensive review report on the policies and projects of the Ministry of IT and its allied organizations was prepared by a global IT consultant firm. The draft of the National ICT White Paper has been made available on the Ministry’s website for public feedback. Pakistan has witnessed significant achievements in the ICT sector in recent years, thanks to the effective policies implemented by the Ministry of IT & Telecom.
The Minister emphasized that ensuring the availability of high-quality ICT services is crucial for improving the quality of life and economic well-being of the country’s citizens. Over the past two years, the Ministry has introduced various legislative and policy measures to promote Pakistan’s ICT industry, including the ‘Cloud First Policy’ and the National Cyber Security Policy 2021, among others. The Ministry is also working on the “Digital Pakistan Policy 2022,” considering emerging technologies and other policy initiatives such as the Digital Pakistan Policy 2018, National Broadband Policy 2021, and National Freelancing Facilitation Policy.
The ‘Cloud First Policy’ enables the public sector to deliver services faster, more efficiently, and with transparency and increased interagency collaboration. It also serves as a common platform for all public sector departments to manage and maintain data. Additionally, the recently approved National Cyber Security Policy 2021 aims to counter the malicious use of information in cyberspace, which poses significant financial and security threats to Pakistan.
The Minister further confirmed that the Personal Data Protection Bill is in its final stages of approval, which will ensure the protection of online data, information, and the privacy of Pakistani citizens. The Ministry is currently working on drafting the ‘National Data Governance Policy,’ which will enhance data maintenance and quality through various attributes related to data governance. Efforts are also underway to formulate a policy governing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Blockchain.
To provide greater visibility and transparency in spectrum management policies, investment, and network planning, a three-year rolling spectrum strategy has been launched. Furthermore, the Right of Way (ROW) policy for the telecom sector aims to address the challenges faced by telecommunication companies and internet service providers in the installation, maintenance, and expansion of their infrastructure across the country.
In alignment with spectrum management, infrastructure development, telecom regulation review, and 5G applications, a strategic plan and roadmap for 5G technology in Pakistan are also being formulated. The ICT whitepaper encompasses both the IT and telecom sectors and has been developed by comparing it with global trends and best practices.
