The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication is inducting a Digital Expert FDI to lead efforts in attracting foreign direct investment into Pakistan’s telecom and emerging technology sectors. The newly created position, Digital Expert FDI (SPPS-II), will be responsible for developing investment opportunities, removing regulatory and policy bottlenecks, and positioning Pakistan as a competitive destination for international digital investment. The move aims to help the country leverage its large domestic market and growing digital ecosystem to draw investment in telecom infrastructure, emerging technologies and digital services, while also boosting technology exports.
The expert will prepare export-led investment proposals, project documents and investment pitchbooks for the telecom sector, identifying opportunities aligned with national priorities, sustainability requirements and global and regional best practices. The role also includes reviewing investment proposals and developing guidelines and standard operating procedures to facilitate investors. A significant component of the assignment involves contributing to taxation and budget proposals related to the digital economy and telecom sector, with the expert coordinating with the Federal Board of Revenue, Board of Investment, Special Investment Facilitation Council and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority to help reduce investment barriers.
The position also carries a substantial international engagement mandate, representing MoITT at forums including CPEC, ECO, the Digital Cooperation Organization, CAREC, the World Bank, ADB, SCO and the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation, while helping negotiate bilateral memoranda of understanding with foreign governments and international organisations on digital economy and IT and telecom cooperation. Beyond conventional telecom policy, the expert will also formulate and coordinate policies on emerging technologies including over-the-top services, the Internet of Things, smartphones, fintech, digital financial services and smart city initiatives, reflecting the broad scope the role is expected to cover across Pakistan’s evolving digital landscape.
A performance target has been set requiring at least one documented policy or regulatory improvement each year that reduces investment barriers, with the role also covering parliamentary and ministerial support, including responses to Senate and National Assembly questions, committee briefs and briefing notes. Candidates must hold a master’s degree in electrical engineering, computer sciences, electronics, telecommunications, information technology or business management, along with at least eight years of relevant experience including exposure to international engagements and government or regulatory affairs. The appointment will initially run for two years on a contract basis, extendable by another two years subject to performance under the federal government’s SPPS Policy, 2024, with recruitment involving scrutiny by an in-house committee headed by the Additional Secretary, MoITT, followed by review by the Special Selection Board.
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