ISLAMABAD, JUL 03 (DNA) – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) launched its official Digital Policy in Islamabad earlier today, with a vision to “transform Pakistan into a knowledge economy making IT the top contributor to Pakistan’s exports and job creation”.

Syed Ahmad presented the Policy and stated that a revised version would be finalized and made available before the elections.

Imran Khan said that PTI will leverage technology to create jobs, increase exports and curb corruption. The party has set an ambitious target of increasing Pakistan’s IT exports to $10 billion over the next 5 years.

Principles Behind the Digital Policy

PTI is aiming to transform Pakistan into a knowledge economy by investing in human capital. Asad Umar was vocal about the government playing the role of a facilitator which enables the private sector rather than competes with it. That’s reflected in the guiding principles behind the Digital Policy as well, which are listed below.

1. To create an enabling environment instead of running businesses, training programs, and incubation centers
2. Long-term policies instead of shortcuts
3. Invest in human capital for a secure future
4. Focus more on the services sector
5. A shift from the industrial era to knowledge economy: changing mindsets

Establishment of a Centralized Knowledge Economy Authority

The driving force behind PTI’s Digital Policy will be a centralized Knowledge Economy Authority.

The Authority will be headed by a CIO with equivalent powers to a Minister of Pakistan and the position will be patronized by the Prime Minister.

The organization will possess statutory powers for procurement, policies, and regulations.

The governing council for the Authority will include government and industry stakeholders and they’ll ensure that the Ministries, Provinces, and Departments across all provinces conform with the National Digital Strategy.