Government Positions National Digital Master Plan as a Driver of Growth Across Sectors
Federal Government's Digital Transformation Strategy
The Federal government is initiating a National Digital Master plan focused on three key areas: digital governance, digital economy, and digital society. This strategy aims to foster growth across sectors and enhance citizen services.
Senator Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Establishment Division, expressed his commitment to advancing this Masterplan, with the goal of discussing it at an upcoming meeting of provincial chief ministers with the Prime Minister.
Digitalization for Tangible Outcomes
During a meeting on the Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA), Senator Cheema emphasized that digitalization and AI-driven transformation should result in tangible outcomes across all government sectors, contributing to overall growth. He instructed that the PDA's sector-wise plans should define clear practical outcomes and realistic timelines.
Sectoral Agenda Review
The meeting reviewed the sector-wide agenda, including proposals for health, education, commerce, and other areas. The PDA will delve into these topics more deeply at its next gathering.
Education: Skills Development
Senator Cheema highlighted the necessity of a structured plan to integrate modern digital and AI skills into educational institutions, catering to both primary and middle-grade students. He advocated for equipping students with future-relevant skills through formal education supported by contemporary knowledge and practices.
Healthcare: Unified Patient Records
The discussion at the meeting touched on the implementation of unified patient records and a registry to maintain clinical histories and treatment information across public and private hospitals. A CNIC-based computerised system could enhance accessibility to patient records and facilitate continuity of care, according to Senator Cheema.
Building Digital Capacity
The PDA underscored the need for dedicated AI experts and digitally literate focal persons within ministries and divisions to support digital transformation and data collection. Senator Cheema suggested training existing IT personnel for these roles and leveraging the Establishment Division's pool of e-Office staff for additional support. Further discussions on staffing arrangements with Establishment Division were planned.
Collaboration with NITB
The PDA informed the meeting that it was already collaborating with federal divisions to strengthen digital capacity, in partnership with the National Information Technology Board (NITB).