Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has mandated the prompt integration of federal institutions with Sky 47, a newly established national data centre, as part of efforts to enhance digital governance in the country.

According to Radio Pakistan, Prime Minister Sharif issued the directive during a review meeting in Islamabad focused on the National Digital Policy Framework. The centralization of government data under a single national data centre aims to eliminate the need for separate data centres across institutions, potentially conserving national resources.

The Prime Minister emphasized the role of the Pakistan Digital Authority in steering digital governance and public service delivery. He highlighted progress under the National Digital Vision, which is structured around three core pillars: digital economy, digital public services, and digital government services.

The Prime Minister called for the accelerated implementation of the National Digital Vision, particularly in the sectors of health, agriculture, utilities, housing, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This initiative is expected to enable citizens to access various services, such as government document verification, banking, and healthcare, through a unified digital identity.

Additionally, Prime Minister Sharif instructed that a meeting of the National Digital Commission be convened promptly to involve all stakeholders, including provincial representatives, in the policy’s execution.

The meeting attendees were informed that the National Digital Vision’s implementation has already commenced in priority sectors, with ongoing development in 14 additional sectors. This initiative is projected to enhance sector performance, stimulate economic activity, and foster industrial and commercial growth.

The digital housing system will introduce a central identification number for all properties, and the framework for SMEs will create a unified legal identity system for businesses. Legal, administrative, and institutional measures for the Vision’s implementation are reportedly being fast-tracked, leveraging international best practices and expert advice.