The “National Data Governance Policy,” which will outline several aspects of data governance in order to enhance the upkeep and quality of data, is being developed by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom. This was said on Tuesday during the “Pakistan National ICT Development White Paper” launching ceremony by Federal Minister for IT, Syed Amin Ul Haque.
A draft on artificial intelligence and blockchain technology is also being worked on, according to the minister. He said a review report on the initiatives and plans of the Ministry of IT and its affiliated entities had been created by a major IT consulting firm.
He disclosed that the “Personal Data Protection Bill,” which will protect citizens’ internet data, information, and privacy, is close to being approved.
The “National Cyber Security Policy 2021” has been adopted, according to Haque, to combat occurrences involving the malicious use of information and communication technology in cyberspace, which pose a serious threat to Pakistan’s finances and security.
The policy promotes the creation of an internal framework in all public and private organizations for the security of national information systems and infrastructure, protection in all national ICT infrastructures, and protection of the cyber ecosystem, he continued.
The “Pakistan National ICT Development White Paper” is intended to identify gaps and seek comments on the requirements of the contemporary digital age, the Minister emphasized.
According to him, the government is working to increase the quality of life and financial security of its people by making sure that high-quality, universal, accessible, affordable, and dependable ICT services are available.
In order to advance its Digital Pakistan goal and boost Pakistan’s ICT industry, the Ministry of ITT, he noted, has introduced a number of legislative and policy initiatives during the past two years.
Pakistan has introduced “The Cloud First Policy,” enabling the public sector to provide services more transparently, quickly, and collaboratively across agencies.
According to him, the Cloud First Policy would assist in creating a standard platform for all public sector departments to manage and maintain their data.
He claimed that the National Broadband Policy 2021, the Digital Pakistan Policy 2022, and the National Freelancing Facilitation Policy are all being worked on by the Ministry of ITT.
The Minister added that in order to increase visibility and transparency with regard to spectrum management policies, investments, and network planning, a rolling three-year spectrum strategy has been developed.
According to the Federal Minister for IT, the Right of Way (ROW) Policy for the telecom sector removes a significant number of obstacles that Telcos and internet service providers had to overcome in order to establish, maintain, and expand their telecommunications infrastructure across the nation.
He continued by saying that a strategic plan and roadmap for 5G technology in Pakistan is also being developed while taking into consideration the following: First 3G/4G Spectrum Auction in AJK/GB, Telecom Operators Licenses Renewal in PAK/AJK/GB Spectrum Auction, and First Mobile Device Manufacturing Policy.
According to Haque, the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT) offered to create the country’s ICT white paper, and the Ministry of ITT enthusiastically accepted.
He continued by saying that the Ministry of IT would continue to provide a supportive atmosphere for the development of Pakistan’s digital ecosystem.
Mohsin Mushtaq, Additional Secretary (Incharge) Ministry of IT, Aisha Humera Moriani, Member IT, Syed Junaid Imam, senior ministry officials, chiefs of the ministry’s affiliated departments, and others were present at the ceremony.
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