ISLAMABAD: Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said Pakistan believes in the power of digital inclusion where technology serves as a catalyst for equitable and sustainable growth.

He was speaking as chief at a conference of Asia Pacific Advanced Network (APAN). He commended APAN, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Pakistan Education and Research Network (PERN) for their efforts in advancing technological collaboration across the region.

The Senate chairman observed that the partnership between HEC, PERN and APAN will help create a vibrant community.

He said over 50pc of the population in our region still lacks access to the internet, hindering true progress and development. Our challenges and opportunities are increasingly interconnected, requiring a unified and collective response; however, the way forward lies in pooling our resources, enhancing synergies and building robust partnerships.

Says 50pc of population in region lacks access to internet, hindering true progress and development

In the realm of cyber security, Pakistan is aware of the critical importance of safeguarding the digital infrastructure, Mr Gilani said.

“As cyber threats continue to escalate globally, with a 38pc increase in cyber attacks in 2023 alone, we are taking proactive measures to strengthen our cyber security,” he remarked.

Highlighting the significance of green technology, he also expressed Pakistan’s dedication to promoting eco-friendly innovations that balance technological advancement with responsibility to protect the planet for future generations.

He referred to the active role of legislature and told the participants that Pakistan’s parliament, particularly the Senate, remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing technological growth as a cornerstone of national progress. “Our focus is on shaping policies that promote innovation, build digital infrastructure, and support research initiatives across the country,” he stated.

The legislative efforts, he observed, are designed to create a robust framework that supports the development of cutting-edge technologies while ensuring that the rights and privacy of our citizens are protected.

The Senate chairman said journey toward becoming a paperless chamber was well underway with significant steps being taken to digitise all processes. This shift aims to ensure that our work is more transparent, efficient and accessible.

He said steps had been taken to develop internal digital communication mechanisms, including the creation of a comprehensive dashboard.

He said over 64pc of Pakistani’s population is under the age of 30, and the youth represents an immense resource for driving economic growth in technology and innovation. He pointed out that Pakistan is already a significant contributor to the global freelance economy, with over two million freelancers, and we are committed to expanding access to essential resources and markets.

The Senate chairman said by leveraging the diverse expertise and resources of all member institutions, we can innovate, learn and grow together. He called upon the member nations to work toward a future where technology serves as the backbone of national progress, driving us toward a more prosperous, inclusive and sustainable region.

Published in Dawn, August 28th, 2024