IT minister committed to ‘Digital Pakistan’

Highlights need for enhanced cooperation among states

DAVOS:
Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Anusha Rehman has stated that the transformation to ‘Digital Pakistan’ is a priority agenda with special emphasis on `Bridging Broadband Divide’ to enable socio-economic development through innovation and entrepreneurship.

She said this while presenting Pakistan’s information and communications technology (ICT) experiences and successes with the ICT Ministers of South Asia on ‘Digital Economy and Society in South Asia’ during the World Economic Forum annual meeting

“Pakistan aims to leapfrog its transition to a knowledge-based economy, creating a globally competitive and prosperous country that provides a high quality of life for all its citizens,” she said.

The minister is currently attending the World Economic Forum 2017 on the special invitation from the managing board of the forum and is a keynote speaker and contributor at the main events of the digital economy track.

Speaking on a session about “A Magna Carta for the Internet,” the minister pointed out that owing to the global nature of challenges on internet governance, enhanced cooperation among states and building consensus around a set of agreed international protocols has become critically important to strengthen the stability, trust and security in the cyberspace.


Rehman highlighted the need for protection of rights to enable an environment conducive to universal access to the internet for all segments and businesses. The minister, while speaking at the main event, acknowledged that the specialised track of the WEF on digital economy will immensely help hone global efforts and supplement strategies to reap the benefits of the digital revolution.

“It will not only lead to enablement of broad cross-section of our citizens but will also help us contribute to achieve the digital agenda.”

She shed light on the role of global collaboration; enhance industry partnerships and domestic policies which will determine the steep targets that the global community has to set for itself till 2030 to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Published in The Express Tribune, January 18th, 2017.



 
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