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IT professionals urged to keep eye on developments

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Prof. Attaur Rehman on Saturday urged the scientists and technologists to stay informed about the emerging global development in Information Technology (IT) sector and utilise their potential to introduce the same in the country.

He said that Pakistan would be one of the major global players in IT and introduction of IT policy would bring revolutionary development in all spheres of socio-economic fields.

He was addressing a meeting organised by the Information Technology Commission (ITC) here to formulate the IT policy.

He said that Pakistan would be able to fetch billions of dollars through software exports in the near future.

He said computer education from school to university level would be imparted to the students besides declaring computer learning essential for government employees.

He said the whole thrust of IT policy and IT development action plan would increase the exports of softwares, deploy IT infrastructure based on latest technology, use of internet, tele-education, human resources development and make Pakistan an attractive market for foreign investors.

He also announced setting up of a National Task Force on IT for development of economy, enhancing the potential of the people and ensure integration of government and citizens for a better future.

He also recalled the Chief Executive, Gen. Pervez Musharraf's address to the nation on December 16 last, in which he had announced a number of initiatives to promote IT and creating related infrastructure.

Chairman, Customer Service Providers, Syed Mazhar Ali in his presentation threw lights on the significance and vitality of IT and said Pakistan would soon become one of the attractive countries for investment in this important field.

Secretary Science and Technology, Mohammad Javed Masood, PTCL Chairman Nasim S. Mirza, PTA, Chairman Mian Mohammad Javed, NTC Chairman Air Vice Marshal Athar Masood, senior officials of ministries of science and technology, finance, planning and development, CBR and representatives from IT Industry and private sector customer service providers were also present in the meeting. APP