Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom has passed the much anticipated IT Policy of Pakistan. MOITT has introduced the policy in regards to Digital Pakistan Policy 2017.
To release the final policy, MOITT worked on its every aspect for many years consulting stakeholders from each segment of the industry.
The following four comprehensive points reflect the main focus of the IT policy. These points will help to improve the international rankings in administration, enterprise, learning capital, demand and supply, and ICT aptitudes.
Digitization of Sectors
Collaboration of cross-sector
Sustainability of IT sector
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
MOIT stated that this policy will act as the base pillar in the development of a universal Digital Ecosystem in the country. It will utilize innovative ideas and mechanisms for the rapid transfer of new generation digital services, features and substance.
Salient features of the Pakistan IT Industry
According to the Digital Pakistan Policy, given below are the key points of Pakistan’s IT Industry:
Strengths
In 2015, Pakistan acquired 4th place for freelancers in the world
During the past three years Pakistan witnessed 70% growth in IT Exports
IT exports in Pakistan remained at $2.4 billion in 2016
In 2016, revenues through freelancing remained at $100 million
Domestic market revenues accounted for $500 million in 2016
In the 200 million population of Pakistan, 60% people are between 15-29 years old
The country consists of over 300,000 English-speaking IT professionals
14 Software Technology Parks exist in Pakistan that cover an area of 1 million square feet
Limitations
Accessibility of consistent and quality internet for everybody
Space concerning industry and educational institutions
Judicial system’s feeble application for Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) security, rights of consumers and negotiation process
The industry’s lack of awareness of the maximum prospective of ICTs as an empowering influence of ecological improvement
Deficiency of technology Parks across the country specifically in major metropolitan cities
ICT sector’s lack of R&D
Low ranking of Pakistan’s ICT sector on world indices
Issues of brand name and perception
Goals of IT policy
Universal Digital System
Standardization
Promote the use of ICT in education
Youth and Women empowerment
Promote Innovation in IT Sector
Increase software exports, IT remittances & Domestic Market
ICT standing of Pakistan
Reduction in Digital Divide
Promoting E-Governance
Increase foreign and domestic investment
Establishment of IT Zones
Promotion of Entrepreneurship
No Citizen (even persons with disabilities) to be left behind
Promotion of E-commerce
In order to meet the goals and overcome the barriers, policy strictly defines areas for regulation. Moreover, it also suggests the necessity for improvement of systems, varying from HR development to research and revolution in IT.
This policy provides a direction particularly for IT sector to help cross the barriers along with developing the sector for everyone’s benefit.
Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications (MOITT) along with related ministries and departments are developing an ‘Action Plan’ to update results of the IT policy.
MOITT will serve as an enabler and provider of necessary supervision where needed. Other related ministries and sectors will serve as leaders for the execution of strategies related to their field.
MOITT also highlighted the sectors and federal ministries that will ensure the achievement of goals stated in the policy.
Source: https://pakwired.com/digital-pakistan-policy-2017-moit-gives-a-go-ahead-to-it-policy/