PM Appoints Asfand Yar Khan as Additional Charge of Member IT at MoITT

In a recent development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assigned the additional charge of the post of Member IT at the Information Technology and Telecommunication Division (MoITT) to Asfand Yar Khan. Khan, who is currently serving as the Director General (IT) at the same division, has been entrusted with this crucial responsibility, as per the notification issued by the Establishment Division.

PM Appoints Asfand Yar Khan as Additional Charge of Member IT at MoITT

According to the notification, the Prime Minister has given Asfand Yar Khan the additional charge of the Member IT position, which holds an MP-I Scale, for a period of three months starting from January 22, 2025, or until the regular incumbent is appointed, whichever comes first. This temporary assignment reflects the governmentโ€™s efforts to maintain continuity in leadership while the recruitment process for a permanent Member IT is underway.

MoITT Opens Applications for Member IT Role

The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) has already taken steps to fill the vacant Member IT position by inviting applications for this high-level role. The Member IT will play a pivotal role in driving Pakistanโ€™s digital transformation, shaping IT policies, and overseeing the growth of the countryโ€™s technology sector.

The Performance Evaluation Committee will evaluate the selected candidate for this position, who will initially receive a three-year contract, with the possibility of extension for up to two additional years based on a satisfactory evaluation.ย This contract-based role highlights the significance of this position in steering Pakistanโ€™s information technology landscape.

Eligibility Criteria and Selection Process

To be eligible for the Member IT position, candidates must hold either a PhD or a Masterโ€™s degree in ICT-related fields such as Computer Science, Information Technology, or Software Engineering from an HEC-recognized institution. Applicants with a Ph.D. must have a minimum of seven years of professional experience, including at least three years in senior management roles. On the other hand, candidates with a Masterโ€™s degree must have at least nine years of experience, including a significant leadership tenure.

The ideal candidate will also need to demonstrate expertise in digital technologies, strategic project management, international IT standards, and strong skills in stakeholder engagement. As this position plays a key role in the countryโ€™s IT and telecom development, the candidate must also have a deep understanding of cybersecurity, e-governance initiatives, cloud adoption frameworks, and privacy legislation. Additionally, the age limit for applicants is 62 years.

The selection process for this post will include multiple steps. Initially, a dedicated committee will shortlist candidates based on the criteria, and the recommendations will be forwarded to the Prime Minister for final approval. This process ensures that only the most qualified candidates will get the role.

Responsibilities of Member IT

The Member IT will report directly to the Secretary of IT and Telecom and will be responsible for contributing to policy formulation, developing cybersecurity strategies, and advancing e-governance programs. The role will also involve leading efforts to promote IT exports and fostering entrepreneurship within the sector. Ensuring the effective implementation of privacy and data protection laws will be one of the key areas of focus. The Member IT will also work on creating frameworks for cloud adoption in Pakistan, which is crucial for the countryโ€™s digital infrastructure growth.

The Vacancy Left by Syed Junaid Imam

The position of Member IT had been vacant since the tenure of the former Member IT, Syed Junaid Imam, concluded. Imam, who was initially appointed in 2019, had his term extended twice, first for two years in 2021 and then for an additional three-month extension thereafter. With his departure, the need for a new leader to steer Pakistanโ€™s information technology policies has become more pressing, making the recruitment process for the new Member IT critical to the countryโ€™s technological future.

As the government moves forward with this transition, Asfand Yar Khanโ€™s temporary assignment as a Member IT will help maintain stability and continuity in Pakistanโ€™s IT sector.

See Also: Did Digitalization Efforts Really Transform Pakistani Government Offices?

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Onsa Mustafa

Onsa is a Software Engineer and a tech blogger who focuses on providing the latest information regarding the innovations happening in the IT world. She likes reading, photography, travelling and exploring nature.

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