Islamabad :- Speaking at the Empowering a Digital Pakistan conference organized by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) and Center of Pakistan and International Relations (COPAIR), Ahsan Iqbal Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, said that the government was committed to bringing a digital transformation in Pakistan while working with all the stakeholders, underlining that there was no path to prosperity except collaboration and working together. He also noted that there was a huge potential in the country, especially the youth has the power to take Pakistan forward through digitalization; however, that would only be possible through connecting the young generation to the fastest-growing transformative technologies.
Minister for Planning said peace, political stability, continuity of policies and commitment to reforms are crucial to take the country forward on the path of economic development.
Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan is standing at a defining moment and cannot afford to lag behind in embracing the latest technology. He said we have to introduce technology in every sector to compete with the world. He called for collaboration and collective efforts to take the country in the right direction.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, President of IRS, underscored the importance of aligning policies and institutions with modern technologies so to speed up the digital transformation process in the country. He pointed out that there was a digital divide, with some sectors of the economy and society benefiting from digital transformation adequately while others lagged behind. He stressed the need for expanding upon e-governance and digitalization of all public services on the one hand and promoting digital awareness and adoption of best practices on the other. Pakistan could now only catch up with other high-growth economies through digital transformation at a fast pace.
Ms. Amna Munawwar Awan, President of COPAIR, articulated that emerging technologies possess the potential to revolutionize industries, enhance decision-making processes, and engender new economic opportunities.
To address these challenges and fully leverage emerging technologies, we must focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain Technology, Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), Quantum Computing, Cyber security, Digital Media Literacy, Infrastrucutre Development and Education and Training. Let us unite in our efforts to digitally empower every individual and transform Pakistan into a beacon of innovation and progress.
Ms. Aisha Humera Chaudhry, Additional Secretary of IT and Telecom Ministry, briefed the participants about the Ministry of IT and Telecom’s efforts in advancing information technology infrastructure in the country. She also touched upon endeavors for promoting digital transformation through collaborations with domestic and foreign companies.
Dr. Baber Majid Bhatti, CEO of NITB, emphasized the importance of adopting digital technologies to achieve holistic socio-economic development. He also stressed upon the need to address the overlapping phenomena of digital initiatives and projects in the country as they were not contributing effectively to the development of digitalization.
Dr. Haider Abbas, Director General of the National CERT shared that as per global and national cybersecurity indexes, Pakistan ranked as one of the most vulnerable countries in terms of cybersecurity. He mentioned that the Pakistan Cyber Emergency Response Team had implemented various initiatives to protect Pakistan’s digital borders and was working closely with all major stakeholders to enhance digital security resilience.
Khurram Rahat, Vice Chairman of P@SHA, recommended the establishment of a strong framework for digital transformation and cybersecurity. He also emphasized the need for strict enforcement of legal frameworks and an open data policy to promote data monetization and enhanced public access.
Mr. Amer Shahzad, Director General, Wireless, PTA, highlighted the strategic framework adopted by PTA to drive digitalization forward. He emphasized upon the authority’s commitment to infrastructure development, fostering cross-sectional collaboration, ensuring timely adoption of 5G technologies, extending rural connectivity, implementing subsidy programs, and fostering robust public and private partnerships.
At the concluding session, Ms. Gulmina Bilal Ahmed, Chairperson of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), in her remarks emphasized the organization’s collaborations with industry, global organizations, and government agencies to customize its programs to meet market needs. She added that NAVTTC was offering state-of-the-art Information Technology courses to hundreds of thousands of IT students through its extensive network of training centers across the country, utilizing digital tools and platforms.
The seminar held at Serena attracted a wide variety of audiences including foreign envoys and diplomats, CEOs of IT companies, heads of think tanks, former ambassadors, academia, intelligentsia, and opinion makers.
