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Pakistan Enacts Digital Nation Act to Modernise Governance & Economy
Pakistan enacts landmark Digital Nation Act to accelerate digital governance, economy & citizen services. New PDA to oversee tech-driven reforms.
ND
by News Desk
2025-06-26
Pakistan Enacts Digital Nation Act to Modernise Governance & Economy

In a major step towards modernisation, Pakistan has formally enacted the Digital Nation Act, a landmark initiative aimed at transforming the country into a "digital nation" through enhanced digital governance, innovation-driven service delivery, and sustainable economic development.

Initially passed by the Federal Cabinet in June 2024, the law came into effect in January 2025, paving the way for the creation of a robust digital infrastructure framework and new institutions to oversee the country's digital transformation.

Vision for a Digital Future

According to the bill’s preamble, the legislation seeks to leverage the transformative power of digital technologies, ensure responsible data use, and promote innovative public service delivery models. The aim is to accelerate economic growth, enhance citizen well-being, and modernise governance frameworks across Pakistan.

The Act is envisioned to support a shared digital governance ecosystem that facilitates inclusive access to technology while aligning with international best practices for data protection and digital innovation.

Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA) to Lead the Change

As per the latest notification by the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, a search committee has been formed to appoint the chairperson and two members of the Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA) — the central body tasked with implementing the National Digital Master Plan.

The Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja has been appointed as convener of the committee, which also includes:

·       Federal Minister for Economic Affairs

·       Secretaries of the Cabinet Division

·       Establishment Division

·       IT & Telecom Division

The committee will recommend three candidates for each post, and advise on salaries and benefits of the PDA’s leadership.

The PDA will be responsible for:

·       Developing & implementing the National Digital Master Plan

·       Overseeing evaluation and monitoring of digital projects

·       Coordinating across federal and provincial entities

·       Setting standards and ensuring interoperability of public digital systems

Strategic Oversight Committee to Ensure Alignment

A Strategic Oversight Committee, chaired by the Federal Minister for IT, will provide high-level guidance and include:

·       Secretaries of IT, Finance, and Planning

·       Private sector digital innovation representatives

This committee will help ensure that policy direction, budgeting, and planning align with national digital transformation goals.

Non-Political, Technical Need of the Hour

While addressing the National Assembly during the bill’s approval process, Chairman of the NA IT Committee Syed Aminul Haque emphasised the urgency and non-partisan nature of digital reform.

“Digitisation is a technical necessity, not a political issue,” Haque stated.
“The aim is to build a progressive digital society and a thriving digital economy through a shared governance ecosystem.”
Tagged:

DigitalPakistan

DigitalNationAct

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