PM asks Google to support IT expansion

Govt to establish ICT centres to boost employment and promote IT: Gilani.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Thursday asked Google Inc. Executive Chairman Eric Emerson Schmidt to help Pakistan in its programme of establishing universal service centres at union councils throughout the country. Talking to the executive chairman of Google Inc., who called on the premier at his Parliament chamber, Gilani said that the government was determined to set up information technology (IT) centres to boost employment opportunities and promote IT in the far-flung areas of the country.

He said that Pakistan was witnessing rapid growth in internet adoption at a growth rate of 120% during the past three years. He said that the number of broadband internet users have surpassed the seven million mark. This growth is expected to continue in the future as more individuals will join the cyber world, he added.

The premier said that he recently announced a venture capital fund of $10 million and would like Google to also contribute to it besides its social innovation fund.

He underscored the need of utilising technology for electronic compilation of data about cross-border movements between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which will help track down illegal immigrants and terrorists.

Speaking on the occasion, Google Inc Executive Chairman Eric Emerson Schmidt said that demographic composition of the Pakistani population was a great national asset and the Pakistani youth is talented and eager to get acquainted with IT. He assured the prime minister that his company was willing to help Pakistan in spreading ICT throughout the country. He said that connectivity offered the best choices to the youth to get themselves gainfully engaged which in turn was critical to combat the extremist tendencies. Schmidt said that the building up and maintenance of database through use of technology was crucial to deal with security issues as well as law and order situation. He said that it was also important for formulating an economic development strategy.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 16^th, 2012.