Dr. Umar Saif has taken office as the caretaker Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, with a solid commitment to boost Pakistan’s ICT exports from $2.62 billion to an impressive $10-20 billion. This significant development follows his swearing-in as a member of the caretaker cabinet under Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar.
Upon assuming his responsibilities, Dr. Saif was warmly received by Secretary IT, Navid Ahmed Shaikh, and other senior officers at the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT). During his visit to the ministry, he was introduced to its dedicated officers and staff, and he received a comprehensive briefing on completed ongoing, and upcoming projects.
In an address to the ministry’s officers, Dr. Saif emphasized the caretaker government’s limited responsibilities, primarily focused on ensuring free and fair general elections in an impartial manner. However, he also stressed overseeing and managing critical ministerial affairs during this period.
Dr. Saif outlined his key priorities, which include the full implementation of the Digital Pakistan Vision and the enhancement and stability of the IT and Telecommunication sectors. He expressed his commitment to engaging all relevant stakeholders in these endeavors.
One of his ambitious goals is to elevate ICT exports from the current $2.62 billion to an impressive range of $10 to $20 billion. Dr. Saif believes that this substantial increase in ICT exports can significantly contribute to Pakistan’s economic stability, create employment opportunities for skilled individuals, and accelerate the digitization of all government and semi-government departments and organizations in the country.
Dr. Umar Saif is a renowned figure in the world of ICT, with a wealth of experience in academia, management, consulting, and entrepreneurship. He holds the distinction of being the first Pakistani to earn a Ph.D. in computer science from Cambridge University at the age of 23. His illustrious career includes roles such as Chairman of the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) and Vice-Chancellor of the Information Technology University.
Throughout his career, Dr. Saif has received numerous accolades for his exceptional contributions. He was honored with the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan’s highest civilian awards, in 2014. Additionally, he was recognized as one of the World’s Top 35 Young Innovators (TR35) by MIT Technology Review in 2011, becoming the first Pakistani to achieve this distinction.
His outstanding achievements include receiving the Google Faculty Research Award in 2011, being selected as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2010, and the MIT Technovator Award in 2008, among many other international awards.
Dr. Saif’s dedication to advancing technology and innovation has been consistently acknowledged, making him a prominent figure in Pakistan’s IT sector.
This appointment signifies Pakistan’s commitment to harnessing the potential of its IT and Telecommunication industries under the leadership of Dr. Umar Saif.
