National Assembly Passes “The Digital Nation Bill 2025”

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication has officially passed the National Digital Bill, marking a significant step forward in Pakistanโs journey towards digital transformation. The bill was passed with a majority vote, with 11 members of the government voting in favour and 6 members of the opposition voting against it. The Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2025 aims to establish a comprehensive framework for fostering a digital society, economy, and governance in Pakistan.
Objectives of the Bill
The primary goal of the legislation is to create a digital identity for every citizen, centralize critical data related to social, economic, and governance aspects, and streamline service delivery. According to todayโs agenda, the bill is designed to โprovide for the transformation of Pakistan into a digital nation, enabling a digital society, digital economy, and digital governance.โ This initiative aligns with global best practices and mirrors successful digital identity programs implemented in countries like the UAE, India, and Estonia.
The bill was previously approved by the federal cabinet in June and has since undergone extensive deliberations. A copy of the bill highlights the need to leverage digital technologies for sustainable economic development, improved citizen well-being, and modernized governance frameworks. By fostering a secure, inclusive, and interoperable digital public infrastructure, the bill aims to accelerate innovation, connectivity, and sectoral integration.
Key Provisions of Nation Digital Bill 2025
Phone World got a copy of the bill. Here is the key highlights of Nation Digital Bill 2025.
Establishment of the National Digital Commission (NDC)
The NDC, headed by the Prime Minister and including all four Chief Ministers, as well as key federal and sectoral authorities like the State Bank of Pakistan, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Chairman of National Database and Registration Authority and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), will serve as the primary governing body. Its responsibilities include:
- Approving and overseeing the implementation of the National Digital Masterplan.
- Providing strategic direction and governance to the Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA).
- Ensuring coordination among federal, provincial, and regulatory bodies to align digital transformation initiatives with economic and governance objectives.
- Addressing inter-jurisdictional challenges and ensuring compliance with the national digital agenda.
Role of the Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA)
The PDA, comprising top industry experts, will be responsible for executing the National Digital Masterplan. Its key functions include:
- Developing, implementing, and periodically updating sectoral and implementation plans.
- Facilitating coordination among stakeholders and evaluating digital transformation projects.
- Establishing a national data strategy and governance framework.
- Overseeing the compliance of public sector cloud infrastructure with national cloud policies.
- Supporting the development of a digital economy strategy and adopting core digital public infrastructure.
The National Digital Masterplan
The National Digital Masterplan is at the heart of the billโs vision. This comprehensive strategic blueprint aims to:
- Transform Pakistan into a digital nation by fostering a cohesive digital society, economy, and governance structure.
- Guide digital initiatives, regulatory standards, and operational frameworks to eliminate redundancy and maximize resource efficiency.
- Ensure effective implementation of digital goals across all government levels through coordinated efforts.
The Digital Identity Program
One of the cornerstone features of the bill is the establishment of a digital identity for every citizen. This digital ID will integrate data related to an individualโs health, assets, and other social indicators. It will streamline access to services like ID cards, land records, birth certificates, and health records. The digitization effort also targets government departments, providing them with goal-oriented plans to enhance service delivery.
Concerns and Challenges
While the bill represents a transformative step, digital rights experts have raised concerns about the security and privacy implications of a centralized data system. Questions remain about how the government intends to safeguard sensitive information against breaches and misuse. Experts have called for greater clarity on the measures being adopted to ensure data protection and privacy.
How It Will Be Helpful in the Digitalization of the Country
The passage of the National Digital Bill is a landmark moment for Pakistan, setting the stage for a digital revolution that has the potential to transform governance, boost the economy, and improve citizen well-being. However, the successful implementation of the bill will require robust safeguards, transparent governance, and inclusive stakeholder engagement to address the concerns of digital rights advocates and ensure that the vision of a digital Pakistan becomes a reality.
Our Thoughts:
While the National Digital Bill 2025 marks a promising step toward digital transformation, concerns persist about its effective implementation, especially given the governmentโs lack of urgency in executing previous digital initiatives. Past bills related to digital infrastructure, such as those addressing e-governance and cybersecurity, have faced delays and insufficient follow-through. This has raised doubts among experts and citizens about the governmentโs commitment to actualizing the vision of a โDigital Pakistan.โ
See Also: NITB Issues Guidelines to Secure Sensitive Digital Documents in Pakistan
However, the National Digital Billโs comprehensive framework, particularly its emphasis on a centralized digital identity, national data governance, and the creation of the Pakistan Digital Authority, offers a more structured approach. If the government prioritizes the execution of this bill and addresses the challenges of digital rights, data security, and inter-jurisdictional coordination, it could lay a solid foundation for the digitalization of services, boost the economy, and improve governance. The billโs success ultimately hinges on the governmentโs willingness to overcome past shortcomings and ensure robust, transparent implementation.
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