The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoIT&T) has commenced a comprehensive rightsizing exercise in accordance with the recommendations of the federal government’s rightsizing committee. The objective of this action is to reduce expenses and optimize operations.
The MoIT&T has eliminated 17 positions, while 7 more have been categorized as “dying cadres.” The retirement of the current holders of these positions in 2026 will lead to no replacements, resulting in annual savings estimated at around Rs. 25 million. In the latest update, the officer-to-staff ratio has seen a modification from 1.25 to 1.20.
The National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) is set to implement a significant restructuring initiative aimed at halving its organizational framework. The ministry has forwarded the issue to P3A for additional deliberations, and a consultant has been engaged to complete the rightsizing strategy.
A comprehensive evaluation of the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) is set to take place, with findings anticipated to be submitted to the Prime Minister in the next three months. An assessment will be conducted regarding the intersection of roles between PSEB and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP).
The Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA) is set to introduce a finalized draft bill to the National Assembly after consultations with stakeholders. To guarantee the early passage of the Digital Nation Pakistan Act 2024, efforts are being made to expedite the legislative process.
The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training now has control over Virtual University. The National Information Technology Board (NITB) will be shut down in the meantime. The acquisition of software and IT equipment will henceforth be handled separately by the appropriate purchasing bodies.
The implementation plan in summary is as follows:
No. | Entities | Finalized Proposals | Implementation |
1 | Ministry of IT & Telecom | Officer-to-staff ratio to be reduced from 1.25 to 1.20 | Implemented. 17 positions abolished; 7 declared as dying cadre. Savings of Rs. 25 million annually. |
2 | National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) | Structure to be made 50% lean | Under Implementation. Referred to P3A for consultant engagement and final decision. |
3 | Ignite (National Technology Fund) | Entity to be retained | Third-party review to be carried out. |
4 | Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) | Performance review and overlap with TDAP to be assessed | Report to be presented to the Prime Minister within three months. |
5 | Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA) | Draft Bill to be finalized in consultation with stakeholders | Draft Bill finalized and introduced in the National Assembly for passage. |
6 | Virtual University | To be placed under the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training | Implemented. |
7 | National Information Technology Board (NITB) | NITB to be wound up |