Digital Technology has already rationalized masses, government and private sectors in nearly all parts of the world. Sadly, Pakistan is still distant from the path of revolutionary digitalization. Although a little ray of hope is seen after the launching of the Digital Pakistan Campaign by Prime Minister Imran Khan in December 2019.
Digital Technology has penetrated almost every field of human activity from to renewal of ID cards to payment of utility bills. Furthermore, it is quickly making its way into education, healthcare, industries, markets and agriculture. The Digital Pakistan dream is much greater than we can imagine right now.
The scheme (Digital Pakistan) is a revolutionary step essential for the sustainable development of the country. Past governments took parallel initiatives for the betterment of the country but unsuccessful to fulfill their promises due to a lack of seriousness.
Digital Pakistan campaign
Prime Minister Imran Khan had launched the Digital Pakistan campaign on Dec 5, 2019, with the aim of transforming Pakistan into a digitally enabled, progressive and inclusive society
The program was based on the Ministry of IT and Telecom’s 2018 ‘Digital Pakistan Policy’ which acknowledged information technology as the main lever of economic development.
While Digital Pakistan was planned to be a long-term mission, a year after its launch there is a few facts that the government is following a time-bound plan to realize its purposes. Dissatisfying as this setback may be, it presents a precious chance for discovering its repercussions for a developing country.
However, several programs, including Roshan Digital Account, digital diplomacy and digital franchise with the vision of prime mister could turn Digital Pakistan’s Dreams into reality.
New e-passport services
Now, the government is planning to launch a new e-passport service from May this year. A microchip with all biometric information of a person would be embedded in each e-passport to help confirm the identity of the traveler.
Two pictures of the passport owner will be displayed on the main page of the new e-passport. The launch of the e-passport service will also assist the airport officials to complete the travel process within the shortest span of time.
The new e-passport can also accept additional information that may be needed in the future and can only be added by the Pakistani passport authorities and immigration. The introduction of e-passports that can neither be forged nor copied would be the most vital measure in this regard.
Digital policy is crucial to invest
For Pakistan to continue on this digital growth path, it is vital to spend on people and get ready them for the skillset our future requirements According to an estimate, more than 66 percent of new value created in the economy over the next decade will rely on digital podiums and business models like digital payments and e-commerce alone are predicted to add $45 billion over the next four years to the country’s GDP.
This is bound to lift the level of exports and generate new jobs for the youth of the country. Though, the youth requires to be prepared to squeeze the new and upcoming chance by being equipped with the skillset of the future.
With digital means of education taking off in popularity, this trend should carry on for our youth to keep exploring new paths to expand and develop their areas of expertise.
Key policy and regulatory framework
Pakistan’s digital journey is reliant on the main policy and regulatory framework resolutions taken today and will have a long-lasting impact.
Information and Communication Technology is the backbone of the international digital economy and with a strapping digital communication system that is accessible and reasonable to all, it will form a greater base to keep an uphill trajectory of the speed of development.
To accomplish that, it is imperative to incentivize digital adaption, make things easier for the business environment, which is a component of regulatory and strategy frameworks.
As we glance forward to the future, we must look at the past and reflect on it. What the country requirement is environmental and social sustainability to ensure growth. Making Pakistan friendly and improving competencies by leveraging contemporary technology is a milestone to be attained towards a wealthy Pakistan.
