The federal government recently took a major step as it actively advances a sweeping National Digital Masterplan. This framework stands on three pillars. These include digital governance, the digital economy, and a digital society. Ultimately, the government aims to drive economic growth and improve public services across Pakistan.
Senator Ahad Khan Cheema chaired a crucial meeting today regarding the Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA). He serves as the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Establishment Division. Minister for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja also attended. Furthermore, PDA Chairman Dr. Sohail Munir and other relevant officials joined the discussion.
National Digital Masterplan to Expand AI & Digital Skills
During the session, the Minister demanded tangible outcomes from digital and AI-driven initiatives. Therefore, the PDA must present realistic timelines and practical sector-wise plans at its next meeting. This upcoming agenda will cover health, education, and commerce.
Specifically for education, the government wants a structured roadmap. Authorities plan to introduce modern digital and AI-related skills directly into educational institutions. Consequently, even primary and middle-grade students will learn future-ready skills through formal schooling.
Unified Health Records & Bureaucratic Shifts
Healthcare saw another major proposition. The meeting discussed building a unified patient registry. This system will rely on computerized CNIC data. As a result, it will maintain clinical histories across both public and private hospitals to ensure continuous patient care.
Meanwhile, the government is revamping its own internal IT capacity. Ministries desperately need dedicated AI experts and digitally literate focal persons to manage reliable data. However, Senator Cheema directed officials to train existing IT staff instead of hiring new personnel. Moreover, the Establishment Division will redeploy staff members freed up by the recent e-Office rollout. The PDA will partner directly with the National Information Technology Board (NITB) to conduct this vital training.
Provincial Alignment & PDA Milestones
The federal government wants national alignment without crossing provincial boundaries. Therefore, officials recently held consultations with provincial IT departments. Better data coordination will undoubtedly help government institutions plan public services more effectively.
Finally, Senator Cheema praised the PDA for its recent technological work. He specifically highlighted its contributions to the Prime Minister’s Fuel Relief Scheme and the PMOS system. Looking ahead, the government will push to place the National Digital Masterplan on the agenda for an upcoming meeting between the Prime Minister and provincial chief ministers.
