Sub Task Force On IT Recommends For Setting Up Special Technology Zones In The Country

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Jan, 2019 ) :The Sub Task Force on Information Technology on Tuesday recommended for setting up special technology zones to enhance IT exports in the country.

During second meeting of Prime Minister's Task Force on IT and Telecom which was chaired by Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication (MOITT) Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, said a statement issued here.

Secretary MOITT Maroof Afzal was also present in meeting while Dr. Atta-ur-Rehman attended the meeting as Co-Chairman of PM Task Force on IT and Telecom.

The three Sub Task Forces on IT, Telecom, and Human Resource Development also gave the recommendations regarding IT, Telecom and Human Resource Development sectors.

Dr. Atta-ur-Rehman said that instead of developing land for setting up special technology zones, existing buildings or infrastructure can be designated as special technology zones.

He said that spectrum should be allocated in right manner and emphasized the need of promoting locally manufacturing products like mobile phones, computers, laptops etc.

It was also proposed that IT related small and medium enterprises (SMEs) should be empowered by establishing special technology zones.

The members of the Sub Task Force on Telecom observed that the telecom taxes in Pakistan were highest in the world and proposed that 12.5 percent Advance Income Tax on internet must be zero.

The meeting was told that 1000 Union Councils (UCs) in the country have fiber cable connectivity and it is target to connect 3100 more UCs with optic fiber cables for broadband supply.

It was also recommended to develop a digital content of all subjects at schools and college levels besides giving IT training to students.