The IT sector has voiced concerns over the establishment of an advisory committee by the Ministry of IT and Telecom, raising questions about representation and consultation processes.
Representatives from the industry have criticized the formation of the committee, stating that it was initiated without engaging the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), a key representative body of the IT sector.
P@SHA has expressed reservations, noting that while the committee includes individuals of repute, it lacks representation from essential stakeholders within the industry.
The absence of voices from small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which are pivotal in driving innovation and economic growth, has been highlighted by industry leaders. They argue that the committee’s composition, predominantly comprising CEOs from large corporations, may not fully understand the challenges faced by SMEs.
Zohaib Khan, Chairman of P@SHA, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and industry stakeholders, expressing disappointment over the Ministry’s oversight in involving P@SHA in the committee formation process.
Khan underscored ongoing efforts between P@SHA and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) aimed at addressing industry challenges and boosting IT exports. He pointed out that P@SHA has engaged with IT ministers for years, with tangible results beginning to emerge and poised for further progress.
The Ministry recently established a 10-member advisory committee chaired by Minister of State for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawja. The committee’s mandate includes identifying growth opportunities, assessing challenges, and proposing strategies to enhance exports and attract investments over the next five years.
Furthermore, the committee is tasked with identifying capacity gaps in both public and private sectors and recommending measures to address them. Its mandate also extends to addressing other pertinent issues, demonstrating a commitment to fostering collaboration and addressing industry concerns.
