The Prime Minister Taskforce on Information Technology and Telecom on Thursday decided to declare IT and Telecom sector as industry and to adopt legal process in this regard soon. Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui chaired the first meeting of Prime Minister Taskforce on IT and Telecom here on Thursday.
The members of the taskforce discussed different issues and challenges confronted by IT and telecom sector in the country. The meeting formulated with consensus three sub-task forces on IT, Telecom and Human Resource Development. These sub-task forces were directed to submit their recommendations in six weeks time period.
Secretary Ministry of IT Maroof Afzal was also present in the meeting. Dr. Atta-ur-Rehman attended the meeting as co-chairman of the PM Taskforce on IT and Telecom. The federal minister said that it is the topmost priority of the government to digitalize Pakistan. Penetration of fiberization, broadband, mobile phones and smart phones will be enhanced across the country.
He said that the present government is committed for promotion of information technology in the country. We have to take Pakistan towards development and prosperity through information technology.
Member IT Ministry of IT gave detailed presentation regarding the objectives and mandate of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication. The Prime Minister's Taskforce on IT & Telecom, having representation from public and private sector experts, has been notified with the objective to effectively tune up digital and telecom policies through effective sector growth, export focus and employment generation will be achieved through various focus groups of the task force.
E-Government and Structural Reforms are a part of Digital Transformation Drive which is one of the priority areas for the government for bringing in efficiency, transparency and effectiveness in Government related transactions. As per the road map central procurement of e-office infrastructure across ministries and divisions will provide economies of scale in procurement, cost savings and timely execution and adoption across government of Pakistan automated mechanism for receiving feedback and complaints from expatriate Pakistanis to help in positively engaging diaspora and improve image of government.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Atta-ur-Rehman emphasized upon making our IT industry comply with international standard. He said that innovation and entrepreneurship must be promoted in the IT sector.
The taskforce was also briefed about different programs launched by Ministry of IT including Digiskills, ICT for Girls through Technology, National ICT Scholarship program etc. The meeting was told that five national incubation centers have been established in different cities under Rollingout National Network of Incubators project.