Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Dr. Umar Saif, announced the successful achievement of 13 out of 15 key targets set by the caretaker government to promote the IT sector and boost exports within a brief span of five months. In a video message, he underscored the significant strides made during the caretaker period, emphasizing the pivotal role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in supporting the upcoming elected government. Dr. Saif highlighted a significant policy intervention in collaboration with the State Bank, allowing IT companies to retain 50% of their export revenue in dollars in Pakistan, leading to a notable 32% increase in IT exports within the last 60 days.
Moreover, he announced the establishment of a Telecom Tribunal to handle disputes within the telecom sector, aiming to expedite legal proceedings and foster progress in the industry. The Tribunal, to be chaired by a High Court Judge or a lawyer with extensive experience, will facilitate faster resolution of issues, thus propelling the telecom sector forward.
Dr. Saif also discussed measures to revamp IT education, including the introduction of standardized quality tests for IT graduates and collaboration with various entities to align educational programs with industry needs. The Industry Placement Program will offer job opportunities to successful candidates, while funds will be allocated for specialized industry courses in universities.
Furthermore, he addressed the long-standing demand for freelancers to receive payments through PayPal, announcing a solution where remittances will be channeled through PayPal via a third party, eliminating the need for freelancers to open PayPal accounts.
The minister also highlighted the nation’s first space policy, allowing international companies to provide communication services through low-orbit satellites, and expressed confidence in launching 5G services by July-August, with plans to enhance the optic fiber network and establish 10,000 e-Rozgar centers across the country.
Additionally, Dr. Saif announced a Rs 2 billion Pakistan Startup Fund to accelerate venture capital investment and a 3% R&D incentive for the local handset manufacturing industry to make locally manufactured phones globally competitive in terms of price.
In conclusion, Dr. Umar Saif reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering a robust digital ecosystem in Pakistan, positioning the country as a technology destination on the global stage and driving economic growth through innovation and entrepreneurship.
