Digitalization: Government To Set Up Commission

Staff Report

The government has decided to establish a commission to digitize the national economy under the Digital National Framework. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif will chair the commission.

This announcement was made by Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima, during an event organized by Huawei Technologies at its headquarters in Islamabad to commemorate World Telecom Day.

Fatima emphasized that the government has resolved to enact legislation for national digitization in response to the paradigm shift towards automation, aiming to enhance transparency and infrastructure development.

Khawaja added that the mobile manufacturing and exports policy is in its final stages to bolster the country’s exports. Currently, mobile phone exports stand at around 0.2 million, which is insufficient and requires a significant increase, according to the minister.Women playing Pivotal Role in shaping Digital Future: Shaza Fatima

She reiterated the government’s commitment to digital transformation, asserting that every citizen has the right to access quality internet and broadband facilities. Efforts are underway to provide telecom services in both urban and rural areas, she added.

Under the National Fiberization Policy, efforts will be made to ensure internet access for every household. Additionally, Fatima mentioned the implementation of the Smartphone for All Policy, aiming to provide smartphones to every individual.

The government is also undertaking initiatives to boost the ICT sector, with eighty-five projects worth Rs. 80 billion being awarded to expand internet access in underserved areas through the Universal Service Fund (USF). Fatima emphasized the government’s aim to bridge the digital divide between rural and urban areas.

She pledged to take steps to maximize mobile phone exports under the Mobile Manufacturing and Export Policy, expressing gratitude to the telecom industry for its investments in the country. Fatima highlighted the industry’s significant role as a taxpayer and its contribution to the country’s economic development. The government remains focused on uplifting the IT and Telecom industry.

The delegation from the Ministry included Chief Coordinator Baber Sheikh, Coordinator Sania Zaidi, and representatives from Huawei Management: Zhangzhen – CEO Carrier Network Business Group, Ray Yushaoning – Vice CEO Public Affairs, Shahzad Rasheed – CEO Cloud, Saad Talha Saeed – Director Government Affairs, and Ahmed Aziz – Director Public Relations.

World Telecom Day is dedicated to raising awareness about the role of telecommunications in societal development. Fatima emphasized that World Telecom Day 2024 celebrates the power of digital innovation in advancing sustainable development and prosperity for all.

She applauded Huawei’s dedication to building a fully connected, intelligent world and expressed the Government of Pakistan’s commitment to supporting Huawei in accelerating digitalization progress and building a robust ICT talent ecosystem.

Fatima highlighted Pakistan’s immense potential in the ICT space and underscored the importance of communication and connectivity in an increasingly digital world.

Zhangzhen mentioned Huawei’s initiatives in Pakistan, including the Smart Village Project and the National Hyper-Scale Financial Cloud, aimed at bridging development disparities and enhancing economic growth while focusing on sustainability and green solutions.

Ray Yushaoning reiterated Huawei’s commitment to contributing to Digital Pakistan through AI and Cloud services, Digital Infrastructure, Smart City Solutions, and Cybersecurity, expressing gratitude for the trust placed in Huawei’s services.