KARACHI: The Sindh government is advancing its digital transformation agenda with plans to establish a Provincial Data Centre, aiming to enhance e-governance, cybersecurity, and public service delivery. This initiative was discussed in a meeting between Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and the National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC).

According to Chief Minister Sindh, the meeting, attended by key provincial officials and NTC representatives, focused on collaborating to develop a comprehensive proposal and implementation plan for the data centre. The NTC, as the sole government-owned ICT service provider, plays a crucial role in providing secure telecom and IT services nationwide. Major General (R) Ali Farhan of NTC highlighted the corporation’s existing ICT infrastructure and its plans to expand data centre facilities, including a new centre in Karachi.

The Chief Minister emphasized that secure data infrastructure is essential for effective governance and public trust. He noted that the data centre would support digital governance and technological innovation, aiming to reduce operational risks and improve inter-departmental coordination. The initiative is also designed to extend high-speed connectivity to rural areas, enhancing access to healthcare, education, and online services.

The proposed data centre will underpin future projects in artificial intelligence and smart governance while aligning with international standards for cybersecurity. The project may be developed through a Public-Private Partnership model, with the provincial government committed to working closely with NTC. The meeting concluded with an agreement to enhance cooperation to achieve a secure and digitally empowered Sindh.