20000315

Govt invites

comments on

draft

IT policy

RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: Pakistan Computer Bureau (Cabinet Division) has invited comments and suggestions from trade bodies on the draft National Information Technology Policy (NITP) by March 27, 2000, to catch up with the information technology (IT) revolution which is already reshaping the economy and affecting the life and work of almost every individual the world over.

The working group on IT has prepared the draft in consultation with various government and private sector organisations concerned with IT and computers. The Computer Society of Pakistan also provided input to the working group which has been incorporated in the draft policy document.

IT has already become the single largest sector of economic activity worldwide. The total turnover of the software industry alone is expected to exceed US$ one trillion this year. Microsoft, a leading software company, became the most valuable company in history with market capitalisation of US$ 413 billion in January 1999.

Current environment together with the vision and strategy devised, forms the basis of general policy objective. It champion a general direction that information and technologies should be used to help achieve our vision of a future Pakistan. The goals include: creation of service delivery to public through IT, alignment of IT goals, establishing an information resources infrastructure, standards, and improving information accessibility and usability.

The NITP is driven by the knowledge that IT presents an unparalleled opportunity to propel Pakistan to a level of development which dramatically improves the quality of life of all citizens. This vision foresees a fairer, more open, confident and vibrant Pakistan, being at par with the rest in the world.

We in Pakistan lag behind in information technology compared with our neighbours and other developing countries in the world. The lack of patronage, cohesion and focus in information and implementation of IT policies has accentuated our plight in this vital field. With this realisation today, it has become imperative for us to adopt a future approach to ensure that we meet the challenges of next millennium. The draft concludes with the assurance that the Government of Pakistan commit through this policy to promote Information Technology and work with total dedication and spirit to achieve goals and objectives laid down by year 2010 with a view to transform ourselves into a modern, futuristic and developed country.