In a recent development, Dr. Saif Umar, the Caretaker Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, emphasized the pivotal role played by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in ensuring economic stability and facilitating timely decisions in the public interest.
The minister, in a video statement on Saturday, underscored SIFC’s effectiveness as a platform for driving digital transformation and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) in Pakistan.
Dr. Umar highlighted the SIFC forum’s impact on decision-making in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), stating that crucial decisions benefiting the masses are being made through this platform. He expressed confidence that these initiatives would significantly contribute to the rapid development and stability of Pakistan’s economy.
Emphasizing the inclusive nature of the SIFC forum, the minister noted the participation of all stakeholders, including military and political leadership. He stated that this inclusive approach facilitates smooth decision-making processes. Dr. Umar remarked,
“With the presence of the SIFC, the upcoming government will also be able to make timely decisions for the country’s development and public interests.”
Providing a concrete example of SIFC’s impact, the minister revealed that the long-pending case involving hundreds of MHz of spectrum with Sun TV since 2014 was successfully addressed through the SIFC forum. Legal requirements were met, leading to the Sindh High Court’s daily hearings and the recent verdict in favor of government custody. Dr. Umar stated, “This is good news for the people as the spectrum, valued at multi-million dollars in the current market, is now in government possession.”
Moreover, Dr. Umar highlighted SIFC’s instrumental role in formulating Pakistan’s first space policy, which has received approval from relevant forums. Negotiations with Starlink, a key player in satellite internet, are in the final stages, bringing the prospect of widespread satellite internet availability to the public in the near future.
The minister affirmed that the SIFC serves as a catalyst for swift and effective decision-making, steering the nation towards economic prosperity and public welfare.
