PM Emphasizes Digital Transformation and Gender Digital Divide in Pakistan
Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, has prioritized the country’s digitization efforts and addressing the gender digital divide, according to Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Youth Affairs Shaza Fatima Khawaja. Her remarks came during the launch of the Country Digital Ecosystem Diagnostic Report, outlining the government’s ambitious vision for a transformative digital future, a collaborative effort between the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director of SDPI, emphasized that digitization is crucial for improving governance. He pointed out that 80% of transactions in the last fiscal year were conducted online, totaling Rs 840 million. Suleri stressed the importance of strategic infrastructure and digital governance to enhance public service delivery, noting that without a proper diagnostic approach, Pakistan cannot effectively participate in the fourth industrial revolution.
Khawaja announced that the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication would focus on implementing most of the recommendations from the latest report. She highlighted that IT sector exports surged to a record $3.2 billion this year, marking the highest ever. The Prime Minister envisions reaching $25 billion in IT exports, with efforts in place to achieve this ambitious target.
Khawaja emphasized that there is no alternative path for the country’s growth and development, noting that it is an opportune moment for Pakistan to seize this challenge and explore further opportunities.
Dr. Jordanka Tomkova, an IT and Digitisation expert, highlighted a four-pillar approach to embracing digitization: digital infrastructure, government, society, and economy. She emphasized the importance of digital infrastructure as a key indicator of economic growth in Pakistan.