The federal government is advancing a National Digital Master plan built on three pillars—digital governance, digital economy and digital society—to support growth across sectors and improve services for citizens.
Government positions national digital master plan as a driver of growth across sectors
ISLAMABAD, Sep 28 (APP): The federal government is advancing a National Digital Master plan built on three pillars—digital governance, digital economy and digital society—to support growth across sectors and improve services for citizens.
Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Establishment Division Senator Ahad Khan Cheema said efforts would be made to place the Masterplan on the agenda of the upcoming meeting of provincial chief ministers with the Prime Minister for discussion.
Senator Cheema made these remarks while chairing a meeting on the Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA). Minister for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Chairman PDA Dr. Sohail Munir and officials of relevant departments attended.
The Minister emphasised that digitalisation and AI-driven transformation should deliver tangible outcomes across government and contribute to growth in every sector.
He said the PDA’s sector-wise plans should set out practical outcomes and realistic time-lines. The sector-wise agenda, including work on health, education, commerce and other areas, will be reviewed at the Authority’s next meeting.
On education, the Minister highlighted the need for a structured roadmap to introduce modern digital and AI-related skills through educational institutions, including for primary and middle-grade students. He said students should be equipped with future-relevant skills through formal learning, supported by up-to-date knowledge and practices.
On healthcare, the meeting discussed unified patient records and a registry to maintain clinical histories and treatment information across public and private hospitals. A computerised, CNIC-based system could help make patient records accessible and support continuity of care, the Minister said.
The PDA highlighted the need for dedicated AI experts and digitally literate focal persons in ministries and divisions to support digital transformation and facilitate the collection and use of reliable data.
Senator Cheema said existing staff responsible for IT-related work should be trained for these roles. He also noted that Establishment Division has a pool of personnel made available through the introduction of e-Office who could be trained and deployed to support the government’s digitalisation work. Further discussion on staffing arrangements would be held with Establishment Division.
The PDA agreed to work with the National Information Technology Board (NITB) on training and informed the meeting that it was already working with federal divisions to strengthen digital capacity.
Senator Cheema appreciated the PDA’s contribution to the launch of the Prime Minister’s Fuel Relief Scheme, as well as its work on the PMOS system and other initiatives. He emphasised extending the Authority’s efforts across more areas of government to deliver tangible benefits to the public.
The meeting also discussed consultations held with provincial IT departments and other stakeholders on the National Digital Masterplan.
The Minister said the objective was to build alignment around a national digital framework while respecting provincial domains. Better coordination on data and registries across sectors, he said, could help government institutions access reliable, verified information and plan public services more effectively.
