Punjab IT Policy 2018 Set to Slash Digital Divide through Ambitious Initiatives

Punjab’s first-ever IT Policy 2018 is approved by the Provincial Cabinet, yesterday in its last meeting. The process of this policy formulation was initiated 1.5 years back and finally, the government has achieved its goals.

With the approval of cabinet, Punjab has got this distinction among other provinces that it becomes the first to launch its IT policy.

Here are main five Pillars of IT policy 2018:

Punjab IT policy is based on five pillars that include;

1. Support to the industry
2. Bridging the digital divide
3. e-governance
4. Citizen-centric services
5. Entrepreneurship.

The policy is mainly focused to bridge the digital divide across gender, region and economic classes. It is also focused to achieve accessible and affordable access for all. However, the main purpose of this Information Technology Policy is to position Punjab as the IT Research & Development and innovation hub of Pakistan.

Punjab First Ever IT Policy 2018 Premised Upon 5 Pillars

Chairman of Punjab Information Technology Board, Dr Umar Saif said:

“It proved government’s commitment to use Information & Communications Technology as an enabling tools for improving governance, efficiency, transparency and accountability. The policy document consolidates all initiatives taken in the sector and also sets a future roadmap that will take the province to its ultimate destination which is making Punjab the hub of IT”

#Punjab Announces the First Provincial IT Policy of Pakistan Focusing on 5 Key Pillars pic.twitter.com/fRN0f6XNYx

— PunjabITBoard (@PITB_Official) May 31, 2018

It is to be expected that Punjab’s IT Policy 2018 will improve export remittances and it will attract long-term investments. Moreover, it will increase new IT parks through technology Special Economic Zones which will create more jobs opportunities for the youth of Punjab.

Punjab Announces the First Provincial IT Policy of Pakistan

Full Video: https://t.co/4gkakIBryN@umarsaif @latifsajid @faisalyousaf786 @GovtOfPunjab pic.twitter.com/BaRhi6jjFQ

— PunjabITBoard (@PITB_Official) May 31, 2018

IT sector is growing in Pakistan rapidly. The launch of Punjab’s IT Policy 2018 is expected to provide support and will create a conductive environment for IT-related businesses. The policy also commits to establish common resource, service centers and public Wi-fi hotspots in remote areas. It will also promote the ease of access for women at these service centers. Moreover, the policy also supports the promotion of private sector investment in e-learning initiatives through tax-breaks and engagement with global online learning platforms.

IT Policy Initiative- Yes or No?

Every state needs such IT policy to progress and no doubt, Punjab IT policy 2018 is a good initiative but the government has chosen the wrong time to release it, as yesterday was the last day of PMLN government.

The question arises here that whether the new government will implement this policy or not and in case this IT policy 2018 is implemented, will we get the same results as the picture given by Dr. Umer Saif?

If next government implements these plans properly, Pakistan will become cyber secure and financial progressed state.

Read Next: Pakistan Competes in Information Technology World Championship in Florida