Islamabad (Web Desk): The government has introduced a new bill in the National Assembly aimed at transforming Pakistan into a digital nation, emphasizing the development of a digital society, economy, and governance.
The proposed legislation, known as the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, 2024, outlines the creation of several key institutions to steer this transformation, including the National Digital Commission (NDC), the Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA), and a Strategic Oversight Committee (SOC).
At the heart of the initiative is the establishment of the National Digital Commission, which will be responsible for setting the strategic vision and policy framework for Pakistan’s digital shift.
The NDC will be led by the Prime Minister and include the country’s provincial chief ministers, along with the IT Minister, ensuring that all levels of government are represented in the decision-making process.
Its core role will be to formulate policies that promote digital governance, economic growth, and societal development, and to ensure coordination across federal and provincial governments.
The Pakistan Digital Authority will be the body charged with executing the policies developed by the NDC.
It will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth implementation of Pakistan's digital transformation by managing resources, establishing contracts, and overseeing infrastructure projects.
The authority will also be tasked with designing the National Digital Masterplan, a comprehensive strategy to guide the country’s digital development.
This plan will focus on aligning various digital initiatives, improving public services, and fostering economic growth.
The PDA will also be empowered to establish a Digital Nation Fund to finance its activities, with funds managed under specific guidelines laid out by the Public Finance Management Act.
In parallel, the Strategic Oversight Committee will be set up to monitor the progress of the PDA, ensuring that its activities remain in line with the strategic goals of the NDC.
This independent body will be responsible for assessing the effectiveness of the digital initiatives and providing recommendations for adjustments where necessary.
One of the major objectives of the bill is to create a secure and efficient system for managing data, addressing issues of privacy and security while facilitating the development of public infrastructure.
The bill stresses the need for a robust digital framework that can support innovation, improve public services, and streamline government operations. Furthermore, the proposal aims to position Pakistan as a forward-looking nation that aligns with global digital standards and practices.
By focusing on digital inclusion, the bill seeks to ensure that technological advancements benefit all segments of Pakistani society, creating a more accessible and equitable environment.
The government envisions that through this sweeping digital transformation, Pakistan will experience improved governance, more effective public service delivery, and accelerated economic growth.
Govt claims that this ambitious initiative reflects Pakistan’s commitment to leveraging digital technologies to foster innovation, enhance transparency, and achieve sustainable development.