Hajra Naz
Pakistan will have a pilot Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy prepared by the end of this month, the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT and Telecom was told Tuesday. This is a noteworthy progression in the nation’s specialized advancement and positions AI as a major drive behind future development and development.
Delay in Data Protection Bill Raises Concerns
During the meeting, Committee Chairman Syed Aminul Haq expressed concern over the drawn-out delay in finalizing the Data Protection Bill. He criticized the need for urgency in its completion, focusing on the requirement for strong information protection laws to ensure citizens in the computerized era.
In reaction, IT Service authorities guaranteed the committee that partner discussions were progressing and that the charge would be finalized before long.
Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) and IT Budget Allocations
The committee also reviewed the IT Ministry’s Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) funding for the fiscal year 2024-25. It was revealed that Rs. 24 billion has been allocated for ongoing and new development projects.
The Special Communications Organization (SCO) is spearheading a Rs. 780 million project aimed at expanding mobile service coverage to 28 new locations.
Officials further reported that over Rs. 23 billion was allocated for development projects in the current fiscal year, with Rs. 2 billion spent so far. Looking ahead, the IT Ministry will require Rs. 43 billion in the next fiscal year to fund 18 major projects, including:
- Six projects under the Special Communications Organization (SCO)
- Seven initiatives led by the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB)
- Hybrid power solutions to support infrastructure growth
A key component of this strategy is a Rs. 870 million hybrid power project for Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan, which will require an additional Rs. 500 million in FY26.
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Pakistan’s Semiconductor Industry: A Potential Revenue Generator
The meeting also touched upon Pakistan’s potential in the semiconductor industry. Officials highlighted the immense revenue opportunities this sector offers and confirmed that government-to-government agreements are being pursued to drive semiconductor industry growth in the country.
IT Parks: Karachi, Islamabad, and Quetta
Committee members raised concerns over the lack of progress on IT Parks, particularly the Karachi IT Park, where Rs. 6 billion in allocated funds have remained unused, with the project still stuck in the design phase.
In response, IT Ministry officials revealed that they have proposed transferring these funds to the Islamabad IT Park, where development is expected to move forward more swiftly.
The Quetta IT Park was also discussed. Officials noted that, despite three years of deliberations, the project remains a mere proposal. The federal government has suggested allocating land for the park, but progress has been slow. The IT Ministry intends to seek budget allocations for the project in the upcoming fiscal year.
Conclusion
As Pakistan moves toward finalizing its first AI policy, the government is also focusing on key areas such as data protection, IT infrastructure, and semiconductor industry growth. However, delays in critical projects like IT parks and the Data Protection Bill remain challenges that require urgent resolution. The coming months will be crucial in determining how effectively these initiatives are implemented.
