Last Updated on: 8th January 2024, 03:47 pm
The caretaker federal minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Dr Umar Saif, has announced several initiatives in Pakistan’s IT and telecom sectors. The government has addressed freelancers’ demands by allowing remittances through PayPal, even though PayPal itself is not directly entering the country.
The National Space Policy has been approved, permitting private-sector companies to utilize low-orbit satellites for satellite communication services. The Ministry plans to launch digital initiatives, including remittance channelization through PayPal, smartphone installment plans, standardized quality tests for IT graduates, and the inaugural Pakistan Startup Fund on January 9, 2024.
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Additionally, the government has implemented a policy allowing IT companies to retain 50% of export revenue in dollars to boost the sector’s exports. A new initiative from January 12, 2024, will enable customers to acquire the latest smartphones through easy installments, with potential blocking by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority in case of payment failure.
The government has allocated Rs2 billion for the Pakistan Startup Fund, expecting private investors and venture capitalists to match this contribution. The Higher Education Commission will conduct standardized quality tests across universities to enhance job opportunities for fresh graduates. Collaborative efforts with various stakeholders aim to revamp IT education in universities.
