Islamabad: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar approved Ministry of Information and Technology (IT) and Telecommunications’ plan for new comprehensive policy aiming to bring PayPal, and Starlink to Pakistan.

In his meeting with caretaker Minister for IT and Telecom Dr Umar Saif, he appreciated Ministry for its comprehensive measures aimed at tapping unlimited potential of country’s IT sector.

PM issued directives to Ministry of Finance, State Bank of Pakistan, Ministry of Trade and Commerce, Federal Bureau of Revenue and Ministry of Energy to cooperate and collaborate with Ministry of IT on this matter.

According to Dr Saif, new IT policy aims to enhance country’s digital exports via institutionalising dollar retention accounts and allowing an easy flow of money through IT corporate debit cards. Government plans to utilise venture capital to raise investments of up to $ 1 billion for various startups.

Accentuating country’s potential for IT sector, he said that Pakistan’s digital exports have potential to reach $ 10 billion mark if hurdles are duly addressed and removed.

We have already commenced the programme for training of 200,000 professionals who will contribute towards increasing Pakistan’s IT exports to up to $ 5 billion, he added.

New policy aims to ensure enhanced and efficient utilisation of available spectrum via extensive reforms in this domain.

Expressing his views on cell phone manufacturing in country, Dr Saif said Pakistan is seventh largest market for cell phones in world therefore, Ministry intends to incentivise local manufacturing and export of smartphones.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 07 2023

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