ISLAMABAD: In a historic moment for Pakistan’s burgeoning Information Technology (IT) sector, the country unveiled its inaugural IT Export Strategy.
The ceremony, attended by prominent figures including Federal Minister of IT Dr. Umar Saif and Chairman of the Pakistan Software Houses Association (Pasha) Zohaib Khan, marked a significant step forward for the industry and the nation’s digital future.
The launch of the IT Export Strategy on Thursday is a testament to Pakistan’s commitment to harnessing the potential of its IT industry. The ceremony brought together key stakeholders and leaders in the field, reflecting the collaborative efforts aimed at transforming Pakistan into a prominent player in the global IT landscape.
Dr. Umar Saif, the Federal Minister of IT, hailed the strategy as a potential game-changer for Pakistan’s IT sector. The Pakistan Software Houses Association (Pasha), acting as the representative body of the IT industry, expressed its wholehearted support for the initiative, highlighting its transformative impact on the country’s IT exports.
The strategy’s significance lies in its potential to catapult Pakistan’s IT exports to unprecedented levels, contingent on collaboration with financial institutions such as the State Bank. This cooperation is crucial for providing the necessary facilities to the IT industry, ensuring a conducive environment for growth and innovation.
Addressing the gathering, the Italian Ambassador to Pakistan, Andreas Ferraris, underscored the importance of Pakistan’s youthful population, emphasizing the need for training in freelancing. Italy expressed readiness to collaborate with Pakistan in the IT sector, recognizing the untapped potential and opportunities for mutual growth.
The Deputy British High Commissioner echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of the IT Export Strategy for Pakistan. He highlighted the existing collaboration between Pakistan and the UK in the IT domain and expressed the UK’s willingness to support Pakistani IT companies. The Commissioner acknowledged the remarkable potential in Pakistan’s IT sector and underscored the value of leveraging each other’s experiences for mutual benefit.
Dr. Umar Saif provided a comprehensive overview of Pakistan’s IT landscape during his address, positioning the country as the fifth-largest globally. He highlighted the staggering number of social media users in Pakistan, surpassing the population of Canada. Despite these achievements, challenges persist, such as the significant number of children out of school and the imperative to provide training for the more than 30,000 IT graduates produced annually.
The IT Ministry, under the guidance of Dr. Umar Saif, announced plans to train 16,000 youth in IT this year and outlined a robust three-year plan for IT graduates. The creation of the Pakistan Startups Fund, aimed at supporting entrepreneurial ventures, was unveiled as part of the strategy. This initiative is expected to bring in a substantial investment of 1 billion dollars, fostering a culture of innovation and startups in the country.
Dr. Umar Saif shed light on the vast workforce of freelancers in Pakistan, which is the world’s second-largest. With 1.5 million Pakistanis connected to online platforms, efforts are underway to facilitate freelancers by engaging with global payment platforms such as PayPal and Stripe. Additionally, co-working spaces tailored for freelancers are in the pipeline, aimed at enhancing convenience and collaboration.
The Federal Minister delved into the economic impact of Pakistan’s real IT exports, amounting to 5 billion dollars. Recognizing the potential for growth, the IT Export Strategy aspires to achieve a target of 10 billion dollars in the next few years. This ambitious goal aligns with Pakistan’s commitment to positioning itself as a major player in the global IT market.
Furthermore, the ceremony introduced key initiatives to support the strategy’s objectives. The establishment of Punjab-style e-employment centers dedicated to freelancers and the creation of 10,000 working spaces across Pakistan were announced. These e-employment centers are projected to generate 10 billion dollars annually, contributing significantly to the country’s economy.
The unveiling of a framework for Pakistani startups was a pivotal moment, signaling a strategic move to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. This framework aims to attract an investment of 1 billion dollars into startups, paving the way for a thriving startup ecosystem in Pakistan.
The comprehensive strategy also addresses crucial infrastructure developments, including plans to connect Gwadar and Kashgar through a marine cable. This ambitious endeavor is expected to draw global interest, with multiple countries joining this route.
Dr. Umar Saif highlighted the remarkable progress in the mobile phone industry, with the export of phones made in Pakistan reaching 1.5 crore. A new policy for the mobile phone industry is in the works, further strengthening the foundation for technological advancements in the country.
Addressing the critical issue of cybersecurity, Dr. Umar Saif revealed the formulation of a policy against cyber threats. Under this policy, a cybersecurity framework will be established to safeguard data and information from potential breaches. Websites involved in data leakage are being blocked to ensure the security of sensitive information.
One of the significant announcements made during the ceremony was the approval of the Digital Platform Framework by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC). This platform is poised to secure data for both government and private institutions, providing a robust and secure foundation for digital operations.
The Federal Minister disclosed that all telecom companies in Pakistan are currently utilizing 273 MHz of spectrum. With plans to launch an additional 300 MHz of spectrum within eight months, the government aims to enhance telecom services and provide citizens with improved connectivity.
The launch of Pakistan’s first IT Export Strategy signifies a transformative moment for the country’s IT sector. The comprehensive and ambitious initiatives outlined in the strategy underscore Pakistan’s commitment to harnessing the full potential of its IT industry. The collaboration between the government, industry stakeholders, and international partners is a testament to the collective efforts aimed at positioning Pakistan as a key player in the global IT landscape. As the strategy unfolds, it holds the promise of fostering innovation, creating economic opportunities, and driving sustainable growth for Pakistan’s digital future.
