Islamabad, 23 January 2024 (TDI): Digital Pakistan gains momentum under the leadership of Dr. Umar Saif, Caretaker Federal Minister of Information Technology and Telecommunication.
His recent discussions with global leaders and international organizations are setting the stage for enhancing Pakistan’s image on a global level.
Dr. Umar Saif recently participated in the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland, from January 15 to 19.
A delegation joined the minister on this journey, including the Chairman of the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), Zohaib Khan, and representatives from the Special Investment Facilitation Center (SIFC).
Pakistan’s IT Innovations
The purpose of the IT delegation is to showcase the progress achieved by SIFC, encompassing the 50%-dollar retention policy for IT companies and the activation of the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) through the appointment of its board of governors.
Most notably, the introduction of Pakistan’s First Space Policy created new opportunities in the country’s space sector.
Moreover, the IT delegation actively engaged in bilateral meetings with representatives from various countries. These meetings take place on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF).
In the course of these meetings, Dr. Umar Saif highlighted efforts to introduce the “Digital Pakistan” brand at an international level. He conveyed the desire to promote collaboration between Pakistan and various international entities.
In a meeting with the Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization, Deemah Al Yahya, discussions centered on digital cooperation, emphasizing the potential benefits of such collaborations.
Bilateral talks with Qatar’s IT Minister, Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed Al Mannai, and Rwanda’s Minister of Communication, Paula Ingabire, explored opportunities for mutual cooperation.
A notable development is the expected collaboration between Pakistan’s Startups Fund and counterparts in various countries, focusing on joint initiatives in cloud services.
Dr. Umar Saif tours Google Headquarter
Dr. Umar Saif’s visit included a tour of Google’s headquarters, where discussions with Vice President Behshad Behzadi delved into conversations about Generation AI technology. The minister said that he visited the Google House at Davos to explore the latest advancements in Google Generative AI technology. A mutual agreement on the dual use of artificial intelligence at both government and private levels in Pakistan was established, aiming for better utilization of AI resources.
Moreover, He mentioned the ongoing collaborative initiatives between Pakistan’s Ministry of IT and Google, underscoring a commitment to enhancing collaboration in information and communication technology.
Furthermore, the minister Highlighted the ongoing collaborative initiatives between the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) countries and Google, Dr. Umar Saif expressed a willingness to explore all potential avenues for cooperation in information and communication technology.
During meetings with global organizations, he underscored Pakistan’s trajectory towards becoming a ‘Digital Hub’ in the near future.
The global recognition of Pakistani talent in freelancing, skill development, and e-commerce was admitted during these interactions, exhibiting the growing influence of Pakistan in the digital arena.
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Keynote at Pakistan Mobile Summit
Dr. Umar Saif, the esteemed Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunications, will be welcomed as the chief guest and keynote speaker at the Pakistan Mobile Summit on January 29, 2024.
He will grace the stage not only as a prominent policymaker but also as a renowned computer scientist and entrepreneur. His presence will bring a unique blend of academic expertise and practical vision to the event.
As part of the keynote speech, Dr. Saif will navigate the exciting crossroad where indigenous smartphone manufacturing meets the trans-formative wave of 5G technology.
Additionally, he will discuss how these powerful forces are propelling Pakistan’s digital journey, unlocking unparalleled opportunities for connectivity, economic growth, and social progress across the nation.
However, His visionary perspective and vast experience promise to ignite the conversation and set the stage for an electrifying summit focused on building a mobile-driven future for all of Pakistan.
