Islamabad: Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema and Advisor to the Prime Minister’s Office Dr. Tauqeer Shah co-chaired a meeting to discuss the progress of Pakistan’s National Digital Masterplan (NDMP), focusing on enhancing coordination among federal and provincial entities to advance the nation’s digital transformation efforts.

According to Press Information Department, officials including Federal Minister for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Secretary IT Zarrar Hashim Khan, and Chairman Pakistan Digital Authority Dr. Sohail Munir, briefed the meeting on strategies and current projects related to the NDMP. These initiatives aim to bolster digital governance, economy, infrastructure, and societal reforms nationwide.

Minister Ahad Cheema emphasized the necessity of provincial involvement for the NDMP’s successful execution, describing it as a comprehensive framework for a coordinated digital shift across crucial sectors, such as education and health. He expressed optimism that provincial consultations would conclude before the federal budget, aligning priorities and ensuring readiness for the upcoming fiscal year. Cheema highlighted the role of inter-provincial cooperation in establishing unified digital systems, improving service delivery, and enhancing governance transparency and efficiency.

The meeting also evaluated a proposal to include a digital transformation aspect in the planning of new development projects, akin to existing environmental considerations, to ensure technology integration from the start. This approach aims to enhance governance, transparency, and service delivery across various sectors.

The NDMP aspires to position Pakistan as a leading digital nation by investing in infrastructure, connectivity, skills development, and fostering a technology-driven economy. The plan emphasizes digital entrepreneurship, public sector digital services, and a secure digital infrastructure to attract investment and create youth employment opportunities.

Minister Cheema noted that the public stands to benefit significantly from the masterplan, as it aims to reduce human intervention and simplify access to government services. He assured that the government, building on successful digital projects like the Prime Minister’s e-Office initiative, is committed to the NDMP’s successful implementation.