Key goals of this initiative is to establish a unified digital identity for every Pakistani citizen, she said.
Pakistan takes major step towards digital future with “Digital Nation Pakistan” legislation. Pakistan is moving closer to its digital future with the passage of the “Digital Nation Pakistan” legislation, announced Minister of State for IT and Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, on Monday. Speaking at a ceremony in Islamabad, the minister revealed that the legislation would be presented to the National Assembly (NA) at 5 pm, with expectations of its swift passage in the coming days.
The initiative, aimed at transforming Pakistan into a digital nation, will be overseen by a high-level commission chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The commission will also include the four provincial chief ministers and heads of key regulatory bodies, such as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), and other institutions holding crucial data.
The formation of the National Digital Commission will mark the first step in the country’s digital journey, leading to the creation of the Pakistan Digital Authority. This authority will be tasked with developing a robust national framework for digitalization and a master plan to drive the digital transformation of the nation. The framework will focus on three primary areas: economy, governance, and society.
Minister Khawaja emphasized that one of the key goals of this initiative is to establish a unified digital identity for every Pakistani citizen. “This will unlock the true potential of our country, empowering our citizens and boosting the nation’s overall growth,” she said.
The minister also expressed optimism about the expected developments in the technology sector over the next year, which she believes will significantly improve the country’s digital landscape. With the passage of the Digital Nation Pakistan legislation, the government hopes to lay the foundation for a future where Pakistan can fully harness the power of technology and digitalization for the benefit of its economy and society.
This ambitious initiative aligns with Pakistan’s broader vision to integrate modern technology into every facet of life, positioning the country as a key player in the global digital economy.