NA body on IT&T okays ‘Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2024’

ISLAMABAD: The Standing Committee of National Assembly on Information Technology & Telecommunication on Wednesday gave approval to the ‘Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2024.’

The meeting was held under Chairman Syed Aminul Haq here at the Committee Room of Ministry of IT&T, Kohsar Block, Islamabad. The committee discussed “The Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, 2024” (Government Bill) in detail.

After detailed deliberation, various aspects of the bill were reviewed, and after considering the amendments presented before the committee, they were endorsed. A vote was conducted for the approval of the Bill, in which 17 members participated; 11 members’ votes were in favour and 6 members voted against it. Therefore, with a majority vote, “The Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2024” was passed by the committee.

Meanwhile, Chairman Committee Syed Aminul Haq said that the purpose of the Act is to transform Pakistan into a digital nation by providing timely opportunities to enable a digital society, digital economy and digital governance, in accordance with technological requirements.

Aminul Haq said that by leveraging the transformative power of digital technologies, responsible use of data, modern service delivery models and strong digital public infrastructure, the people of Pakistan will be able to become a digital nation. This will further accelerate sustainable economic development, modernize the governance framework, improve citizen welfare and provide effective public services, Aminul Haq added.

He further said that the Act also aims to create a progressive digital society, promote a thriving digital economy and establish a shared digital governance ecosystem, which includes secure, comprehensive and collaborative digital public infrastructure.

Minister of State Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja briefed the committee members, clarifying that the bill does not centralize data collection but will help streamline digital identity and improve cybersecurity. She explained that the rules framed under the new bill would reduce corruption and increase the delivery of public services by eliminating the need for paperwork.