https://sputniknews.in/20231214/unleashing-pakistans-digital-potential-a-transformation-for-the-people-5830042.html
Unleashing Pakistan's Digital Potential: Transformation for the People
Unleashing Pakistan's Digital Potential: Transformation for the People
Sputnik India
In the heart of South Asia, Pakistan stands at the cusp of a digital revolution, poised to transform the lives of its citizens through the vast potential of digital technologies.
2023-12-14T17:44+0530
2023-12-14T17:44+0530
2023-12-18T10:49+0530
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As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the role of technology in shaping economies and societies cannot be overstated. Pakistan, with its burgeoning youth population and a dynamic tech landscape, holds the keys to unlocking unprecedented opportunities for its people.In conversation with Sputnik India a Lahore based entrepreneur Arsalan Khalid explained how Pakistan can use digital technologies for improvement of citizen's lives.The UNESCO report of 2023 highlights that Pakistan has the world's second-highest number of out-of-school children after Nigeria, with an estimated 22.8 million children aged 5-16 not attending school, representing 44% of the total population in this age group.Hence, online education may not only empower individuals with knowledge, but also contribute to narrowing the educational divide and fostering a more skilled and competitive workforce.New Economic OpportunitiesAccording to the entrepreneur, the digital realm also presents a unique opportunity for inclusive economic growth.According to a report by Dawn, the economic potential of digital technologies in Pakistan stands at an annual estimated value of $60 billion that can be realized by 2030.Moreover, digital tech can create new economic opportunities by promoting online commerce and enabling small-scale sellers within Pakistan, particularly women, to engage with customers and conduct transactions from the comfort of their homes.Sputnik India spoke to a small-scale business owner Maliha Khalid who shared how digital tech transformed her life.Access to Medical FacilitiesAnother vital sector where digital tech can play a transformative role in Pakistan is the healthcare sector. Currently it suffers from outdated technology and insufficient funding amid other issues, but digital technology can play a transformative role by improving accessibility and affordability for the citizens.Over the past decade, Pakistan has witnessed a significant improvement in its internet connectivity infrastructure. Nowadays, broadband internet is readily accessible nationwide, and 4G connectivity is also available on smartphones. These developments have played a pivotal role in expanding the accessibility of telemedicine services throughout the country.Hence, digital technology has the potential to enhance overall public health outcomes and reduce burden on the healthcare system in the country.A Better Governance ModelFurthermore, the digitalization of governance can streamline public services, enhance transparency, and reduce bureaucratic hurdles. Digital identification systems and online government platforms can make it easier for citizens to access essential services, fostering a more efficient and responsive governance model.According to the entrepreneur, while the potential is immense, realizing these benefits requires a concerted effort from the government, private sector, and civil society.As the country charts its course in the digital age, it is essential to navigate challenges such as digital inequality and cybersecurity threats. A systematic approach that addresses these challenges while capitalizing on the opportunities presented by digital technologies will pave the way for a more connected and prosperous Pakistan.Like many developing countries Pakistan stands at the brink of a digital transformation that has the potential to reshape the lives of its people. Embracing and harnessing digital technologies can propel the country towards inclusive economic growth, improved education, enhanced healthcare, and transparent governance.
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Unleashing Pakistan's Digital Potential: Transformation for the People
17:44 14.12.2023 (Updated: 10:49 18.12.2023) In the heart of South Asia, Pakistan stands at the cusp of a digital revolution, poised to transform the lives of its citizens through the vast potential of digital technologies.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the role of technology in shaping economies and societies cannot be overstated. Pakistan, with its burgeoning youth population and a dynamic tech landscape, holds the keys to unlocking unprecedented opportunities for its people.
In conversation with
Sputnik India a
Lahore based entrepreneur
Arsalan Khalid explained how
Pakistan can use
digital technologies for improvement of citizen's lives.
"One of the pivotal areas where Pakistan can harness digital technologies is education. With the power of online learning platforms and digital resources, education can transcend geographical barriers, reaching even the remotest corners of the country," Khalid explained.
The
UNESCO report of 2023 highlights that Pakistan has the world's second-highest number of
out-of-school children after
Nigeria, with an estimated 22.8 million children aged 5-16 not attending school, representing 44% of the total population in this age group.
Hence, online education may not only empower individuals with knowledge, but also contribute to narrowing the educational divide and fostering a more skilled and competitive workforce.
New Economic Opportunities
According to the entrepreneur, the digital realm also presents a unique opportunity for inclusive economic growth.
"E-commerce, for instance, has the potential to provide a platform for local artisans and small businesses to access a global market. This not only boosts the national economy, but also empowers local entrepreneurs, driving innovation and creating employment opportunities," Khalid stated.
According to a report by Dawn, the economic potential of digital technologies in Pakistan stands at an annual estimated value of $60 billion that can be realized by 2030.
Moreover,
digital tech can create new economic opportunities by promoting
online commerce and enabling small-scale sellers within
Pakistan, particularly women, to engage with customers and conduct transactions from the comfort of their homes.
Sputnik India spoke to a small-scale business owner
Maliha Khalid who shared how
digital tech transformed her life.
"I always enjoyed cooking and baking for family and friends. During Covid-19 my daughter-in-law launched an Instagram page, Dolly Cooks, where we offer clients hunter beef and beef platters. In a span of just a couple of years our following has grown exponentially and people order our hunter beef on a weekly basis. This has given us an opportunity to earn money from our homes, while doing what we enjoy. I would say that without digital technologies such as Instagram and online banking, my dream may never have been fulfilled!" Maliha shared.
Access to Medical Facilities
Another vital sector where digital tech can play a
transformative role in Pakistan is the
healthcare sector. Currently it suffers from outdated technology and insufficient funding amid other issues, but
digital technology can play a transformative role by improving
accessibility and
affordability for the citizens.
"Telemedicine, health apps, and digital health records can bridge gaps in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas where access to medical facilities is limited," Khalid told Sputnik.
Over the past decade, Pakistan has witnessed a significant improvement in its internet connectivity infrastructure. Nowadays, broadband internet is readily accessible nationwide, and 4G connectivity is also available on smartphones. These developments have played a pivotal role in expanding the accessibility of telemedicine services throughout the country.
"The growth in online medicine was seen during Covid-19 when people were unable to visit hospitals in person. Big names in Pakistan's healthcare sector such as Chughtai Labs and Shaukat Khanum hospital introduced online diagnostics, doctor consultations and lab personnel coming to people’s houses to take blood samples. Patients could arrange all these facilities just by using their smartphones," the entrepreneur explained.
Hence, digital technology has the potential to enhance overall public health outcomes and reduce burden on the healthcare system in the country.
A Better Governance Model
Furthermore, the digitalization of governance can streamline public services, enhance transparency, and reduce bureaucratic hurdles. Digital identification systems and online government platforms can make it easier for citizens to access essential services, fostering a more efficient and responsive governance model.
According to the entrepreneur, while the potential is immense, realizing these benefits requires a concerted effort from the government, private sector, and civil society.
"Investments in digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital literacy programs are crucial to ensuring that the benefits of the digital revolution reach all segments of society. Also, fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship will be essential to unlocking the full potential of Pakistan's tech ecosystem," Khalid shared.
As the country charts its course in the digital age, it is essential to navigate challenges such as digital inequality and cybersecurity threats. A systematic approach that addresses these challenges while capitalizing on the opportunities presented by digital technologies will pave the way for a more connected and prosperous Pakistan.
Like many developing countries Pakistan stands at the brink of a digital transformation that has the potential to reshape the lives of its people. Embracing and harnessing digital technologies can propel the country towards inclusive economic growth, improved education, enhanced healthcare, and transparent governance.
