Pakistan Government Collaborates with World Bank on $78 Million Digital Economy Project

ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan, in collaboration with the World Bank, has taken significant steps towards enhancing the digital landscape of the country through the "Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP)". This ambitious initiative, valued at $78 million, aims to improve the delivery of public services by leveraging digital technologies. The project is designed to benefit both citizens and businesses, making it easier for them to access essential services online.

On Thursday, a high-level delegation from the World Bank, led by Vyjaynati T Desai, the Practice Manager for Digital Development in the South Asia Region, met with Shaza Fatima Khawaja, the Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication. The meeting focused on reviewing the progress of DEEP and discussing the various aspects of its implementation. Key officials, including IT Secretary Zarrar Hasham Khan and Special Secretary Azfar Manzoor, were also present to provide insights into the ongoing digitalization efforts in Pakistan.

During the discussions, Minister Khawaja emphasized the government's commitment to digital transformation under the vision of the Prime Minister. She highlighted that the private sector is being encouraged to play a leading role in this digitalization process, ensuring that the country keeps pace with global advancements. Khawaja stated, "DEEP is a very important project, and full attention is being paid to its implementation," underscoring the government's dedication to making this initiative a success.

The World Bank delegation expressed appreciation for the steps taken by the government towards digitalization. Both parties agreed to maintain their collaboration to ensure the successful implementation of the various phases of DEEP. According to the World Bank's first Implementation Status and Results Report (ISR), the progress made towards achieving the project's development objectives has been deemed satisfactory.

As Pakistan continues to embrace digitalization, projects like DEEP are crucial for fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for its citizens. By enhancing access to digital services, the government is not only streamlining public service delivery but also paving the way for a more connected and efficient society. The ongoing collaboration between the government and the World Bank serves as a testament to the importance of international partnerships in achieving national development goals.