LAHORE: The PML-N government has launched Punjab’s first-ever Information technology policy on five pillars – support to the industry, bridging the digital divide, e-governance, citizen centric services and entrepreneurship.

The Information Technology Policy 2018, approved by the Punjab Cabinet in its farewell meeting on Wednesday, would focus on bridging the digital divide across gender, region and economic classes and to position Punjab as the IT research and development and innovation hub of Pakistan.

Information Technology University’s first vice chancellor and Punjab Information Technology Board chairman Dr Umar Saif told the media the provincial government had proved its commitment to use the information and communication technology as an enabling tools for improving governance, efficiency, transparency and accountability. He said the policy document had consolidated all initiatives taken in the sector and set a future roadmap that would take the province to its ultimate destination of being hub of information technology.

Dr Saif said the IT Policy 2018 would attract long-term investments, improve export remittances and increase number new IT parks through technology special economic zones (SEZs) across the country. He also explained policy commitments, proposed initiatives and mentioned achievements during the past five years.