ISLAMABAD ( BMZ REPORT )
A delegation of Microsoft led by GM Microsoft North Africa, East Mediterranean and Pakistan (NEPA), Ms Leila Serhan called on the Minister of State for IT Ms. Anusha Rahman in her office today and discussed various issues of mutual interest related to the development of IT sector in Pakistan. Member IT Syed Raza Shah and Member HR Tahir Mushtaq were also present in the meeting.
Ms. Leila Serhan while apprising the Minister regarding her company’s strategy on the region stated that Microsoft believes in introduction of Microsoft technologies and trainings to transform social sector and service delivery, foster local innovation and develop HR capacities and has decided to setup Center of Excellence in Pakistan.
The Minister while talking to the delegates said that it’s our utmost priority to encourage the growth of the tech-startup ecosystem in the country so that young entrepreneurs could build business skills. She appreciated the Microsoft for partnering and signing MoU in ICT for Girls project which is meant for ICT training of young girls who hail from marginalized segment of the society. Minister was informed that formal training of Bait-ul-Mal girls will be started in the month of February.
Minister was also informed that Microsoft is successfully running 160 training centers throughout Pakistan. By witnessing exponential development in ICT Sector of Pakistan, Microsoft has decided to invest more in Pakistani’s ICT sector. Therefore, a “Centre of Excellence” is also being established. Anusha Rehman said that it’s our ardent believe that ICTs should be used to spur socio economic development to build a knowledge based economy in the country. She further said that we want to have ICT a compulsory part of our curriculum starting from primary and secondary education. Therefore, Member IT has been tasked to prepare an ICT Curriculum which we will share with Ministry of Education subsequently. She requested Microsoft for their assistance in preparation of this ICT curriculum, which the Microsoft has agreed to assist. Ms. Leila also shared few concerns impacting the ICT business landscape in the country including software piracy, cyber security and data protection. The Minister while responding to her concerns said that “Data Protection” and Cyber Security are global concerns and we are already working for their redressal. We have taken stringent measures in our cyber crime bill which is in the process of legislation.
Ms. Leila hailed the vision and initiatives of the current government for significant development of ICT sector in Pakistan and assured her of Microsoft’s increased footprints in Pakistan and collaboration with MOIT for further ICT development in Pakistan to ensure maximal socio economic benefit.