zeeshan khan
To improve visibility and upgrade government activities, Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2024 was approved by the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT or Telecommunication.
After the law passed, several lawmakers voiced concerns about data privacy and the possibility of manipulation. However, the panel voted in favor of the bill by a majority.
Khawaja Shiza Fatima, a minister of information technology, told the panel that the law had been updated and that all members had received the updated version. In response to criticism from opponents like Barrister Gohar, Umair Niazi, and Umar Ayub, Shiza Fatima said that the measure did not aim at collecting data in one location, like few had proposed. Rather, the online identification systems would facilitate use of services, and measures are being taken to guarantee strong digital privacy.
She underlined that cybersecurity will be improved following the Digital Master Plan’s execution. No agency, not even NADRA, currently has standardized data. “The Digital Pakistan Bill will reduce lines inside government offices by increasing mobile device accessibility to services,” she responded.
The law was approved with a four-vote majority in the face of resistance. Before moving forward with the bill, the PTI members suggested that their objections be considered.
Concerns on Internet ServicesÂ
Concerns regarding internet service interruptions, board member Umar Ayub stated that “Shark attacks on underwater internet cables caused serious impact.” Additionally, he said that “internet speed is intentionally slowed down wherever PTI holds a protest.” The Digital Nation Bill is opposed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Ayub confirmed, stating, “The digital economy is nearing the edge of collapse, therefore we have the necessary resources to preserve it.”
Umair Niazi, another participant, complained, saying, “Don’t push this step. First take care of our scheduling. He asked when a Digital Commission was really needed. Another panel participant, Barrister Gohar, expressed similar worries and questioned, “Why there’s a requirement to establish a Digital Commission?”
There was a misunderstanding thinking every record will be organized,”Shaza Fatima explained in response to the worries. To increase productivity, institutions are digitized. She underlined numerous programs that would be easier to obtain with a computerized identity.
