ISLAMABAD, Apr 10 (APP):Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui Wednesday said a comprehensive cyber security policy, using a multi-stakeholder approach has been devised and would be introduced soon.
The cyber security is an issue of global concern and countries are adopting cyber governance frameworks.
Cyberspace is increasingly being used as a vehicle of crime and other social ills, which necessitates its security, safety and resilience in order to foster its positive dimensions that includes bridging digital divide while influencing every aspect of economic and social activities, he said.
He was talking to media persons after having a meeting with a high-level delegation of Allied ICT Finland (AIF), which called on him here to discuss matters related to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and digitalisation.
Dr Khalid Maqbool said relating to cyber security the Ministry of IT in consultation with other ministries and institutions would set up such a strong system to get better results.
The minister also emphasized that collaborative endeavours of all relevant organizations would take the country forward and achieve dream of prosperity.
He said that adoption of technology was an imperative to give next generation a better and prosperous future.
“My heart goes with young generation and his ministry has been working to spur academic and entrepreneurial growth,” he said while replying to a question.
He said, “We need to keep our pace with the world to generate more employment opportunities and end unemployment. It is the technology and quality education which have helped in minimizing poverty.
He said the government was working on establishing a regulatory body on IT education in order to ensue quality and create more employment opportunities for the youth.
Pakistan produces 25,000 IT graduates, but only a few thousands get job in the market, the minister said.
Dr Khalid Maqbool said many countries in the region have gone far beyond in area of IT education and added it was very important to determine correct direction.
He said Allied ICT Finland (AIF) was a collaboration network of Finnish ICT research institutes and added that he discussed with the delegation national research, standardization body for improving and enhancing quality of education and research based on international standards, development of sustainable progression programmes for entrepreneurs and start-ups at grassroots by developing a National Network of Research, Innovation and Commercialization centres.
Possible collaboration on students exchange and scholarship programme for Pakistani students was also discussed.
Dr Khalid said the delegation agreed to support Pakistan in standardization for improving and enhancing quality of IT education.
He said the delegation of Allied ICT Finland was also asked to engage with Virtual University to explore areas of bilateral interest.
Replying to another question, he said, the ministry has proposed projects relating to e-governance, e-health and e-education for the next fiscal year budget and “we hope to have reasonable allocation for the purpose.”
