Digital Nation Pakistan Bill to Establish Unified Digital Identity, Says Shaza
— December 16, 2024
ISLAMABAD (AIA) Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja announced on Monday that the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, designed to establish a unified digital identity for all citizens, will soon be passed by Parliament. The legislation aims to centralise social, economic, and governance data, accelerating Pakistan’s digital transformation.
Speaking at the National Broadband Network (NBN) Forum 2024—Gigabit for All, organised by Huawei and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Khawaja stated that the bill will foster a robust digital society, economy, and governance framework.
The government plans to form two new bodies under the legislation. The National Digital Commission (NDC), chaired by the prime minister, will include the four chief ministers and key leaders from organisations such as the State Bank, FBR, and PTA. Additionally, the Pakistan Digital Authority, staffed by top industry experts, will develop a comprehensive national digitisation framework and master plan.
The minister emphasised the importance of reliable, high-speed connectivity for modern life, highlighting the government’s digitisation strategy focused on three verticals: economy, governance, and society. Central to this strategy is the establishment of a unified digital identity for every citizen.
She revealed that 70% of cabinet operations are already conducted through e-governance, reflecting Pakistan’s commitment to technology-driven progress.
Khawaja also stressed the importance of child protection in the digital realm, referencing international practices such as Australia’s regulations on children’s social media use and the U.S.’s child protection laws. She urged collective action to ensure a secure digital environment for the youth.
Pakistan’s efforts in cybersecurity were also highlighted, with the country being ranked among the top tiers in the ITU Global Cybersecurity Inde