——- The decision was taken at a high-level review meeting held in Islamabad
——- Premier claims govt committed to ensure equal development of all federating units
——- Adds development of all provinces is the development of Pakistan
——- Expects digital transformation to boost economic progress
By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to digitise the national economy, with all ministries tasked with implementing the measures for digitisation.
The decision to this effect was taken at a high-level review meeting held in Islamabad on Thursday with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the chair.
In line with the decision, the prime minister directed the relevant authorities to immediately establish a dynamic working group for implementing and monitoring the measures for digitisation.
He said improving the country’s economy and eliminating the parallel informal economy is a key component of the government’s reform agenda.
The prime minister said reforms are being carried out at the level of coordinated and institutional levels so that the change is sustainable and long-lasting.
He appreciated the successful digital wallet system through which the delivery of the Ramazan package was made and gave instructions to use it in more sectors.
The meeting was informed that an ICT application has been launched in Islamabad Capital Territory, which provides access to more than 150 government services.
The meeting was further informed that the volume of payments through Rast Gateway has increased significantly, while the government, in collaboration with the State Bank, is taking steps to increase its use in daily transactions.
The meeting was informed that the government is ensuring the collection of digital payments, providing various facilities to buyers and businesses to encourage digital payments as opposed to cash, completely digitising government payments.
It was told that all official payments of the federal government, including salaries and other billing, are being made under the digital system. Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says the federal government is committed to ensure equal development of all federating units of the country.
He addressed a ceremony on Thursday to mark the groundbreaking of Jinnah Square Murree Road underpass in Islamabad.
The prime minister said development of all provinces is the development of Pakistan and it is the reason that a significant increase has been made in allocation of funds for Balochistan.
The prime minister, mentioning the project of dualization of N-25 Highway in Balochistan, said this project will be completed within two years. He said this project testifies to our resolve for development of Balochistan as funds from national exchequer have been channeled for this project.
He said during the last year, the government team has achieved significant milestones, including an improved rating for the country by the international agency Fitch.
Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the steps taken for beautification of Islamabad and emphasized continuing the same.
Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi briefed the participants of ceremony that the underpass will be opened for traffic within 35 days. He said traffic choke points of Islamabad are being worked out as traffic jam is a major problem. He said these steps will help improve traffic flow.
The interior minister said the Capital Development Authority had devised a parking plan in view of the increasing traffic in commercial areas. He said work had been started on parking plaza in the blue area accordingly.
