PTBP Web Desk

The federal government of Pakistan has formally established the Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA), a central pillar of the Digital Nation Bill passed earlier this year. Official notifications issued by the Cabinet Division on August 19 confirm the formation of the Authority and its initial leadership appointments, marking a critical step in unifying Pakistan’s fragmented digital ecosystem.

The PDA is envisioned as the key driver of the country’s digital transformation, aimed at fostering a digital society, digital economy, and robust digital governance framework across Pakistan.

The Digital Nation Bill, approved in May 2025, lays out the Authority’s mandate. Operating under the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, the PDA will:

• Develop and implement the National Digital Master Plan.
• Monitor progress of nationwide digital initiatives.
• Create a unified digital identity that consolidates citizens’ social, economic, and governance data.
• Set national standards for data governance, cloud compliance, and cybersecurity.
• Coordinate and evaluate IT projects across federal and provincial governments.

These reforms are designed to break institutional silos, improve efficiency in governance, and accelerate Pakistan’s transition into a digitally-enabled nation.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appointed Dr Sohail Munir as Chairperson and Dr Muhammad J Sear as one of the two members of the PDA, both on five-year contracts. The second member seat remains vacant, with a selection expected in the near future.

• Dr Sohail Munir brings extensive experience in digital transformation, having advised Abu Dhabi’s Department of Government Enablement and contributed to major e-governance and smart city programs.
• Dr Muhammad J Sear, CEO of UAE-based startup Simpli Human, has consulted governments and global organisations on digital strategy and innovation.

Their appointments follow the establishment of a search and selection committee in June, chaired by Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja, ensuring that internationally competitive expertise guides the Authority’s initiatives.

The PDA is tasked with several strategic objectives that will shape Pakistan’s digital future:

1. National Data Governance and Strategy – Establishing standards for data management, cloud infrastructure compliance, and cross-institutional coordination.
2. Digital Identity Development – Consolidating citizens’ social, economic, and governance data into a secure and accessible digital identity system.
3. Bridging the Digital Divide – Addressing challenges of limited internet access, as currently only 40% of Pakistanis have reliable connectivity.
4. Stakeholder Coordination – Aligning government agencies, private sector, and IT industry players on major digital projects.
5. Innovation and Investment Promotion – Encouraging tech startups, smart city initiatives, and e-governance innovations to fuel economic growth.

By executing these objectives, the PDA aims to modernize governance, improve service delivery, and position Pakistan as a leader in the digital economy.

The launch of the Pakistan Digital Authority coincides with a period of remarkable growth in the country’s IT sector, which reported 12% year-on-year export growth in FY2025. Experts view the establishment of the PDA as a strategic move to sustain this momentum, attract investment, and ensure that digital infrastructure development aligns with economic priorities.

With the PDA in place, Pakistan can effectively streamline digital governance, reduce bureaucratic delays, and create an ecosystem conducive to technology-driven business growth.

The Authority is expected to have a transformative impact on both public and private sectors:

• Government Efficiency – Enhanced e-governance platforms will simplify citizen services and inter-agency coordination.
• Economic Competitiveness – By standardizing digital infrastructure, Pakistani businesses can compete more effectively in global markets.
• Data-Driven Policy – Unified digital identity and robust analytics will support evidence-based decision-making.
• Inclusion – Initiatives to expand internet access aim to reduce the digital divide, bringing rural and underserved populations into the digital economy.

The PDA’s formation is widely seen as a milestone in Pakistan’s digital journey, signaling the government’s commitment to modernizing infrastructure, improving transparency, and fostering innovation.