Technology

KPK government releases its first ever digital policy

KPK government has released its first digital policy. The policy covers the digital aspirations of the province for the period between 2018 and 2023.

PTI government, even in its previous tenure, focused a lot on the digitization of different aspects of government. Some of the initiatives taken were online FIR system, computerization of land records and online complaint cell. With this digital policy, the KPK government is aiming to improve a number of key governance areas along with creating a suitable environment for investment in the ICT sector. KPK government is also planning to ensure that by the end of this policy, all areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will have access to reliable internet connectivity.

A detailed version of the digital policy is available on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Technology’s official website. A few important points mentioned in the digital policy are discussed below:

Adopting a digital style of governance

KPK government is planning to incorporate a number of initiatives to improve governance through digital measures. A few of them are described below:

Introduce digital technologies into Government services for improving efficiency, transparency and transaction costs
Adopt Cloud-Based Services to reduce IT infrastructure and maintenance cost
Implement standard cybersecurity protocols across government departments
Adoption of Open-Source Software where feasible to achieve cost reduction and encourage SMEs
Implement an Open-Data Framework across Government to improve transparency, accountability, and innovation

Reduction in tax and infrastructure improvement

KPK government will take following of steps to improve digital infrastructure in the province:

Tax reductions from current 19.5% on mobile and fixed broadband services in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Phase-wise transformation of broadband services from copper-based networks to optical fiber-based network in the Province to improve the quality of service at an affordable cost
Promote the use of technology in various sectors, especially health, education, and agriculture; to connect remote areas and populations to developed areas
Encourage a PPP model to promote and encourage investment in digital infrastructure

Promoting digital skills and the digital economy

Pakistan still lags a lot behind the provision of digital skills in an effective manner to the youth. Lack of IT centers dedicated to honing skills from an early age is hindering Pakistan’s ability to achieve a similar position in the technology space as its neighboring countries like China and India. It is encouraging to see KPK government outline following concrete steps for promoting both digital skills and create a digital economy to move towards a society less reliant on cash:

Maximize the use of technology in primary, secondary and tertiary education; as well as technical, vocational education and training for improved learning outcomes
Ensure that demand is driven digital skills are delivered at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels to prepare the youth for the future
Support the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to generate employment
Promote digital payments to increase financial inclusion, improve the efficiency of financial transactions, expand the documented economy and increase convenience
Establish mechanisms to provide financial investments for digital startups and SMEs to encourage innovation and generate employment

Implementation of Policy

A coordination committee under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has also been set up which will ensure the implementation of this policy.

It’s a positive sign that KPK government is focusing more on digital transformation now and is setting commendable goals for the next five years. It is, however, pertinent that these goals be met in time to make sure Pakistan does not fall behind the technology race. It is also important to keep revising these goals and improving them over the time to account for technological changes occurring all around the world at a rapid pace.