Islamabad, Dec 16: Pakistan is making strides towards a digital future with the introduction of the “Digital Nation Pakistan” legislation in the National Assembly, announced Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of State for IT and Telecom, on Monday.
Speaking at an event in Islamabad, the minister stated that the bill would be presented at 5 PM in the National Assembly. “We are hoping that within the next few days, it will be passed into law, enabling the formation of the National Digital Commission,” she said.
High-Level Oversight for Digital Transformation
The initiative will be overseen by the National Digital Commission, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with representation from all four provincial Chief Ministers and key regulatory bodies, including the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
The commission will steer the creation of the Pakistan Digital Authority, tasked with establishing a comprehensive national digitization framework. The authority will develop a master plan focusing on three critical areas:
- Economy: Driving digital innovation and economic growth.
- Governance: Enhancing efficiency and transparency in public services.
- Society: Building a unified digital identity for citizens.
A cornerstone of the initiative is the introduction of a unified digital identity for every citizen, a step Minister Khawaja described as essential for unlocking Pakistan’s digital potential.
“We are optimistic that this framework will lead to significant improvements in the health of the technology sector within the next year,” the minister added.
The Digital Nation Pakistan legislation aims to accelerate technological advancements, streamline governance, and foster economic growth, positioning Pakistan as a competitive player in the global digital economy. With bipartisan support anticipated, the initiative could mark a pivotal moment in the country’s technological evolution.
