Pakistan pushes forward with Digital Nation bill despite opposition from Khan’s party

Pakistan’s push toward digital transformation took a major step forward as the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecom approved the “Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2024”, paving the way for its presentation in the National Assembly and later the Senate.

The bill passed by majority vote on Tuesday despite strong opposition from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, which raised concerns over privacy, data misuse, and governance.

The committee, chaired by Federal Minister Syed Aminul Haque, met at the Ministry of IT and Telecom to deliberate on the bill. Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja briefed the panel, emphasizing that the bill is a step toward empowering citizens and addressing issues such as financial fraud and cybersecurity threats.

“This bill will digitize institutions without centralizing data, making services more accessible and fostering transparency,” Khawaja said. She added that resistance from government bodies to digitization is a hurdle the bill seeks to overcome.

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The proposal includes the establishment of a 17-member Digital Nation Commission, chaired by the prime minister, with provincial chief ministers, federal ministers, and heads of key regulatory bodies among its members.

A Digital Pakistan Authority will oversee the implementation of a National Digital Master Plan, while a nine-member Oversight Committee will monitor its performance.

PTI’s reservations

PTI leaders, including opposition leader Omar Ayub Khan and Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, voiced strong objections, alleging inadequate safeguards for data security. Ayub also raised concerns about data misuse and the digital economy’s vulnerability.

Gohar questioned the need for a digital commission, suggesting that provincial representation and higher educational qualifications for authority members be mandated.

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PTI members also criticized delays in internet infrastructure development. “Billions are lost due to poor policies and internet slowness. Fixing these issues is key before moving forward,” said Sher Arbab, a PTI member.

Haque stated that he is leading the committee with a democratic approach. "We aim to foster a digital society and boost the digital economy under the bill," he said, adding that the committee has presented the bill transparently for public and stakeholder review.

What’s in the bill?

The Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2024 proposes the establishment of a 17-member Digital Nation Commission, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Members will include the four provincial chief ministers, six federal ministers, the Chairman of NADRA, the Chairman of SECP, the Chairman of PTA, the Chairman of FBR, the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, and the Chairperson of the Pakistan Digital Authority, who will serve as the commission's secretary.

The commission's responsibilities include setting guidelines for the formation of the National Digital Master Plan, approving infrastructure and recommendations, and facilitating collaboration between federal and provincial governments, institutions, and authorities. Additionally, it will review and authorize recommendations from the Pakistan Digital Authority.

Digital Nation Authority

The bill mandates the creation of a Digital Pakistan Authority. This authority will comprise a chairperson and up to five members, appointed by the prime minister and the commission. Candidates for these positions must have a minimum of 10 years of experience in relevant fields.

The authority will be empowered under the bill to design frameworks and recommendations for the digital transformation of Pakistan. Its headquarters will be in Islamabad, with provisions to establish offices nationwide.

Oversight Committee

An Oversight Committee will also be formed, comprising nine members. Its mandate includes monitoring the Digital Pakistan Authority's work, evaluating its performance, and overseeing the implementation of commission directives.

The Oversight Committee will include four private-sector representatives, whose appointments and dismissals will be managed by the prime minister.

Other members will include representatives from SIFC, the Secretary of the Ministry of IT, the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, the Secretary of the Planning Commission, and the Minister of IT and Telecom, who will act as the committee's convener.

National Digital Master Plan

Under the bill, the Digital Pakistan Authority will develop a National Digital Master Plan. This blueprint will outline steps to transform Pakistan into a fully digital nation.

The plan aims to establish a cohesive strategy for building a digital society, integrating national and international standards, and promoting the efficient use of resources. It will also provide guidelines for fostering a digital ecosystem in alignment with global best practices.