Transformation to Digital Nation

Soon after the launch of Telecom Policy 2015, I wrote an article in this newspaper titled "Roadmap to Realise Pakistan's Digital Potential", where I advocated that a high-level body was needed to oversee the adoption of information and communication technologies (ICT). I referenced similar high-level bodies in countries like Japan, South Korea, India, and even the United States (where vice president Al Gore had earlier provided a visionary leadership for the benefit of high-speed computing and communication). Unfortunately, the IT ministry, not just in Pakistan, is treated as too "junior" by the larger and older ministries and departments. For instance, in Pakistan, the issue of the Right of Way remains unresolved, despite the IT ministry's best efforts. And it took nearly 18 years to get the e-office system implemented across all ministries in Islamabad.