GM Microsoft NEPA calls on Ms Anusha For the Development of IT Sector in Pakistan

GM Microsoft North Africa, East Mediterranean and Pakistan (NEPA), Ms Seila Serhan called on the Minister of State for IT Ms. Anusha Rahman in her office. Both ladies discussed various issues of mutual interest regarding the development of IT sector in Pakistan. Member IT Syed Raza Shah and Member HR Tahir Mushtaq were also present in the meeting.

GM Microsoft NEPA calls on Ms Anusha For the Development of IT Sector in Pakistan

Ms. Leila Serhan while apprising the Minister regarding her company’s strategy on the region stated that

Microsoft believes in introduction of Microsoft technologies and trainings to transform social sector and service delivery, foster local innovation and develop HR capacities and has decided to setup Center of Excellence in Pakistan.

The Minister of IT while talking to the delegates said that

it’s our utmost priority to encourage the growth of the tech-startup ecosystem in the country so that young entrepreneurs could build business skills. She appreciated the Microsoft for partnering and signing MoU in ICT for Girls project which is meant for ICT training of young girls who hail from marginalized segment of the society. Minister was informed that formal training of Bait-ul-Mal girls will be started in the month of February.

According to Ms. Leila, Microsoft is successfully running 160 training centers throughout Pakistan. Microsoft has also decided to invest more in Pakistani’s ICT sector. Therefore, a “Centre of Excellence” is also being established.

Anusha Rehman said that

it’s our ardent believe that ICTs should be used to spur socio economic development to build a knowledge based economy in the country.

She further said that

we want to have ICT a compulsory part of our curriculum starting from primary and secondary education. Therefore, Member IT has been tasked to prepare an ICT Curriculum which we will share with Ministry of Education subsequently.

Ms. Leila shared few concerns effecting the ICT business in the country including software piracy, cyber security and data protection.

The Minister while responding to her concerns said that

“Data Protection” and Cyber Security are global concerns and we are already working for their redressal. We have taken stringent measures in our cyber crime bill which is in the process of legislation.

Ms. Leila praised the initiatives taken by government for the development of ICT sector in Pakistan and assured that Microsoft will increase footprints in Pakistan and will collaborate with MOIT for further ICT development in Pakistan.