Pak Govt to Centralize Citizen Data through ‘Digital ID’ Bill for Improved Governance, E-services

The federal government is set to present the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, 2024 in the National Assembly today, introducing a unified digital identity for every Pakistani citizen. This initiative seeks to centralize social, economic, and governance data into a single digital system to streamline public and private sector services.

The bill, to be tabled by IT and Telecommunications Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, envisions Pakistan’s transformation into a digital society and economy. Approved earlier in June, the legislation aligns with the government’s broader plan to promote e-governance and digitize the economy.

New Bodies for Implementation

As part of the transformation plan, two new entities will be established:

1. National Digital Commission (NDC): Chaired by the Prime Minister and comprising top officials from key state organizations like the State Bank, FBR, and PTA.
2. Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA): To be led by industry experts.

These entities will oversee the implementation and governance of the digital ID system. The digital identity will store crucial citizen data, including health, land, birth certificates, and asset records. The initiative aims to improve access to essential government services, enhance records management, and drive goal-oriented reforms across departments.

Usman Nazir, a leading cyber expert, described the effort as part of a broader Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) strategy. He noted that DPI combines three systems—Digital ID, universal payment interface, and data exchange—to accelerate digitization efforts and foster economic development.

The bill’s introduction highlights Pakistan’s commitment to the Global Digital Compact, an initiative to align nations with digital transformation goals. If passed, it could mark a significant milestone in Pakistan’s journey towards a digital and transparent governance system.