Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoIT&T) has initiated a significant rightsizing exercise based on the recommendations of the rightsizing committee, which is aimed at optimizing resources and improving operational efficiency within the sector.
According to an official document, MoIT&T has abolished 17 positions, while an additional 7 positions have been categorized as “dying cadres.” These positions will not be filled when the current incumbents retire in 2026, leading to annual savings of around Rs. 25 million. Along with this, the officer-to-staff ratio within the ministry has been adjusted from 1.25 to 1.20, marking a key step in streamlining operations.
National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) is undergoing a major restructuring process, which aims to reduce its organizational structure by 50 percent. This effort is currently under implementation, with the matter being referred to the Pakistan Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (P3A) for further consultation and decisions.
A consultant has been hired to finalize the rightsizing plan for NTC. This restructuring is seen as a crucial step to ensure that NTC remains competitive and responsive in the rapidly evolving telecom sector.
Ignite, the National Technology Fund, will continue its operations but will undergo a third-party review to assess its effectiveness and future role in Pakistan’s technology ecosystem. The results of the review will help determine whether any changes are needed in the fund’s operations.
PSEB is also part of this reform process, with a performance review set to be conducted. The review will evaluate PSEB’s operations and examine the overlap between its functions and those of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP). The findings of this review are expected to be presented to the Prime Minister within the next three months.
A key focus of the MoIT&T’s efforts is the Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA), which is set to introduce a finalized draft bill to the National Assembly. The bill, part of the efforts to promote Pakistan’s digital transformation, is expected to lead to the passage of the Digital Nation Pakistan Act 2024. Efforts are underway to expedite the legislative process in order to ensure the bill’s passage as soon as possible. In a significant institutional change, the Virtual University of Pakistan has been transferred to the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training.
This shift is designed to align the university’s functions with the educational and professional training goals of the Ministry of Education. Additionally, the National Information Technology Board (NITB) will be wound up, with its responsibilities being absorbed by other entities within the Ministry of IT & Telecom.
The procurement of IT equipment and software will now be handled by the respective procuring agencies individually, rather than through a centralized process. This change is expected to streamline procurement procedures and improve efficiency in managing technology needs. These rightsizing and restructuring initiatives reflect the government’s broader strategy to enhance efficiency, reduce redundancies, and optimize the functioning of its institutions, all while positioning the country’s IT and telecom sectors for sustainable growth.
Through these reforms, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication aims to improve governance, increase operational efficiency, and better respond to the evolving challenges of the digital age.
