I extend my warm greetings to the Ministry of Information Technology on the occasion of the ITU World Telecommunication day.
It was only a few months back that I led a delegation to the World Summit on Information Society and, in my address there, I stressed upon the importance of bridging the digital divide so that fruits of ICTs could be evenly distributed between various strata of population.
I also highlighted the multidimensional features of the digital divide, which separates people within and amongst countries by virtue of their access to ICT's.
I assure all concerned that the development of ICTs is a key priority in Pakistan and our government has demonstrated its commitment to this sector by allocating significant resources for its accelerated development in view of its importance for economic and social development.
We are indeed very pleased that the declaration of principles and action plan agreed at the WSIS duly recognised the criticality of the digital divide phenomenon and also the role that ICTs can play in long-term development of nations.
I wish to stress upon various stakeholders the need for taking timely measures for extending Universal Access of ICTs, and take this opportunity to assure my full support to the Minister for Information
Technology for the policy initiatives he is undertaking for increasing the diffusion of ICTs. They are sure to promote awareness of ICTs and act as a driver for economic and social development of the country.