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Bill for unified ‘digital ID’ to be tabled in NA today
Mon, December 16, 2024
Digital Identity for every Citizen – The Government of Pakistan is set to introduce a unified ‘Digital ID’ bill in the National Assembly today. The agenda of Monday’s sitting, issued by the National Assembly Secretariat, stated that the Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, will introduce The Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, 2024.
The legislation would “provide for the transformation of Pakistan into a digital nation, enabling a digital society, digital economy and digital governance,” the agenda stated.
The bill, aimed at digitising the economy and promoting e-governance, was approved by the federal cabinet in June.
The bill’s objective, as stated by officials, was to improve access to departments managing ID cards, land records, birth certificates and health records.
The government plans to create two new bodies: the National Digital Commission (NDC), headed by the prime minister, including all four chief ministers and heads of organisations like the State Bank, FBR and PTA; and the Pakistan Digital Authority, to be led by top industry experts.
Statement by the CEO, Peace & Justice Network Pakistan, on the Government of Pakistan's Introduction of a Unified ‘Digital ID’ Bill in the National Assembly
On behalf of Peace & Justice Network, a national civil society grassroots justice civil society network, we welcome the Government of Pakistan's initiative to introduce a unified 'Digital ID' bill in the National Assembly. This progressive step has the potential to enhance governance, promote digital inclusion, and ensure the fundamental right of every citizen to a secure and reliable identity.
A unified digital ID system can play a transformative role in fostering transparency, improving service delivery, and enabling equitable access to essential public services. It is crucial, however, that this legislation prioritizes data protection, privacy, and inclusivity, ensuring that marginalized and underserved communities are not left behind.
We encourage all stakeholders, including parliamentarians, civil society organizations, and citizens, to engage in constructive dialogue to shape this bill into a robust framework that truly serves the needs of the people of Pakistan.
Peace & Justice Network Pakistan remains committed to advocating for an inclusive digital future that empowers every citizen and upholds their rights in the digital age.
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