Overlapping Functions in Digital Nation Law Highlighted
ISLAMABAD: The Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication has raised concerns about potential duplication of functions under the proposed “Digital Nation Pakistan” law. This issue was brought to light during a recent high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Overview of Digital Nation Pakistan Law
The “Digital Nation Pakistan” law aims to streamline and digitize various government services and initiatives. However, it shares similar objectives with the Ministry of Interior’s National Registration and Biometric Policy Framework. This overlap has raised concerns about the efficiency and effectiveness of both initiatives.
Assurance from the Ministry of Interior
In response to these concerns, the Ministry of Interior assured the cabinet that any overlapping functions would be addressed in consultation with the Ministry of IT and Telecom. The ministry emphasized that the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), established under the NADRA Ordinance, 2000, already handles significant aspects of national registration and biometric data.
Challenges in the Registration System
Multifaceted Issues
The registration system in Pakistan faces several challenges due to gaps in regulatory frameworks and systemic disintegration. These issues have led to illegal intrusions that compromise the integrity of the national population registry maintained by NADRA.
Reporting and Accessibility Issues
One of the critical problems is that citizens are responsible for reporting vital events, rather than NADRA. This responsibility, coupled with limited accessibility to NADRA facilities, poses significant challenges. Additionally, discrepancies between data maintained by Union Councils and NADRA exacerbate the situation.
Biometric Data Management
Biometric data management is another area of concern. Multiple biometric galleries operate independently without standardized protocols, and there are no regulatory frameworks for storing and sharing biometric data. This lack of coordination leads to inefficiencies and potential security risks.
Underutilization of CNIC Chips
The CNIC chip, which has significant potential for various applications, is underutilized due to the absence of comprehensive infrastructure. This gap necessitates the use of multiple identification cards, adding to the complexity.
Formation of a National Steering Committee
To address these issues, the Prime Minister has directed the formation of a national steering committee. This committee will be headed by the federal minister for interior and include high-ranking officials from various government sectors.
Committee Composition
The committee will consist of:
- Federal Minister for Interior (Chair)
- Federal Minister for Information
- Minister of State for IT and Telecom
- Secretary of the Ministry of Interior
- Secretary of the Ministry of Planning
- Chief Secretaries of all provincial governments
- Secretaries of local governments
- Chairman of NADRA (Secretary of the Committee)
Objectives of the Committee
The main objective of the committee is to ensure coordination between different ministries and prevent duplication of efforts. The committee will work towards harmonizing the Digital Nation Pakistan law with the National Registration and Biometric Policy Framework.
Cabinet Approval and Directives
The cabinet reviewed the summary titled “National Registration & Biometric Policy Framework” and approved it. However, they emphasized that the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of IT must collaborate to avoid overlapping functions and ensure clear delineation of responsibilities.
Key Areas of Focus
Regulatory Frameworks
The establishment of clear regulatory frameworks is essential to ensure the effective implementation of both the Digital Nation Pakistan law and the National Registration and Biometric Policy Framework.
Standardized Protocols
Developing standardized protocols for biometric data management will enhance coordination between various biometric galleries and improve data security.
Infrastructure Development
Investing in infrastructure, particularly for the utilization of CNIC chips, will streamline identification processes and reduce the need for multiple cards.
Accessibility Improvements
Improving accessibility to NADRA facilities and simplifying the process of reporting vital events will address significant challenges faced by citizens.
Collaboration and Coordination
Enhanced collaboration between different government sectors is crucial to the success of these initiatives. The national steering committee will play a pivotal role in facilitating this coordination.
Future Prospects
Digital Transformation
The successful implementation of the Digital Nation Pakistan law, in conjunction with the National Registration and Biometric Policy Framework, has the potential to drive digital transformation across the country.
Enhanced Security
Standardized biometric data management and robust regulatory frameworks will enhance the security and integrity of national databases.
Increased Efficiency
Streamlined processes and improved infrastructure will lead to increased efficiency in government services and better service delivery to citizens.
Conclusion
The proposed Digital Nation Pakistan law presents an opportunity to modernize and digitize government services. However, it is crucial to address the potential overlap with the National Registration and Biometric Policy Framework. By ensuring clear delineation of responsibilities and enhancing collaboration between ministries, the government can maximize the benefits of these initiatives.
FAQs
Q1: What is the Digital Nation Pakistan law?
A1: The Digital Nation Pakistan law aims to streamline and digitize various government services and initiatives to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
Q2: What are the concerns raised about the Digital Nation Pakistan law?
A2: The primary concern is the potential duplication of functions with the Ministry of Interior’s National Registration and Biometric Policy Framework.
Q3: How will the government address the overlap between the two initiatives?
A3: The government will form a national steering committee to ensure coordination and prevent duplication of efforts.
Q4: What are the key challenges in Pakistan’s registration system?
A4: Challenges include gaps in regulatory frameworks, discrepancies in data, limited accessibility to NADRA facilities, and underutilization of CNIC chips.
Q5: What are the expected benefits of the Digital Nation Pakistan law?
A5: The law is expected to drive digital transformation, enhance security, and increase efficiency in government services.
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