The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has officially requested the federal government to reconsider the Rightsizing Committee’s decision to dissolve the National Information Technology Board (NITB).
The Ministry has submitted a summary to the federal government, which is expected to be presented to the prime minister for review. The request underscores the critical role that NITB plays in the digital operations of the government of Pakistan.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of IT confirmed the development, emphasizing that NITB’s work is essential for the smooth functioning of the government’s e-governance initiatives. The board currently manages over 100 digital portals that have become integral to the country’s government-to-business, government-to-citizen, and government-to-government services.
The Ministry of IT’s request is aimed at re-evaluating the decision made by the Rightsizing Committee, which had earlier instructed the dissolution of NITB.
The Rightsizing Committee’s proposal also includes a recommendation that the procurement of IT equipment and software be handled through a separate procurement agency, further complicating the role of NITB in the country’s digital ecosystem. This proposal was presented to the federal government, which directed the Ministry of IT to implement it. However, the Ministry of IT’s review request suggests concerns over the long-term impact on the country’s digital infrastructure and efficiency.
NITB has been instrumental in Pakistan’s digital transformation, overseeing more than 500 digital projects since its establishment. These initiatives have greatly improved government efficiency and provided innovative solutions across various sectors.
Originally formed in 2014 as a result of the merger between the Pakistan Computer Bureau (PCB) and the Electronic Government Directorate (EGD), NITB gained autonomy on August 16, 2022. Its dissolution, if enacted, could significantly disrupt the digital services that have become crucial for modern governance in Pakistan.
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The Digital Nation Pakistan Act, 2024, aims to transform Pakistan into a digitally empowered nation by fostering a dynamic digital society, a robust digital economy, and efficient digital governance. DNP ACT 2024 will be implemented soon and therefore the existence of NITB is only an extra cost. NITB’s role is merely a procurement but at very high cost, no value added. The summary presented by MOIT in respect of dissolution of NITB is very much logical and based on pragmatic approach.