25^th October, 2016: Dr. Umar Saif, Chairman Punjab IT Board, launched the first draft of Punjab IT Policy 2016 for public consultation at the 3^rd PITB Roundtable. The Round Table Conference was organised by TechHUb Connect (a project of Punjab Information Technology Board), with more than 120 top executives, start-ups and academics from the IT Sector and key government representatives including members from Punjab Board of Investment & Trade (PBIT), Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) in attendance.

Dr. Umar Saif briefed the participants regarding the contours of the IT Policy which will address issues related to access to ICTs for citizens, improving digital financial inclusion, quality of education, promotion of entrepreneurship, taxation, and attracting investments in the IT and Electronic Hardware manufacturing Sector. Through the IT policy, government shall recognise provision of internet as a basic utility and work for its incorporation in infrastructure development consideration through right of way policy.

1. Umar Saif also announced that PITB shall act us the funding body for a nationwide IT census and invited representatives from industry and academia to aid PITB’s efforts. He further announced the establishment of a Digital Advocacy Task Force, which shall formulate recommendations pertaining to cyber-bullying, right to information, privacy, harassment and digital rights.

President of P@SHA, Jehan Ara also spoke at the occasion. She praised PITB and Punjab Government’s leadership for their continuing support to IT industry. Mr. Wahaj Siraj, CEO Nayatel and Mr. Salman Ansari, one of the key architects of the National IT Policy 2000 also spoke at the occasion and provided their support to the effort of PITB’s initiative. The IT Policy received unanimous support from the participants and a lot of productive feedback was provided.

The Punjab IT Policy will be available for online consultation till November 25, 2016 and can be accessed at www.policy.pitb.gov.pk