Is Digital Transformation a Blessing or Curse?

M Asghar/Adnan Habib

Lahore: As humanity continues its quest to explore the universe, multidimensional research gradually unveils the secrets of nature, while digitalization and the latest technological gadgets play crucial roles in societal transformation.

Advanced nations have made significant strides in the digital realm, leveraging it across various aspects of life. However, many developing countries, including Pakistan, are still striving to keep pace due to constraints such as limited resources, inadequate equipment, and skill shortages.

Pakistan has initiated efforts towards digitization, aiming to improve governance, efficiency, and transparency, as well as modernize infrastructure and facilitate access to government services for its citizens.

Nevertheless, the government faces challenges such as limited investment opportunities, shortages of trained IT experts and software developers, unreliable internet infrastructure, and the need for robust regulations and cyber laws to ensure the positive utilization of digital advancements.

Complaints about the effectiveness of public sector services or relief efforts through digital channels are often attributed to issues like unreliable internet infrastructure or low digital literacy among users. Irfanullah Khan, an IT expert, pointed out that cultural norms and societal attitudes towards technology also pose barriers to digital transformation.

Preferences for traditional methods and concerns about privacy and security shape people’s attitudes towards new technologies, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach encompassing education, awareness, and policy initiatives to address these barriers.

While automation brings numerous benefits, increased reliance on digital systems also exposes individuals and organizations to risks such as cyber attacks, data breaches, and misuse of personal information, as noted by Irfanullah.

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Nonetheless, considering the demands of the modern era, the Digital Pakistan Vision was launched to foster a knowledge-based economy through initiatives like e-governance, entrepreneurship promotion, transparency enhancement, improved public service delivery, and the promotion of digital payment systems to reduce dependence on cash transactions.

Successive governments have prioritized broadband expansion, skill development, and the empowerment of youth and professionals, as well as fostering a startup ecosystem to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship.

They have also taken measures to bolster cybersecurity and safeguard digital assets.

Key sectors of the economy, including health, education, infrastructure, agriculture, finance, trade, communications, defense, and human development, have extensively utilized digital tools for efficient and rapid data collection.

The Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) has played a crucial role in implementing various digital initiatives, automating government processes, and digitizing records.

Additionally, the provincial government has developed e-governance platforms to streamline administrative procedures and ensure convenient access for citizens through e-Khidmat Centers.

Initiatives such as the Agricultural Information System, the Health Information System, and the Smart Schools Program highlight the significant strides in digital transformation.

The Smart School System, in particular, has facilitated the learning of computer skills in rural areas through internet connectivity and the use of devices like tablets and smartphones.

Teachers and students are encouraged to utilize educational apps, online learning platforms, and training resources to integrate technology into teaching practices.

Despite the government’s digital initiatives, a lack of basic digital literacy in Pakistan remains a challenge, particularly for students, hindering their participation in the digital economy and access to essential services, noted Prof Zaffar Iqbal from the University of the Punjab.

To effectively address the challenge of digital transformation, Prof Iqbal suggests replacing outdated digital and IT regulations with innovative laws aligned with present-day requirements and enhancing cybersecurity measures to protect businesses and individuals.

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Experts advocate for promoting digitization among students in both rural and urban areas, emphasizing access to digital devices, internet connectivity, integration of digital literacy into the curriculum, offering coding and programming classes, organizing workshops, and collaborating with tech companies to provide internships.

Meher Kashif Younis, Coordinator To Federal Tax Ombudsman highlighted the persistent shortage of skilled professionals in areas such as software development, data analytics, and cyber security.

He emphasized that in the digital age, fully harnessing these technologies is crucial for economic growth and survival.

Chairman Younis expressed concern that Pakistan lags behind its regional competitors and warned that delaying further could diminish international opportunities for Pakistani experts, with professionals from countries like India and Bangladesh gaining ground.

Younis stressed the importance of ethical principles in the use of digital and social media. While acknowledging the necessity of promoting digital literacy, he cautioned against its exploitation or misuse by vested interests, including politicians, opinion makers, vloggers, scholars, and writers.

He condemned the manipulation of social media to spread agendas and mislead students and youth, warning of the dangers it poses to society.

He urged security and cybercrime agencies to take decisive action against those who propagate against the state and its institutions, advocating for exemplary punishments. Younis emphasized the obligation of these agencies to ensure that digital media serves as a boon for the nation rather than a bane. He warned that any negligence or indifference on their part could exacerbate societal divisions, promoting hatred and intolerance.

The feature report was released by APP. All information and facts provided are the sole responsibility of the writer.