Pakistan Forms Digital Authority to Drive Transformation
The federal government has formally set up the Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA), appointing its first chairperson and a member to lead the newly created body.
The authority has been established under the Digital Nation Bill, which was cleared by the federal cabinet in June.
The PDA will oversee the preparation and execution of Pakistan’s national digital master plan. Its mandate also includes creating a system to monitor and evaluate digital transformation initiatives across the country.
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Notifications issued by the Cabinet Division on August 19 confirmed the appointments. Dr Sohail Munir has been named as the chairperson, while Dr Muhammad J. Sear has been chosen as one of the two members.
The third position is expected to be filled soon. Both appointments were approved by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on a five-year contract.
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Dr Munir, described as a digital futurist, has previously served as an adviser on digital transformation projects for the Abu Dhabi government in the United Arab Emirates.
Dr Sear, meanwhile, has advised both governments and private organisations, and is currently serving as the CEO of UAE-based health and well-being company Simpli Human.
The Digital Nation Bill envisions the creation of digital identities for citizens and the consolidation of data for social, economic and governance purposes. Its broader goals include developing a digital society, economy and government.
The PDA is also tasked with setting up a data governance framework, coordinating with stakeholders, and drafting standards for cloud infrastructure within the public sector.
