IT Industry Proposes Regulatory Cell for Data Oversight

Key figures from the information technology sector and the freelancing community have suggested the government form a specialized regulatory unit. This cell would be responsible for supervising crucial initiatives, particularly those concerning data acquisition.

This recommendation arose during a working group session in Islamabad. The meeting was led by Shaza Fatima, the Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, acting under the guidance of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

Attendees included the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), and the Secretary of the Ministry of IT and Telecom, among others.

The working group addressed the necessity of providing targeted support to the IT industry. The aim is to promote expansion, skill enhancement, and retraining, all based on precise data. This data will aid in creating a roadmap and boosting productivity and exports through specific interventions.

The group advocated for extensive data collection on software firms, detailing their personnel, export activities, tax information, international footprint, and service types. It also proposed gathering information on freelancers and remote workers, covering their locations, qualifications, income, job categories, and certifications.

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The group proposed that the central bank supply analytics to the IT sector by revising the R Form and making the tracking process simpler for both companies and individuals.

Additionally, they suggested establishing a database in collaboration with universities, focusing on IT and other graduates.

The proposed regulatory cell would oversee and encourage IT industry and freelancer activities, assist in business development, and attract foreign currency through export earnings.

It would also organize marketing events and motivate freelancers and IT companies to use official channels.

The cell is expected to manage training, mentorship, and certification programs for professionals and students, while also supporting skill enhancement through complimentary training, laptop programs, and co-working spaces.

Furthermore, the updated database could enable the provision of annual incentives to registered freelancers, such as credits for remittances officially verified through data.

The working group comprised SBP Governor Jamil Ahmed, FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial, PAFLA Chairman Ibrahim Amin, Secretary of the Ministry of IT & Telecom Zarrar Hasham Khan, PSEB CEO Abu Bakar, Systems Ltd CEO Asif Peer, and IGNITE CEO Adeel Aijaz Shaikh.

The working group also appealed to the government to prolong the tax exemption for the IT industry and freelancer community, which is scheduled to lapse the following year.

PAFLA Chairman Ibrahim Amin noted the government’s commitment to fostering the IT industry and freelancers through various initiatives and programs.

Amin also emphasized that remittance inflows from freelancers could considerably increase in the coming years if existing obstacles are overcome.

Amin also encouraged the government to extend incentives to IT companies and freelancers, mirroring those available to Overseas Pakistanis through the Roshan Digital Account (RDA).