As human beings are on an endless journey to explore the universe, multi-dimensional research peels off Nature’s secrets layer after layer with digitalization and latest gadgets also playing a vital role in societal transformation.
Developed nations have already taken stride in digital arena exploiting it in almost every important field of life with many nations in developing world still striving to match the pace despite resource, equipments and ability constraints. Following the suit, Pakistan also took some initiatives for digitization and enhancing governance, efficiency and transparency, modernizing infrastructures and easy access of people to government services. However, its respective governments faced challenges like Pakistan like sufficient investment opportunities, trained teams of IT experts, IT and software houses, trustworthy internet infrastructure and strict regulations and cyber laws to ensure positive use of digital advancements. We often observe complaints in public sector facilitation or relief activities through digital modes. This deficiency is generally due to absence of reliable internet infrastructure or digital skills illiteracy that bars users to fully utilize digital tools and platforms, remarked Irfanullah Khan, an IT expert. Cultural norms and societal attitudes towards technology are other barrier to digital transformation. He said that preferences for traditional methods and reservations on privacy and security shape their attitudes towards new technologies and a multi-dimensional approach in education, awareness and policy area was direly needed to address these barriers. Automation may have some demerits as increased dependence on digital systems makes individual or organization more vulnerable to cyber attacks, data breaches and misuse of personal information, Irfanullah said. Even though, we have to survive with it. Keeping in view modern day requirements, Digital Pakistan Vision was launched to create a knowledge-based economy; e-governance, entrepreneurship, transparency, public service delivery and Digital Payment Systems to reduce reliance on cash transactions. Successive governments focused on broadband expansion; skill development and empowerment of youth and professionals; startup ecosystem to foster innovation and entrepreneurship and measures to strengthen cyber security and safeguard digital assets. Important sectors of economy like health, education, infrastructure, agriculture, finance, trade, communications, defense.
