Pakistan’s Digitalization Efforts Face Challenges as Government Agencies Hesitate to Embrace Technology

Islamabad:The National Assembly’s IT and Telecom Committee recently approved the *Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2024*, marking a step towards digitalizing government operations. However, the shift to digital remains hindered by resistance from many state institutions.*

**Shahza Fatima Khawaja, the Federal Minister for IT, briefed the committee, stating that many government institutions are reluctant to embrace digitalization. She emphasized that despite global trends where governments are prioritizing digital transformation, Pakistan’s government departments are hesitant to adopt technology.**

In a discussion with former bureaucrats, reasons behind this reluctance were explored. Shafqat Jalil, former Press Secretary, pointed out that while some government offices have made strides in digitalization, such as using tablets for cabinet meetings and reducing the need for printed documents, there are still barriers. One major issue, according to Jalil, is the age gap in the bureaucracy. Older officials are less inclined to adopt digital methods due to a lack of familiarity with modern technology.

Furthermore, concerns over cybersecurity were highlighted as another major reason for hesitation. As Jalil explained, there is a lack of robust cybersecurity infrastructure, which makes government institutions hesitant to move fully online for fear of data breaches.

A former finance secretary also underscored the slow pace of digital adoption in Pakistan’s government sectors. He noted that many officials resist digital change as they fear losing control over documents and data, as a fully computerized system would make alterations and manipulations much more difficult.

Despite these challenges, experts agree that digitalization is essential for Pakistan’s future progress. While initial resistance persists, it is widely recognized that adopting technology at all levels of government is necessary for modernization and efficiency. The government will need to invest in training, infrastructure, and cybersecurity to overcome these hurdles and achieve a fully digitalized government system.