1

Contents
List of Acronyms .............................................................................................................................................. 3
Policy Vision & Goals ....................................................................................................................................... 6
Policy Vision..................................................................................................................................................... 6
Policy Goals...................................................................................................................................................... 6
Sectoral Digitization: .................................................................................................................................. 10
Cross-Sector Collaboration: ....................................................................................................................... 10
IT Sector Sustainability:.............................................................................................................................. 11
Entrepreneurship and Innovation:............................................................................................................. 12
Policy Strategy ............................................................................................................................................... 13
Key Components: .......................................................................................................................................... 13
1. Legislation .......................................................................................................................................... 13
2. Human Resource Development ......................................................................................................... 14
3. Infrastructure Development .............................................................................................................. 15
4. Entrepreneurship, R&I and Freelancing in IT ..................................................................................... 16
5. Accelerated Digitization ..................................................................................................................... 17
6 ICT Education ..................................................................................................................................... 21
7 Software Exports ................................................................................................................................ 22
8 Cloud Computing and Big Data .......................................................................................................... 24
9 ICT for Girls ....................................................................................................................................... 25
10 Digital Services ............................................................................................................................... 25
11 Local Languages Content Development......................................................................................... 26
12 Persons with disabilities (PWDs) .................................................................................................... 26
13 Open Source ................................................................................................................................... 27
14 Local Manufacturing of Hardware ...................................................................................................... 27
Policy Implementation & Reviews ................................................................................................................ 29
Annexure-1 .................................................................................................................................................... 30
References ..................................................................................................................................................... 34

Digital Pakistan Policy 2017 Page 2

 List of Acronyms
3G/4G – 3rd Generation/4th Generation
BPO-Business Process Outsourcing
CMMI – Capability Maturity Model Integration
FBR - Federal Board of Revenue
FDI – Foreign Direct Investment
G-Cloud – Government Cloud
GIS - Geographical Information System
GOP - Government of Pakistan
HEC – Higher Education Commission
HRD – Human Resource Development
IaaS - Infrastructure as a Service
ICT - Information Communication Technology
IoT- Internet of Things
IPO – Intellectual Property Organization
IPR – Intellectual Property Right
ISO – International Standards Organization
ITU - International Telecommunication Union
LED - Light-Emitting Diode
SMEs – Small Medium Enterprises
TDAP - Trade Development Authority of Pakistan
TPs – Technology Parks
USF – Universal Service Fund
VAS – Value Added Services
PRAL – Pakistan Revenue Automation (pvt) Ltd
Digital Pakistan Policy 2017
M-Government – Mobile Government
MOITT- Ministry of Information Technology and
Telecommunication
MNCs – Multi-national Companies
NADRA - National Database and Registration
Authority
NITB – National Information Technology Board
ODR – Online Dispute Resolution
PaaS - Platform as a Service
PASHA - Pakistan All Software Houses
Association
PC – Personal Computer
PSEB - Pakistan Software Export Board
PSO – Payment Service Operator
PSP – Payment Service Provider
PTA - Pakistan Telecommunication Authority
PWDs – Persons with Disabilities
R&D – Research & Development
R&I – Research & Innovation
ROI – Return on Investment
SaaS - Software as a Service
SBP – State Bank of Pakistan
SDG - Sustainable Development Goals
SECP - Securities & Exchange Commission of
Pakistan
Page 3
Preamble

Information technology has assumed an enabling role in the emerging dynamics of a knowledge
society and knowledge economy. It is a key lever of economic development. The growth trends of
Pakistan’s economy have been corroborated and praised by numerous independent global
institutes. Pakistan’s IT sector is carving a differentiated position as the preferred source for
software developers, programmers, BPO specialists and application designers. Pakistan was ranked
at number four1 for freelance development in the world (2015). Its IT exports have increased by
70%2 during the last three years.

Pakistan, which has about 60% of its 200 million population in the 15 to 29 age group, represents
an enormous human and knowledge capital potential. Pakistan has more than 2000 IT companies
& call centers and the number is growing each year. Pakistan has more than 300,000 English-
speaking IT professionals with experts in current and emerging IT products and technologies. More
than 20,000 IT graduates and engineers are being produced each year. Currently, Pakistan has 14
Software Technology Parks (rented commercial buildings) covering an area of one million square
feet. A number of world class purpose built technology parks at Government owned lands with full
facilities are already in the advance stages of development. Pakistan’s IT exports have grown
twenty fold over the past decade to $2.4 billion3. In addition, annual revenues from freelancing
and the domestic markets are $90-100 million and $500 million respectively. Hence, the total
annual revenue of Pakistan’s IT Industry is nearing $3.0 billion. Similarly the cellular mobile
companies represent a huge market with total imports of PKR 78.574 billion for the FY 15-16,
reflecting a promising IT landscape in Pakistan.

The Government of Pakistan (GOP) continues to facilitate the IT industry through numerous
sustainable development and accelerated digitization projects, research and innovation, software
technology parks, subsidized bandwidth, international marketing, international certifications,
internships and trainings. Incentives to bolster growth include 100% equity ownership, 100%
repatriation of capital/dividends, tax exemption on IT export revenues and subsidized state of the
art Software Technology Parks.

1 2 3 4
Odesk.com, State Bank of Pakistan, PASHA/PSEB/Industry Analysts, Ministry of Commerce

Digital Pakistan Policy 2017 Page 4

The GOP has a holistic plan for positioning Pakistan on the global outsourcing map, participation in
international forums, organizing domestic conferences, scaling software technology parks and
facilitating certification (ISO 27001 and CMMI) programs.

Given the augmented demand and growth for IT, it has become imperative to reformulate the
National Digital Pakistan Policy. One that takes into account its increasingly transformed role
across all sectors of socio-economic development, their accelerated digitization and
transformational modernization into integrated components of a holistic knowledge based
economy. With this in mind, Ministry of IT & Telecom (MoITT) has formulated this policy document
based on multi-stakeholder model. The Digital Pakistan Policy imperatives are also very much
intertwined and therefore are addressed holistically to transform the IT and other sectors of
economy on fast track basis. To adequately address and improve the international ranking in
governance, entrepreneurship, knowledge capital, accessibility, demand stimulation and ICT skills,
the Digital Pakistan Policy focuses on four broad areas for implementing the policy imperatives.

This policy will also serve as the foundation for the construction of a holistic Digital Ecosystem with
advanced concepts and components for the rapid delivery of next generation digital services,
applications and content. It will serve as an aggregator of demand for innovative digital services
and as a supplier of data for value added services and applications.

It is an opportunity for local entrepreneurs and firms to acquire core competencies, experience
and credibility and become better positioned to compete on the international stage.

Digital Pakistan Policy 2017 Page 5

Policy Vision & Goals

Policy Vision
The Government of Pakistan (GOP) strives to improve its citizens’ quality of life and economic well-
being by ensuring availability of accessible, affordable, reliable, universal and high quality ICT
services. GOP and Ministry of IT strongly believe in mass adoption of emerging digital technologies
and relevant applications as enablers of cross-sector socio-economic development and
transformation of economic activities, governance models and social interaction

The vision with regards to Digital Pakistan Policy is:

To become a strategic enabler, for an accelerated digitization eco

system, to expand knowledge based economy and drive socio
economic growth

Policy Goals
I. Holistic Digital system
A key goal of the Digital Pakistan Policy is to create a digital ecosystem with infrastructure
and institutional frameworks for the rapid delivery of next generation digital services,
applications and content. This policy aims to move away from piece-meal approach to a
holistic technology strategy more focused on ICT as a broad enabler of every sector of socio-
economic development.
II. Standardization
Coordinate and support standardization efforts, maximize reusability, create synergies and
deliver cost effectiveness. This includes facilitation of international standards certification
e.g. CMMI, ISO etc.

III. Promote the use of ICT in education

Encourage the use of ICT in public schools and ensure they are online and have a meaningful
impact on the current education eco-system within three years in a phased manner.

Currently no official data is available on the number of schools having access to broadband
internet. Majority of the public schools are concentrated in rural areas, where universal

Digital Pakistan Policy 2017 Page 6

 connectivity can lower the barrier to education by utilizing e-education platforms to
improve quality and access, and help implement the “Quality Education” goal of United
Nations SDGs.

IV. Youth and Women empowerment

Youth and Women represent roughly 60% and 49.2% respectively of our population.
Ensuring women and girls have equal access to ICTs will help reduce inequalities and
support gender equality (goal 10 and goal 5 of UN SDGs respectively). The value of ICTs is
largely seen through increased productivity, improved access to health and education,
equitable participation in social, political and economic spheres, thus breaking barriers of
isolation.

V. Promote Innovation in IT sector

Generate sustainable innovation, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for the

nation’s rapidly growing technology savvy and entrepreneurial youth. Collaborate with
international partners to boost innovation.

VI. Increase software exports, IT remittances & Domestic Market

According to SBP statistics, the IT industry earned $560 million during FY 2015-16 in
software exports and IT enabled services outsourcing. However, according to a Bearing
Point study, the real figure of exports is in excess of $3.0 billion. The success of the IT
industry and freelance sector, the ability of Pakistani IT workers to win international awards
and the availability of a large highly qualified English speaking workforce points to a huge
potential for boosting software exports, increased outsourcing opportunities and a bigger
domestic market. Goal is to double Pakistan’s IT/ITES exports by 2020.

VII. ICT Ranking of Pakistan

Improve Pakistan’s ICT ranking based on international indices and benchmarks measuring
the business & innovation environment, infrastructure, affordability, skills readiness, and
socio-economic impacts and improving the provision of data to the international rating
agencies.

Digital Pakistan Policy 2017 Page 7

VIII. Digital Inclusion
Bridge the digital divide that exists between urban and rural areas by connecting the
unconnected with broadband.

IX. E-Governance
Promote e-Governance to make Pakistan the frontrunner in good governance through IT
enablement at all levels to ensure efficiency, transparency and accountability by setting up
integrated government databases and applications.

X. Increase foreign and domestic investment

Make Pakistan an attractive destination for investment in the IT/ITES industries to create
jobs and fuel economic growth.

XI. IT Zones
To setup at least one state of the art purpose built ‘Technology Park’ at major city of
Pakistan (federal and provincial capitals) by 2020 to promote efficient and cost-effective
collaboration, digitization, Research & Development (R&D), entrepreneurship and
innovation.

XII. Incubation Centers

Establish incubation centers in major cities facilitating IT start-ups to get off the ground
more quickly and smoothly by tapping into a vast network of business partners and
mentors. In addition, specialized innovation centers in thematic areas of FinTech, Artificial
Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and Robotics to be established as well.

XIII. Telecentres
Setting up Telecentres in unserved and underserved areas of Pakistan to provide public with
easy access to ICT services.

XIV. ICT for Girls

Initiate specific ICT for Girls’ programs for imparting trainings in computer skills including
software coding across the country so that young girls are given an opportunity for a decent
livelihood. Supporting the education of girls in the ICT sector is also in line with United

Digital Pakistan Policy 2017 Page 8

 Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in particular SDG 5, aimed at achieving
gender equality and empowering women and girls through Information and
Communication Technologies.

XV. Entrepreneurship & Freelancing

Promote and encourage entrepreneurship by providing incentives to IT sector and trainings
for young professionals to become freelancers.

XVI. E-commerce
Triple the current market size of e-commerce by 2020. According to some estimates, the
market was small, ranging from $60M-$100M in 2015/16 but carries an enormous growth
potential going forward. With tens of millions of new wireless broadband subscribers
expected to sign up, overseas investments will continue to grow in e-commerce on top of
the current level of domestic & foreign investments. Promote e-commerce by providing and
enabling an environment where Payment Service Providers (PSP) and Payment Service
Operators (PSO) can operate and establish an effective e-commerce platform and take e-
commerce activities in Pakistan to the next level.

XVII. Persons with Disabilities

Reduce barriers to online access for “Persons with Disabilities” (PWDs). Include provisions
of prodigious empowerment of PWDs in IT accessibility.

Digital Pakistan Policy 2017 Page 9

Policy Imperatives

Sectoral Digitization:

Sectoral Digitization development of relevant next generation services, applications and content
will help transform key economic sectors. The agriculture sector can be expanded through
information dissemination systems to transform Pakistan into a regional bread basket. The
healthcare sector can be transformed through applications for Tele-health for patients and remote
continuous medical education for practitioners. Financial services can be transformed by making
payment gateways and mobile banking services available to all (digital financial inclusion). Smart
grids and meter system can address issues that plague the energy and utilities sector.
To ensure their mass adoption, digital services and applications can transform economic sectors by
being relevant and delivering value by cost-effectively solving problems of citizens, consumers,
enterprises and government.

Cross-Sector Collaboration:

This Digital Pakistan Policy addresses the need to create a holistic Digitization Ecosystem with
infrastructure and institutional frameworks, engagement models, monitoring and measurement
mechanisms for improved communication, coordination & collaboration within ICT sector and with
other sectors of socio-economic development through accelerated Sectoral Digitization:

i. Holistic ’Technology Parks’ in a major city of each province. If possible, located on or close
to the campus of a reputable university to promote cross-sectoral collaboration and build
required professional skills for the ICT and ICT-enabled sectors.
ii. Shared Service Centers, including shared cloud services, at each major Technology Park to
deliver synergies, economies of scale and enable innovators and entrepreneurs to
concentrate on their core competencies.
iii. Incentives for enterprises – banks, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, telecom etc. - to locate
their R&D centers at TPs to promote cross-sector collaboration and digitization.
iv. Promote entrepreneurship through ‘Technology Incubators’ and arrangement of Venture
Capital funds

Digital Pakistan Policy 2017 Page 10

 v. Relevant R&D through collaboration with both local and international academic institutions
and enterprises to ensure relevance and avoid replication.

IT Sector Sustainability:

To achieve holistic accelerated digitization, there is a need to address both supply and demand-
side inefficiencies towards stimulating demand and creating a sustainable and vibrant IT sector:

i. In addition to the digitization of key socio-economic sectors, a multi-channel e-government

platform is required to increase the quality and reach of public services to stimulate
demand for e-services, applications and content
ii. 3G/4G mobile spectrum auction of 2014 has boosted broadband mobile internet
penetration, increased smart phone usage, generated demand for relevant digital services
and applications, and accelerated the digitization of government and all sectors of socio-
economic development (See figure 1 below).

80 76.6
68.54 71.73 69.1 70.8
70 64.76
60.4 60.7
Internet Penetration

60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Year

2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17(Q3)

Figure 1: Cellular Penetration (Source: Pakistan Telecom Authority)

iii. Municipal Wi-Fi - through public/private collaboration - to ‘Unwire’ one city in each
province and provide the ability to access information, entertainment and e-services when

Digital Pakistan Policy 2017 Page 11

 and where needed. This will help galvanize entrepreneurship and innovation in mobile
services, applications and digital content.
iv. In addition to the traditional key socio-economic sectors, this Digital Pakistan Policy also
represents a paradigm shift in Research & Innovation in emerging technologies and their
strategic exploitation through commercialization opportunities to create new solutions,
new companies and new jobs.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation:

Entrepreneurship has become central to economic growth in light of the rapid advancement of
information technology and growing importance of knowledge. Entrepreneurship and relevant R&I
to deliver innovative solutions and services will be promoted through:
i. Human resource development in traditional sectors as well as new and emerging
technology domains. Similarly relevant international scholarships will be the launching pad
for research in related disciplines of software engineering, IT control systems and
manufacturing and will ensure sufficient supply of qualified human resources.
ii. Venture Capital funds for Incubation Centers.
iii. Technology Incubators at each Technology Park to commercialize new innovations and
products and create new companies and sustainable employment. With free or subsidized
access to the entire Technology Park Ecosystem – infrastructure, shared services,
academia/industry collaboration, accreditation/training opportunities, and mentorships.
iv. National level competitions on regular basis in all key emerging technologies and
applications to promote and encourage innovation and entrepreneurship.

Digital Pakistan Policy 2017 Page 12

Policy Strategy

Key Components:
1. Legislation

1.1. Promulgate necessary policy frameworks, laws and rules to enable creation of a
sustainable IT environment. Formulation of rules or amendments in the relevant laws
shall be made in areas including:
1.1.1. Registration and protection of ‘Intellectual Property Rights’ particularly protection
against software piracy must be provided in-line with international best practices to
encourage innovation, software development and foreign investment.
1.1.2. To identify specific areas of IPR to be fully addressed in the requisite policy framework
in-collaboration with IPO, Ministry of Commerce.
1.1.3. Devise standard operating procedures for the concerned government bodies like IPO,
Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), Competition Commission of
Pakistan (CCP), Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority (SMEDA) etc. to
enforce laws and have a close liaison amongst these bodies for better cooperation and
a provision of ‘Single-Window’ approach for the process of registration and protection
of IPR across the country
1.1.4. Protection of personal data and online privacy for improved transparency and security
of sensitive and confidential information through appropriate Data Protection law.
1.1.5. Develop a framework for cloud based services and its regulation which include data
classification mechanism, standards for access, data privacy & transparency,
ownership and security to promote the adoption of cloud services for better & agile
delivery of services to end users.
1.2. Coordination to formulate e-Commerce framework/policy guidelines in consultation
with relevant stakeholders to establish and safeguard the users and merchants’ trust in
e-commerce. This will include measures such as appropriate light touch regulation, tax
rationalization, trade facilitation, Online Dispute Resolution (ODR), consumer
protection and privacy etc.

Digital Pakistan Policy 2017 Page 13

 1.3. Promote the use of digital signatures to augment data security and authentication
through devising the requisite framework.
1.4. Create a continuous dialogue between the IT industry and the legislative arm of the
government to ensure that gaps in the legislative environment are identified and
addressed as they arise.
1.5. Amendment of relevant rules/laws related to e-Governance such as “Rules of Business”,
“Secretariat Instructions” etc. to accommodate electronic workflows, processes and e-
Approvals/e-Submissions etc.

2. Human Resource Development

2.1. Utilize the power of information technology to enhance the outreach and quality of
education, at all levels, across the country through HRD programs to enhance requisite
skills set of individuals that are of relevance and value to the IT industry.
2.2. Collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including International Universities, to advance
e-learning for the educational and other strategic sectors to improve our knowledge
economy
2.3. Bridge the gap between Industry and Academia through a ‘Structured Gap Analysis’
program by engaging with key stakeholders. Periodic advisories to be issued to all
respective stakeholders for implementation with set timelines.
2.4. Initiate programs to train young graduates, freelancers and professionals on market
intensive skills through both class room and virtual training sessions.
2.5. Design and develop customized programs with a special focus on ICT for Girls programs
and initiatives. This should aim to ensure socio-economic uplift of a significant
percentage of our demographics particularly in rural and underserved areas of Pakistan,
giving them with a stronger voice in their communities and local government, the
national and international level, achieving “Gender equality” goal of UN SDGs.
2.6. In alignment with industry demands, execute internship program to make young IT
graduates market ready on cutting edge technologies and to enhance the employability

Digital Pakistan Policy 2017 Page 14

 of our youth and their development in latest IT trends such as Internet of Things (IoT),
Cyber Security, Big data, Entrepreneurship etc.
2.7. Regular review and assessment of supply-demand equilibrium through market studies
to make planning & execution more effective.
2.8. Work with industry stakeholders to ensure the provision of equal opportunities of
employment for women and girls in the field of IT and to put in place employment
policies that encourage their effective participation by removing all barriers that hinder
career development.

3. Infrastructure Development

3.1. Enable cross-sector collaboration with a strategic shift towards a Digital Ecosystem for
maximum economic impact using technology parks and engagement models to
promote digitization, Research and Innovation in new emerging technologies within the
ICT as well as other socio-economic sectors.
3.2. Establish state-of-the-art Technology Parks (TPs), one each in federal and provincial
capital, in addition to the existing software technology parks in the country that shall
provide relevant world class data and network facilities Establish state-of-the-
to SMEs and MNCs. The TPs will have built-in facilities art Technology Parks in
the country that shall
for Women and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) as per provide relevant world
international standards. class data and network
3.3. Establish National Technology Incubation Centers facilities to SMEs and
MNCs.
across the country. Technology Parks will also house
Accelerator and Incubation Center with attached Investment fund, to help
entrepreneurs and emerging technology startups find stable support and access to the
resources they need.
3.4. Promote an Open Digitization infrastructure for shared services including cloud
technologies to achieve synergies and economies of scale in both the public and private
sectors.

Digital Pakistan Policy 2017 Page 15

 3.5. Provide access to subsidized workspaces, shared services, funding, promotional and
accreditation agencies, university R&D facilities and professional training.
3.6. Coordination with relevant stakeholders for interoperability to enable any-to-any
settlement amongst various existing mobile banking systems specifically with respect
to Pakistan’s e-Payment Gateway.
3.7. Establish ‘Tele-Centers’ in under-severed areas of Pakistan to encourage the usage of
digital services, promote innovation and help bridge the digital divide.
3.8. Facilitate IT related urban innovation through developing smart cities and help solve
local problems by supporting technologies and businesses.

4. Entrepreneurship, R&I and Freelancing in IT

4.1. Support Start-ups and SME sector through trainings, skills acquisition, sponsorships,
national level competitions, certifications, facilitation for mergers acquisitions (M&A),
equity sale and connecting these start-ups with relevant funding organizations.
4.2. Advance entrepreneurship and Research and Innovation (R&I) by implementing a
paradigm shift towards the strategic exploitation of traditional as well as emerging
technology sectors such as robotics, drones, FinTech, block-chain, neuroscience,
augmented/virtual reality, biotechnology, nanotechnology, renewable energy, Internet
of Things (IoT), Big Data, artificial intelligence, self-driven vehicles etc.
4.3. Encourage international collaboration to develop partnerships to promote relevant
research and innovation.
4.4. Promote a culture of entrepreneurship through technology incubators within the IT
community. Invest in creating the ecosystem that is needed for entrepreneurs to
successfully compete in global knowledge economies.
4.5. Promote sector-wise digitization and entrepreneurship by developing viable and cost
effective next generation services, applications and content that is relevant to key
economic sectors for mass adoption and commercialization. Promote smart IT
applications to facilitate agriculture, health, education and entertainment sectors.

Digital Pakistan Policy 2017 Page 16

 4.6. Facilitate seed funding to “Proof of Concept” projects of entrepreneurs to encourage
localization, content creation and user adoption.
4.7. Collaborate with technology industry associations, academic & industry incubation
centers and stakeholders to promote the products produced by seed funding initiatives
at national and international forums.
4.8. Create incentives and initiatives for entrepreneurs for import substitution by helping
the domestic IT and ITES industry build upon its success in its traditional sectors of
strength including banking, insurance, health and telecommunication applications.
4.9. Promote National Innovation and Entrepreneurship competitions in emerging ICT
technologies across the country and their participation in relevant international events
to gain global exposure and to attract international investors.
4.10. Encourage financial institutions and major key Industry players for the provision of
funding for IT Start-ups.
4.11. Provision of co-working space for freelancers to share resources and enhance their
productivity.
4.12. Launch capacity building programs (training, workshops, seminars etc.) for freelancers
so that they become a part of an influential community of designers, developers,
content writers and independent contractors.

5. Accelerated Digitization

5.1. E-Governance
5.1.1. Enhance delivery of public services to citizens through innovative use of ICT. Technology
solutions and platforms to be developed with a focus on greater productivity &
effectiveness in service delivery.
5.1.2. Establish holistic enterprise architecture through the creation of data center clusters at
essential sites. Integrate government databases and software systems to share
requisite data and knowledge within the government and with citizens through e-
government service portals.

Digital Pakistan Policy 2017 Page 17

 5.1.3. Build upon the work done on the national databases by government offices (e.g.
NADRA, NITB, FBR etc.) to provide secure identification of individuals, vehicles,
immovable property throughout the country.
5.1.4. Implement e-procurement in all areas of the public sector by providing additional tools
for analysis and informed decision making to bring transparency in government
procurements.
Enhance delivery of public
5.1.5. Development of rich and innovative mobile services services to citizens
(m-Gov) keeping in view the rising smart phone through innovative use of
penetration in the country. ICT. Technology solutions
and platforms to be
5.1.6. Enable highly efficienct governance focused platforms developed with a focus on
for identity/transaction management, payment greater productivity &
mechanisms, digital documentation etc. effectiveness in service
delivery
5.1.7. Formulation of an agile IT wing across the board in
government organizations for ownership, change management and successful
implementation of smart governance initiatives/programs.
5.1.8. Creation of IT cadre in Civil Services of Pakistan for induction of professionals as a
provision for a formal career path.
5.1.9. Establishment of G-Cloud to integrate different databases and to provide a resilient and
secure ICT environment. G-Cloud will bring agility and cost effectiveness in rolling out
new Government services and applications
5.1.10. Enable and empower parliamentarians from the Senate, National Assembly and
Provincial Assemblies through digital means to enhance effectiveness, transparency
and create service excellence for informed decision making.

5.2. E-Agriculture

5.2.1. Creation of mobile “Agriculture Information Portal” to collect and disseminate

knowledge regarding price, horticultural diseases with remedial actions, water quality,
weather updates and supply/demand data from agricultural commodity markets, on a
sustainable model.

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 5.2.2. Revamping Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for Pakistan to monitor the
environment and plan sustainable agirculture.
5.2.3. Provision of the latest agriculture R&I material in local languages in order to improve
agricultural yields.
5.2.4. Provision of agricultural extension services by Creation of an “Agriculture
information portal” to collect
empowering and equipping farm extension
and disseminate knowledge
workers with IT skills to support farmers through regarding price, horticultural
the use of IT in relevant areas such as digital diseases with remedial
actions, water quality,
mapping, land use, soil types, meteorology,
weather updates, and
ecology, oceanography particularly off-shore supply/demand data from
fisheries exploitation, hydrology, agricultural agriculture commodity
markets on a sustainable
records etc.
model
5.2.5. Build ICT capacity in agricultural institutions,
farmer organizations and groups based on “train the trainer” concept.
5.2.6. Effectively utilize the available resoruces for demand side digitization programs as per
the mandates of these organizations.

5.3. E-Justice

5.3.1. Encourage use of IT for administration of Justice to reduce delays in dispensation of

justice, eradicate corruption and remove barriers to easy and equitable access to
Justice. Automation will provide efficient case management and significantly reduce
disposal time of cases.
5.3.2. Provision of online forms required in various courts.
5.3.3. Development of online portals for Judges to access various kinds of information such as
calendar, pending tasks, pending cases and quick links to research tools.
5.3.4. Support introduction of Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) for low value civil claims to
promote alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

Digital Pakistan Policy 2017 Page 19

 5.4. E-Health

5.4.1. Accelerate the use of telemedicine to provide clinical health care to distant rural
communities especially for emergencies. Leverage access to qualified specialists by
building an online network of paramedical staff working directly or remotely with them.
5.4.2. Promote digitization and automation of existing hospitals to develop a network across
the country to facilitate nationwide integration of health related records and data
through a central health database/s. Legal requirements including a clear and consistent
mechanism for patient’s data security will be ensured and appropriate intruments will
be put in place at all levels.
5.4.3. Share information for preventive care of dominant disease groups in local languages
through appropriate ICT tools and technologies.
5.4.4. Provision of E-health service providers accreditation and requisite protocols and
standards.

5.5. E-Energy
5.5.1. Utilize IT to optimize energy consumption in the domestic, industrial, and retail sectors.
5.5.2. Establish public-private partnerships with cellular operators and utility providers to
utilize 3G/4G network for solutions such as smart grids, demand forecasting and
availability of consumer portals to manage energy consumptions.
5.5.3. Promote implementation of a secure wireless Smart Metering system to improve
control over electricity consumption and billing, theft, tampering with meters and
supply lines.
5.5.4. Support research for development of indigenous energy efficiency solutions and
provide support for scaling and adoption of such solutions.

Digital Pakistan Policy 2017 Page 20

 5.6 E-Commerce

5.6.1 Create an enabling environment that empowers stakeholders in trade and commerce
with the underlying infrastructure to improve productivity and positively position the
nation for global competition.
5.6.2 Establishment of a national e-commerce gateway by State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) with
the support and coordination of relevant stakeholders
5.6.3 Promote internet merchant accounts to facilitate B2B and other in-bound transactions.
5.6.4 Develop a framework to allow e-banking activities in order to maximize the usage of
mobile financial services
5.6.5 Encourage the use of e-commerce amongst general public through awareness
campaigns to promote a culture of e-commerce in the country which supports
electronic business transactions at national, regional and international levels.
5.6.6 Promote, Pakistan as a competitive Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) destination for e-
commerce as well as attract local private sector participation and investment in the
development of e-commerce solutions and attract international key players in the field.
5.6.7 Promote the active participation of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and
disadvantaged groups to enhance their effective participation in e-commerce activities
5.6.8 Promote the IT enabled logistic systems of Logistic Operators especially the operations
of Pakistan Post.
5.6.9 To address anticipatory changes in regulatory frameworks in-line with international
obligations such as those being envisaged under the World Trade Organization (WTO)
for signing off fruitful multiliteral agreements.

6 ICT Education

6.1 Create opportunities to ensure inclusive and equitable quality ICT education and
promote lifelong learning process for all, in line with Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) of the United Nations.

Digital Pakistan Policy 2017 Page 21

 6.2 Bridge the industry academia gap to ensure relevance of ICT education to the industry
needs.
6.3 Facilitate and enhance Primary & Secondary School students capability to construct,
hypothesize, explore, experiment, evaluate, foster logical thinking, problem solving,
persistence and collaboration by encouraging next generation computing and analytical
curricula and ICT tool adoption programs.
6.4 Play an enabling role to initiate projects to provide network accessibility at educational
institutes across Pakistan.
Create opportunities to
6.5 Promote integration of computing courses
ensure inclusive and
particularly coding Cloud Computing etc. into the equitable quality ICT
curriculum at all levels starting from elementary to education and promote
lifelong learning process for
high school and beyond.
all, in line with Sustainable
6.6 Provision of up-to-date curriculum of IT higher Development Goals (SDGs)
educational degree programs in line with of the United Nation
international guidelines.
6.7 Encourage the development of e-portals for the provision of academic, research and
other supplementary materials for schools, colleges and universities across the country.

7 Software Exports

7.1 Pursue all measures including legislative, policy, administrative and international
marketing measures, to double software exports by 2020, create jobs and contribute
towards the government’s efforts to increase overall IT exports and remittances.
7.2 Concentrate on emerging areas of mobile application development, responsive web
applications, big data analytics, Internet of things (IoT) and cloud computing to leverage
existing competencies in Pakistani IT industry and to improve its export potential.
7.3 Focus on moving up the global IT value chain through innovative product development
while also exploring new markets where ‘Business Process Outsourcing’ jobs can be
created.

Digital Pakistan Policy 2017 Page 22

 7.4 Attract global multinational companies to leverage Pakistan’s talent for back end
services by providing appropriate incentives in a transparent manner.
7.5 Promote domestic software market through public Double software exports
projects & procurements by adopting best practices for by 2020, create jobs and
facilitating local firm participation. contribute towards the
government’s efforts to
7.6 Utilize the Pakistani Diaspora in the North American,
increase overall exports
European and Middle Eastern markets to enable and IT remittances
inclusion of young Pakistani IT entrepreneurs into the
global IT value chain.
7.7 Provide enabling environment for companies to set up Venture Capital funds,
Accelerators and other support mechanisms for start-up companies.
7.8 Work with relevant stakeholders on continual basis including FBR, Finance Division and
provincial revenue authorities for preferential tax treatment of IT industry.
7.9 Educate IT companies for proper reporting of IT remittances as mandated by SBP.
7.10 Maintain a database by conducting market surveys regarding IT companies’ annual
exports, domestic revenues, HR strengths and areas of technical expertise etc.
7.11 Pursue the placement of ICT Business Development experts at Pakistani embassies,
commercial consulates, and offices of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP)
to promote and showcase Pakistani IT products & services. For some large markets, such
as North America, Europe, and Middle East, dedicated consultants to be hired to
spearhead the market development and promotional efforts.
7.12 Encourage equity participation of banks in software projects by setting up venture
capital funds. The necessary changes in legislation are being carried out by the SECP
(Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan).
7.13 Earmark sufficient additional funds & support infrastructure for PSEB to perform its role
effectively in promoting IT exports by encouraging Pakistani IT companies’ participation
in international IT events, trade fairs and exchange of IT delegations.
7.14 Attract local investors and business groups to invest in software industry through a
comprehensive incentive program.

Digital Pakistan Policy 2017 Page 23

 7.15 Encourage major multinationals operating in Pakistan to set up software facilities and
expand their business footprint.
7.16 Engage in aggressive international marketing campaigns to highlight Pakistan’s software
expertise, government initiatives & incentives.

8 Cloud Computing and Big Data

8.1 Integrate Federal Government’s distributed databases to enable data mining and
analysis on big data through establishment of state of the art tier 3/4 national level data
centers. Enhance the quality of e-Government services through real-time integrated
management and data analytics. Discourage the establishment of silo IT infrastructures
(small islands) in different government offices to mitigate duplication of efforts, HR
requirements and operational expenses.
8.2 Integrate national and provincial databases to avert duplication and ensure synergy.
8.3 Remove legal and administrative barriers for exchange of data for citizen-oriented
services and pattern analysis.
8.4 Provision of cloud based citizen Centric Services for public, paving the way for e-
government and subsequent transformation to m-government.
8.5 Provide a Common infrastructure platform for Public and Private Sector for the
development and implementation of citizen-centric mobile applications to improve the
communication between Government and the citizens and to improve the efficiency,
agility and Innovation.
8.6 Promote the cloud infrastructure and associated delivery models (PaaS, SaaS, and IaaS)
to be offered across the globe to attract local and international markets through special
incentives programs.
8.7 Focus on capacity building in big data and cloud computing to build requisite skills for
effective and efficient delivery of new and improved services.
8.8 Provision of measures for the security of sensitive business & individual data in a big-
data environment.

Digital Pakistan Policy 2017 Page 24

9 ICT for Girls

9.1 Promote the use of ICT technology among girls for their empowerment and to bridge
the digital divide.
9.2 Initiate ‘ICT for Girls’ programs across the country for training in software skills so that
girls can have an opportunity to earn a decent livelihood. Establish Women
Empowerment Centers and IT Labs in girls’ schools of unserved and underserved areas
of the country to train young girls in highly sellable IT skills (computing, coding, and
communication) through collaboration with private sector.
9.3 Provide incentives to boost digital services and applications for Girls’ empowerment
(direct-to-mobile strategy) lowering barriers to technology adoption.
9.4 Strengthen international cooperation in the area of access to ICT and active
participation of women and girls in the digital society.

10 Digital Services

10.1 Leverage positive growth trajectory of smart phones and broadband penetration as an
instrument for enabling secure digital services including ‘m-government’ for ubiquitous
delivery of online citizen services as well as ‘FinTech’ applications for the unbanked
segment of the society.
10.2 Promote the availability and adoption of digital services aimed to achieve Sustainable
Development Goals especially in m-education, m-
Promote the availability
health, m-agriculture, m-commerce etc. and adoption of digital
10.3 Devise regulatory framework for each category of digital services aimed to
services (Informational, financial, social-networking and achieve SDG’s especially
in m-education, m-
entertainment/live streaming services). health, m-agriculture, m-
10.4 Promote development of an ecosystem for enabling commerce, etc.
innovation and entrepreneurship related to digital
services including mobile Value Added Services (VAS).

Digital Pakistan Policy 2017 Page 25

 10.5 Promote collaboration among government offices to deliver integrated, coherent
service patterns for the delivery of citizen-centric digital services by identifying and
standardizing commonly used transactions.
10.6 Utilize sufficient funds for digital services and applications through relevant funding
agencies (e.g. USF and National ICT R&D Fund) for the dissemination & promotion of
these services in underserved & unserved areas.

11 Local Languages Content Development

11.1 Support creation and sharing of content in natural and regional/local languages to
bridge the digital divide.
11.2 Support the creation of text to speech software for Urdu and regional/local languages
that can be used to enhance the utility of basic mobile phone based text messages as
well as for normal computer usage.
11.3 Collaborate with local technology associations, academia and industry incubation
centers to promote R&D and localization of relevant content and its usage.
11.4 Enable all public websites with national language support.

12 Persons with disabilities (PWDs)

12.1 Involve Civil Society, Private Sector Organizations and other relevant stakeholders for
developing and instituting holistic ecosystem to promote ICT accessibility for Persons
with Disabilities (PWDs).
12.2 Setup an “ICT Accessibility Unit” within Public Sector Organizations and encourage
Private Sector/Companies to establish an equivalent unit in rural and urban areas to
coordinate activities within and outside agencies/companies to train and facilitate
PWDs.
12.3 Collaborate with local and international software industry to introduce ICT
infrastructure and software applications for PWDs along with local language support.
12.4 Formulate standards in IT and Telecommunications to ensure that adoption of
technologies is inclusive of PWD community and are developed on a universal design
concept.

Digital Pakistan Policy 2017 Page 26

 12.5 Provision of incentives, including exemption of duties for ICT devices and software tools
used by PWDs and to subsidize the cost of assistive
Ensure implementation of
technologies & equipment (in consultation with relevant international standards for
stakeholders) to ensure their affordability for PWDs. official government
websites to enable them
12.6 Ensure adoption of funding criteria by bilateral/
for the accessibility of
multilateral donors and international funding agencies PWDs
that promote ICT accessibility for PWDs.
12.7 Provision of ICT accessibility for PWDs in all forms of competitive exams.
12.8 Consideration of PWDs in all national level ICT schemes/initiatives of GOP.

13 Open Source

13.1 Enhance the skills and capabilities within government to evaluate open source ICT
products and services as an option.
13.2 Ensure fair consideration of both types of software i.e. open source and proprietary
during the procurement process. Government IT initiatives should make assessments
and cost-benefit and security analysis to determine most appropriate action for each
project.
13.3 Encourage R&D of “Open Source” across the country through appropriate means.

14 Local Manufacturing of Hardware

14.1 Focus on ‘Hardware Development/Manufacturing’ as a thematic area.

14.2 Promote the local assembly and manufacturing of IT hardware (Desktop PCs, Laptops,
Mobile Handsets, Network equipment, LEDs, Microprocessors, etc.).
14.3 Existing special incentives package for mobile phone manufacturers in Pakistan (Finance
Bill - 2015-16) will be further enhanced and such initiatives will be introduced to boost
local assembling and manufacturing for a broad range of IT hardware.
14.4 For public sector procurement regarding IT hardware, Government of Pakistan will give
first preference to local manufacturers to ensure local value addition.
Digital Pakistan Policy 2017 Page 27
 14.5 Transfer management control of existing manufacturing concerns in the public sector
to the private sector through equity participation or long-term lease.
14.6 To work with relevant stakeholders, regarding accession to Information Technology
Agreement (ITA) under the framework of WTO, in-line with necessities of local
hardware manufacturing industry.

Digital Pakistan Policy 2017 Page 28

Policy Implementation & Reviews

The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications (MoITT) will develop an

‘Action Plan’ along with relevant ministries and departments detailing the time frame and
outputs. MoITT will play the role of an enabler and facilitator, providing necessary guidance
where required, while relevant federal ministries, divisions and departments will take the lead
role for the implementation of policy strategy falling within their domain. Financial details of
each initiative as outlined by the action plan will be worked out by the relevant ministries and
departments.

The policy implementation will require consistent monitoring and evaluation of its outcomes.
However, an appropriate strategy will also be prepared to align the ‘Action Plan’ with key
priority areas for proper monitoring and evaluation.

IT Ministry will encourage provincial departments and bodies to use this Digital Pakistan Policy
as a guideline for their own IT initiatives. Provinces can identify their own unique requirements
and implementation frameworks. However broader alignment to the national level Digital
Pakistan Policy must be ensured.

The IT Sector is one of the most dynamic sectors therefore, requisite measures will be adopted
to cope-up with latest trends and technologies in the field of Information Technology. One such
measure will be to ensure annual reviews of the policy to keep it relevant, vibrant and up-to-
date.

Roles & Responsibilities

For implementation of the Digital Pakistan Policy, various ministries and departments will be
involved. Considering the involvement of broad spectrum of agencies, it is appropriate to align
the agencies with their specific roles and responsibilities for clarity.
Responsibilities/assignments being proposed as part of this policy are attached at Annexure-1.

Digital Pakistan Policy 2017 Page 29

 Annexure-1
(Roles & Responsibility Matrix)
Policy Initiatives Key Areas
Legislation  Intellectual Property Rights
 Data protection & Privacy
 Framework for Cloud based
services
 E-Commerce
Policy/framework
 Data Security &
Authentication
Human Resource  Structured Gap Analysis
Development Program
 ICT Capacity Building Centers
 ICT for Girls Programs
 Internships
Infrastructure  Technology Parks
Development  National Incubation Centers
 E-Payment Gateway
 Tele-Centers
Entrepreneurship, R&I,  Training
Freelancing  International Collaboration
 Technology Incubators
 Seed funding for Start-ups
 Awareness Programs
Digital Pakistan Policy 2017
Responsible Ministry/Division/Department
Ministry of Commerce
Ministry of Law, Justice and human rights
Ministry of Defense
National Information Technology Board (NITB)
National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC)
Provincial IT Boards
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)
Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human
Resource Development
Capital Administration & Development Division
Ministry of Professional and Technical Training
PSEB
TDAP
NITB
National ICT R&D Fund
USF
Provincial IT Boards
PTA
Ministry of Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs,
Statistics and Privatization
Ministry of Planning, Development and Reforms
MoITT
Provincial IT Boards
HEC
SMEDA
Ministry of Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs,
Statistics and Privatization
Ministry of Planning, Development and Reforms
MoITT
PSEB
National ICT R&D Fund
USF
Provincial IT Boards
Ministry of Science and Technology
SMEDA
Ministry of Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs,
Statistics and Privatization
Ministry of Planning, Development and Reforms
MoITT
National ICT R&D Fund
USF
SMEDA
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E-Governance  Integration of Databases MoITT
 E-Procurement Ministry of Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs,
Statistics and Privatization
 M-Government
Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform
 G-Cloud Cabinet Division
 E-democracy (5.1.9) Ministry of Interior
NADRA
HEC

E-Agriculture  Agriculture Information Portal
 Geographical Information
System (GIS)
 IT Trainings for farm extension
workers
 ICT Capacity Building of
Agriculture institutions and
farmers
Ministry of National Food Security & Research
Ministry of Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs,
Statistics and Privatization
Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform
MoITT
Provincial Agriculture Departments

E-Justice  Automation of Courts Supreme Court of Pakistan

 Provision of online forms Chambers of Supreme Court
Federal and provincial High Courts
 Online dispute resolution
Federal Services Tribunal
District Courts
Accountability Courts
Bar Councils/lawyer community
Ministry of Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs,
Statistics and Privatization
Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform
MoITT
E-Health  Tele-medicine Ministry of National Health Services Regulations
 HMIS and Coordination
Capital Administration & Development Division
Ministry of Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs,
Statistics and Privatization
Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform
MoITT
Provincial IT Boards
E-Energy  Smart Meters Ministry of Water and Power and its allied
 Smart Grids departments
Ministry of Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs,
Statistics and Privatization
Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform
MoITT
E-Commerce  E-Payment Gateway Ministry of Commerce
Ministry of Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs,
Statistics and Privatization

Digital Pakistan Policy 2017 Page 31

  E-Commerce Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform
Policy/framework MoITT
 IT enablement of logistics TDAP
PSEB
operators
CCP
SECP
Ministry of Law, Justice and Human Rights
Ministry of Industries & Production
State Bank of Pakistan
Software Exports  Venture Capital Funds MoITT
 Accelerators Ministry of Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs,
Statistics and Privatization
 Training
Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform
 International Events & Provincial IT Boards
Marketing campaigns Ministry of Commerce
 Incentive Programs TDAP
 Placement of Business Foreign Office
Development experts FBR
PRAL
 Tax Treatment of software
National ICT R&D Fund
Industry
Cloud computing & big  Database Integration MoITT
Data  Cloud based Citizens oriented Ministry of Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs,
services Statistics and Privatization
Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform
 Capacity building in Big Data
FBR
PRAL
Ministry of Interior
NADRA
ICT for GIRLS  Training, Capacity building MoITT
 Application Development USF
ICT R&D Fund
PSEB
Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal
Private Sector Companies
Benazir Income Support Program
PWD’s  ICT accessibility for PWDs Ministry of law, justice and human rights
 ICT accessibility Unit Ministry of Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs,
Statistics and Privatization
 Standards formulation
Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform
 Incentives program MoITT
USF
PTA
PSEB
Ministry of Housing & Works
CDA
Open Source  Skills & Capabilities PPRA
enhancements MoITT
 R&D Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform

Digital Pakistan Policy 2017 Page 32


Digital Services  M-Government
 M-Health, M-Education, M-
Agriculture, M-Commerce
 Regulatory framework
ICT Education  ICT Curriculum
 Network Accessibility
 Early Child-hood coding
programs
 E-Portals
Local language Content  Reduction in digital divide
Development through local content creation
 Text to speech software
 R&D and Collaboration
Local Manufacturing of  Hardware related R&D
Hardware  Special incentive package
 Skill development programs
 Taxation
 Accession to ITA
Digital Pakistan Policy 2017
PSEB
SMEDA
MoITT
Ministry of Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs,
Statistics and Privatization
Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform
Federal Government
Cabinet Division
Ministry of Interior
NADRA
HEC
Capital Administration & Development Division
Ministry of Professional and Technical Training
MoITT
Ministry of Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs,
Statistics and Privatization
Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform
Cabinet Division
Higher Education Commission (HEC)
Cabinet Division
Languages Authorities
MoITT
NTC
National ICT R&D Fund Co
Ministry of Commerce
Ministry of Industries & Production
MoITT
Ministry of Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs,
Statistics and Privatization
Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform
Federal Board of Revenue (FBR)
Page 33
 References

 Government of Pakistan Ministry of Youth Affairs Islamabad, National Youth Policy

 Pakistan vision 2025, Ministry of Planning, Development and Reforms
 Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-Organization) Act,
 Telecom Policy 2015, Ministry of Information Technology
 Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, Ministry of Information Technology
 e-Governance Master Plan Document, Ministry of IT and NIPA Korea
 ITU Report on ICT accessibility for Persons with Disabilities
 Digital Services Policy, Government of Australia, 2016
 Paper on Singapore’s ICT Policy for the new millennium : implications for SMEs
 Project concept paper on National ICT R&D Fund Co National Incubator Center
 Presentation document on Korean – Government Driven ICT Policy by Byoung Nam Lee,
PhD.
 A report 'Global Online Employment Report' published on
https://www.elance.com/q/online-employment-report' by Elance, an Upwork Company
 ICTs as an instrument in advancing girls’ and women’s capabilities in school education in
Africa, United Nations Division for the Advancement of Women Expert Group Meeting on
“Information and Communication Technologies and their impact on and use as an
instrument for the advancement and empowerment of women” Seoul, Republic of Korea,
11-14 November 2002
 Women’s Empowerment in the Digital Age: Action Plan Global Normative Framework
References by ITU

Digital Pakistan Policy 2017 Page 34