KPK government releases its first ever digital policy

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:

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:

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.