The Ministry of IT and Telecom's formation of an advisory committee has sparked concerns within the IT industry.
Industry representatives assert that the committee was established without consulting the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), the leading representative body of the IT sector.
P@SHA has voiced reservations, stating that while the committee includes reputable individuals, it lacks representation from key industry stakeholders.
They argue that the committee primarily consists of CEOs from large corporations who may not fully understand the challenges faced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which play a significant role in driving innovation and contributing to economic growth.
Zohaib Khan, Chairman of P@SHA, emphasized the critical need for collaboration between the government and industry stakeholders during his discussion. He expressed disappointment regarding the Ministry's oversight in involving P@SHA in the committee formation process.
Khan highlighted ongoing efforts between P@SHA and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) aimed at addressing industry challenges and boosting IT exports. He noted P@SHA's sustained engagement with IT ministers, with the results of these efforts beginning to manifest and expected to become more apparent soon.
The Ministry of IT and Telecom recently established a 10-member advisory committee, chaired by Minister of State for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawja, to tackle critical issues within the IT and Telecom sector. The committee's Terms of Reference (ToRs) cover various responsibilities, including identifying growth opportunities, assessing challenges, and proposing strategies to enhance exports and attract investments over the next five years.
Furthermore, the committee has the task of identifying capacity gaps in both the public and private sectors and recommending measures to address them. It also has the authority to address any other relevant issues, indicating a commitment to fostering collaboration and addressing industry concerns.
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