PSDP earmarks Rs. 6,535 million for ICT sector

Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) earmarked Rs 6,535 million for information and communication technology (ICT) sector for fiscal year 2018-19 to increase the skills and capacity of the organizations for delivery of high quality services and product.

The allocation aimed at to improve capacity of the country's IT industry by further providing infrastructure and facilities of the startups and small IT businesses and to raise its standard to compete in the international arena and accelerating the pace of e-government to facilitate citizen to avail public service.

According to an official data, the major thrust in ICT sector for 2018-19 is the development of technology parks to facilitate the rapid growth of entrepreneurial ecosystem in the country.

Through ministry of IT project titled ‘Enhancing IT exports through Industry Support Programmes’ 70 more companies would be provided CMMI consultancy to attain certification of CMMI level-2, CMMI level-3, CMMI level-5 and ISO 27,001/ international standards.

Participation in 15 major international exhibitions to promote export business and under the "Prime Minister's ICT Internship Programme", placement of 3,000 ICT graduates in public and private sector organizations are also included in the next year plan.

Pakistan Space Center (PSC) aims to establish an indigenous facility for development of satellites in accordance with the international space standards. The space center will have the capability to carry out manufacturing, testing, system level assembly, integration, launch and operations of various types of satellites.

Another major project is Pakistan Multi-Mission Satellite (PakSat-MM1) that will cater to the demand of Direct-To-Home (DTH), High-Throughput Services (HTS)/ Broadband Internet and Strategic SatCom. PC-II has already been approved and during the next year, PC-I will be submitted for approval and subsequent execution of the project, according to APP.

Feasibility Study of Pakistan's 2" Optical Remote Sensing Satellite (PRSS-02) will be completed. PRSS-02 aims to launch a sub-meter resolution remote sensing satellite.

Feasibility and System Definition Study (FSDS) of Pakistan Navigation Satellite System (PakNav) will be carried out. PakNav will enable Pakistan to have independent satellite navigation for both civilian and strategic purposes.

Under the aegis of CPEC, Cross-Border OFC system between China and Pakistan for international connectivity of voice and data traffic. This will enable alternative route for international internet connectivity.

Further, Technical Training institute will be established in Gilgit-Baltistan, expanding internet and broadband services in AJ&K and Gilgit-Baltistan and Establishment of Quality Assurance Lab for software products in PSEB are also included in next year plan.