Government moves to dissolve National Information Technology Board as part of restructuring efforts

Web Desk | 10 months ago

Islamabad: The Ministry of Information Technology (IT) has begun implementing the recommendations outlined by the federal government’s Rightsizing Committee, which aims to streamline operations and reduce unnecessary expenditures within the sector.

According to official documents, the Ministry has decided to dissolve its subsidiary, the National Information Technology Board (NITB), as part of the restructuring process. The Rightsizing Committee proposed that IT equipment and software procurement will now be handled individually through a procurement agency, rather than through NITB.

As part of this overhaul, 17 positions within the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom have been abolished. These positions have been categorized as “dying cadres,” meaning no new recruitment will be allowed for these roles beyond 2026. The Ministry expects to save around Rs 25 million annually as a result of this decision.

The restructuring also includes significant changes to the National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC), which has been reduced by 50% in terms of its structure. Ignite, another key entity under the Ministry, will remain operational, though its performance will be evaluated by a third party. Additionally, the performance of the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) will be reviewed, with a report to be submitted to the Prime Minister within three months. The committee also plans to explore any overlapping functions between PSEB and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP).

To address the challenges related to Ignite, PSEB, and NTC, consultants have been appointed. Meanwhile, a draft bill to establish the Pakistan Digital Authority is expected to be finalized within the next week after further consultations with relevant stakeholders. Once completed, the bill will be presented to the National Assembly for approval.

Furthermore, the Virtual University has been placed under the administrative control of the Federal Ministry of Education as part of these changes.