State Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja presented the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill in the National Assembly on Monday, aiming to establish a comprehensive framework for digital identity and governance.
According to the bill, the proposed legislation seeks to make Pakistan a digitally empowered society by building a strong digital economy, fostering innovation, and ensuring efficient governance through digital initiatives.
The draft law outlines the formation of three key entities: the National Digital Commission (NDC), the Strategic Oversight Committee (SOC), and the Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA). Together, these bodies will oversee the nation’s digital transition, coordinate initiatives, and monitor performance.
The NDC, chaired by the prime minister, will develop strategic policies and provide direction for the country’s digital progress. The PDA will focus on implementing these policies, ensuring alignment across federal, provincial, and local levels, while the SOC will independently assess the PDA’s performance and report back to the NDC.
A central objective of the bill is to modernize governance and enable the delivery of better public services by leveraging digital technologies. The master plan emphasizes secure data governance, the creation of robust digital public infrastructure, and the promotion of digital literacy.
By addressing economic growth, service improvements, and privacy protection, the legislation aims to position Pakistan as a leader in the digital age while aligning with global standards.
The bill has been forwarded to the standing committee for further review.
