ISLAMABAD ( BMZ REPORT )
Internet governance is one of the most heavily debated phenomenon globally which deals with the development and application of standards, shared principles, guidelines, decision-making procedures, and programs that shape the evolution and use of the medium of Internet. Currently, many internet standards and government organizations are working in this field all over the world, particularly, ICANN (Internet Cooperation for Assigned Names and Numbers) APNIC (Asia Pacific Network Information Center), , and ISOC (Internet Society).
Chief Guest Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning Development & Reforms said that the “Internet Ecosystem” means involvement of a broad range of actors; open, transparent, and collaborative processes; and the use of products and infrastructure with dispersed ownership and control. This workshop gives the great opportunity of mutual learning and sharing views with experts and stakeholders from variety of fields involved in “Internet Ecosystem”. He said that ICANN, APNIC, and ISOC have a critical role in the development of this System. He further added that the present leadership of Pakistan believes that the sustainable socio-economic development of Pakistan is linked to an information based society, and knowledge based economy through an holistic Digital Ecosystem.
Ministry of Information Technology organized a Workshop on the theme: “Internet Governance and Roles of its Stakeholders”. The purpose of the Workshop was to have an integrate gathering of the stakeholders of “Internet Ecosystem” for the delivery of more convenient, citizen centric and cost effective public services and sharing information to strengthen relations with citizens, businesses, and other arms of government through secure & stable internet.
Experts from ICANN, ISOC, APNIC, CEOs & CIOs of ISP’s, IT & Telecom Companies, Academia, Scholars, Officials of Government Organizations, Civil Society and other dignitaries participated in the workshop. Ms. Anusha Rahman, Minister of State for Information Technology hosted the workshop whereas Federal Minister for Planning Development & Reforms, Mr. Ahsan Iqbal was the chief guest on the occasion. The workshop was divided into three sessions; (i) ICANN, Domain Name System and Internet Operations & Governance, (ii) Updates and New Developments (iii) Role of Internet Organizations in the Internet Ecosystem. The representatives of Internet Governing Bodies enlightened the audience on latest developments in the Internet Ecosystem and advancements in “Internet Governance”
Minister of State for Information Technology in her welcome note said that In the spirit of democratic governance, present government manifesto, and visionary approach, Government of Pakistan is giving very high priority to information and communications technologies (ICT) sector, particularly “Internet Governance system in the country”. Internet is playing an important role in the business growth and good governance which leads to better performance of the public and private sectors of a country. Pakistan joined hands with ICANN to streamline its policies and action plans regarding Internet and its usage, in accordance with the guidelines provided by ICANN. Pakistan became an active Member of Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) to take part in the legislative process of ICANN and to get benefit from the resulting guiding principles in order to be in-line with the progress being made in this sphere. The Government of Pakistan has applied to ICANN for the IDN ccTLD پاکستان ڈاٹ registry in Urdu and has initiated the process.
Anusha Rahman further commended the role of ISOC in the promotion of the open development, evolution, and use of the Internet for the benefit of all people around the globe and informed that we would like to participate & benefit from its facilitates for open development of standards, protocols, administration, and the technical infrastructure for the Internet, community development, education, and providing reliable information to the people of Pakistan.
Finally, in issues of the discourse around the subject in Pakistan, she emphasized on the cyber security issue and urged ICANN, APNIC, ISOC, relevant regional and international Internet bodies, and other stakeholders in private sector to play their role in trust building of the Internet users on “Internet Governance”. The users must have confidence that they are transacting in a digital environment which is free of spoofing, phishing, eavesdropping. The Government of Pakistan in view of such threats to users is bringing a comprehensive cyber crime legislation which is in final stages of enactment. The PECA Bill comprehensively addresses some of the most pressing issues related to cyber security. It is confidence of the end user which will make “Internet Governance” structures more effective.