Government Plans Major Restructuring of IT Ministry to Support Digital Transformation
The federal government has announced plans to restructure the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) as part of a long-term initiative to modernize digital governance and strengthen Pakistan’s digital economy over the next decade.
The project will be implemented under the World Bank-supported Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP), with the IT Ministry acting as the lead agency.
Focus on Modern Digital Needs
According to official documents, the current structure of the ministry was originally designed for a traditional telecommunications-focused environment. The proposed restructuring aims to align the ministry with modern global digital trends, including:
- Artificial intelligence (AI)
- Cybersecurity
- Cloud computing
- Data governance
- Digital regulation
- Innovation and digital transformation
The goal is to build a more efficient framework capable of supporting emerging technologies and digital public services.
Institutional Review and Reforms
As part of the plan, an international consulting firm will be hired to conduct a detailed review of the ministry’s structure and operations. The assessment will identify gaps and recommend improvements in governance and coordination.
The review will also examine the roles of several related institutions, including PTA, NADRA, NITB, Ignite, PSEB, USF, STZA, and provincial IT boards, to reduce overlap and improve efficiency.
In addition, the consultants will compare Pakistan’s digital governance framework with international best practices and suggest updates to existing rules where needed.
New Vision and Long-Term Roadmap
The restructuring process will include the development of a new vision, mission, and organizational framework for the ministry. It will also propose changes to staffing structures, job roles, and human resource policies.
A phased implementation plan will be prepared, outlining short-term, medium-term, and long-term reforms over the next ten years, along with estimated budget requirements and risk management strategies.
Digital Public Services Expansion
Under the DEEP initiative, the government aims to strengthen digital public infrastructure, including online authentication systems, secure data exchange platforms, and a unified public services portal.
The project also focuses on improving business-related services through a digital Pakistan Business Portal and streamlined regulatory approval systems.
Oversight and Implementation
A steering committee headed by the Secretary of IT, along with representatives from key federal institutions, will supervise the restructuring process and provide strategic guidance.
