The IT industry welcomed the appointment of Dr. Umar Saif as Caretaker Minister for IT and Telecommunication.
A statement issued by Pakistan Software Houses Association (PASHA) said that it warmly welcomes the appointment of Dr. Umar Saif as Federal Minister of IT & Telecom, in Caretaker Govt. According to PASHA, the appointment of Dr Umar Saif is incredibly well-deserved.
“Dr. Umar Saif is a world-renowned & celebrated IT expert, computer scientist, educationist & top-notch academic administrator, tech researcher, entrepreneur in artificial intelligence (AI), venture capitalist & angel investor and an accomplished digital governance & transformation expert,” Chairman P@SHA Muhammad Zohaib Khan stated.
According to PASHA, the IT industry is hopeful that his visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to the world of technology will be a great source of inspiration. IT industry wishes him all the best in his new role.
Zohaib Khan extended his full support from the apex trade & industry platform for IT companies in Pakistan, i.e. P@SHA, to kick-start the consultative process for the continuity & consistency of policies; creating an enabling environment for the exports of IT services and keeping the ongoing mega IT initiatives on track – including attracting investments into the IT industry of Pakistan under Special Investment Facilitative Council (SIFC).
Muhammad Zohaib Khan also highlighted the fact that he was chosen in the MIT Technology Review’s TR35; which documents young innovators under the age of 35 for their creativity, innovation, influence, and leadership in technology-related fields globally. “The Crux of the matter is that he is one of our very own,” he added.
Dr. Umar Saif took oath as Caretaker Minister on Thursday Evening at President’s House.
According to the notification issued by the Cabinet Division, Dr. Umar Saif has been entrusted with the portfolios of IT and Telecom and Science and Technology Ministries.
Dr. Umar Saif in his tweet last night said, “After declining a government position for many years, today I took oath as the Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecom in the caretaker government. Thank you for your love, support and prayers. It is a huge privilege to serve the country at this critical time. IT holds the key to turn around the economy of Pakistan, digitise systems and processes, minimise corruption and facilitate citizens. I hope to resume from where I left off at PITB several years ago. Please share your suggestions for the short time I have in the caretaker government”.
The caretaker IT minister has extensive experience in academia, management, consulting, and entrepreneurship in the IT sector. Dr. Umar Saif has served in many important positions in the country’s IT sector.
Dr. Umar Saif has served as Chairman Punjab Information Technology Board and Vice Chancellor of Information Technology University. In 2014 in recognition of his services to Pakistan, he was awarded Sitara-i-Imtiaz (SI), one of the highest civil awards by the Government of Pakistan.
