Minister Shaza announces formation of National Digital Commission

ISLAMABAD: Information Technology and Telecommunications Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja has announced the formation of a National Digital Commission(NDC) to pave the way for Digital Pakistan.    

Addressing National Broadband Forum in Islamabad on Monday, the minister said that legislation in this regard will be introduced in the National Assembly in the evening of the day.                 

The commission will be headed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and will include all provincial chief ministers and representatives from major regulatory authorities including NADRA and PTA, Shaza Fatima noted.                

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She announced that Pakistan Digital Authority will be formed later to ensure a comprehensive national framework and a master plan for digitalization to cover three main areas of economy, governance and society.              

Moreover, she said 5G and 4G spectrum auctions will be made in April next year to improve internet services in the country, too. The availability of these spectrums and investment in telecom infrastructure will enhance internet speed, which is a big problem for freelancers and IT professionals in the country, the minister added.

According to Radio Pakistan, Shaza expressed a hope, saying that these initiatives will unlock the true potential of the country in an era where technology touches every aspect of life.

Likewise, Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani also addressed the forum. He called for creating favourable environment for public-private partnerships to drive the digital agenda and ensure an effective deployment of the advanced technology.

Chairman Senate expressed that the demand for connectivity is increasing and so does happen to population of the country. Therefore, “It is our responsibility to bridge the digital divide and ensure that all Pakistanis have high quality broadband services,” he emphasised.                               

Additionally, he urged all stakeholders to join hands to ensure that every school gets high speed internet, every individual can participate in digital economy and businesses can thrive in villages.

Gillani also noted that the Broadband Forum will serve as a platform to foster collaboration and evolve a conducive strategy.