ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Monday tabled the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill in the National Assembly as part of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s national digital agenda spanning economy, society, and governance. 

On December 16, 2024, Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja tabled the Digital Pakistan Bill in the National Assembly. The proposed legislation seeks to centralize social, economic, and governance data while laying the foundation for a digitally empowered nation. Its primary goals include fostering a dynamic digital society, promoting a robust digital economy, and enhancing governance through technology-driven solutions.

The bill emphasizes the transformative potential of digital technologies to drive innovation, boost economic growth, and improve societal well-being. By accelerating sustainable development, enhancing public service delivery, and modernizing governance, it aims to improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency in government operations.

Key governance bodies proposed under the bill include the National Digital Commission (NDC), the Strategic Oversight Committee (SOC), and the Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA). The NDC, chaired by the Prime Minister and comprising federal and provincial leaders, will set the strategic vision and policy framework for the country’s digital transformation.

The PDA will be responsible for implementing these policies by coordinating and harmonizing digital initiatives across all levels of government. Meanwhile, the SOC will monitor the PDA’s performance, providing independent reviews to the NDC to ensure alignment with the national digital strategy.

A central feature of the bill is the National Digital Masterplan, which outlines a comprehensive strategy for synchronizing digital initiatives, eliminating redundancies across federal, provincial, and local governments, and driving economic growth through enhanced public service delivery.

By establishing a cohesive framework for digital development, the Digital Pakistan Bill aims to position the country as a leader in digital innovation, fostering a resilient and inclusive digital economy that benefits all citizens.