40,000 used computers being imported in 6 months
KARACHI- The Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Dr. Atta-ur-Rehman, has said that about 40,000 used computers, costing $ 2 million, for distribution to educational institutions, would arrive in Pakistan within the next six months.
After inaugurating an Information Technology (IT) seminar on “Human resource development aspects of IT industry”, he said that these computers would come in batches. The seminar was organized by the Karachi Institute of Information Technology (KIT).
The minister said the government had reached an agreement with an American company for importing used computers a few months back.
About the cost of computers, the minister said that each computer would cost $ 50. The imported computers, he said, would include 48.6 and Pentium-1, and added that Pentium-2 and Pentium-3 would not be imported due to high cost.
Dr Atta said that these computers would be distributed by the provincial governments to government and private institutions, which would play a vital role in promoting the use of information technology. The federal government has already issued instructions to the provincial governments to take care of the distribution of these computers.
In reply to another question, the minister stated that the government was also negotiating with a Chinese computer manufacturer to manufacture computers in Pakistan. He said the manufacturing of computers locally would cost about Rs 30, 000 per unit.
To yet another question, he said that he was not satisfied with the progress being made in the field of information technology, but expressed hope that with government’s concerted efforts, coupled with the active participation of private sector thing would certainly improve.
About the spread of Internet in the country, Atta said that the government has decided to set up about 200 outlets at PSO’s petrol pumps where Internet would be available. Besides, at 70 places, the facility would also be available at post offices to promote the use of information technology.
Earlier, inaugurating the seminar, the minister said that the government anticipated Rs 13 billion investment in the IT sector in 12 months. He said the government was taking appropriate measures for spreading information technology. It was also making efforts to provide tele-housing facility to the people.
The government was also initiating IT facility development programme for students. In this regard, he said, the private IT institutes could participate in this programme where the government would share 50 percent salary of the teachers who would impart training to the desiring students.
Earlier, Hamza Matin, president of Pakistan Software Houses Association (Pasha) briefed the participants about the software exports position in the country. He also pointed that the local financial institutions are not co-operating with the software exporters in extending loans to them. He said that software exporters should utilize the services of foreign banks for getting loans for the promoting software business.
Earlier, the chairman of Karachi Institute of Information Technology, Syed Mazhar Ali, in his welcoming address spoke of the activities of the institute providing quality education to the students.
He told the participants that on a modest scale an IT park has started emerging around Karachi Institute of Information Technology as Bryj Technology a US-based company has set up its software house within the premises of the institute.
Source: Business Recorder
Date:2/11/2001