ISLAMABAD: A delegation of Microsoft led by Microsoft General Manager Seila Serhan for the region North Africa, East Mediterranean and Pakistan (NEPA) on Wednesday called upon State Minister for Information Technology (IT) Anusha Rehman to discuss issues of mutual interest related to development of IT sector in Pakistan.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Syed Ismail Shah and IT Member Tahir Mushtaq were also present in the meeting. Seila Serhan apprised the minister regarding her company’s strategy on the region. She said that Microsoft believes in introduction of Microsoft technologies and trainings to transform social sector delivery, foster local innovation and develop HR capacities. While appreciating the positive role of current government for introducing latest technologies, she said Microsoft wishes to work with government of Pakistan in rolling out specialised programmes covering diverse areas. Anusha Rahman shared with the delegates that Pakistan is rapidly progressing in technological arena. Pakistan is first country in the South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), which has initiated and implemented successfully e-office filing system. “It speaks of our determination and commitment towards achieving our vision of accelerated digitization for socio-economic development and to expand knowledge based economy,” she added.
She informed the delegates that IT Ministry has started a number of projects for the development of IT sector. “We are working on a project of CMMI certification for the IT companies in order to make them at par with international standards. Moreover, for the provision of IT related services to the inhabitants of un-served or under-served areas, we have initiated 500 telecentres.
Anusha said, “We are also establishing state-of-the-art tech-city incubation centre to facilitate our young entrepreneurs. It’s our government’s vision to provide latest technology to our citizens. Therefore, any modern innovative solutions that are efficient and cost effective will be appreciated.”