Rapid global change is being caused by digital technology. Everything is changing as a result, including how markets operate and how citizens and governments interact, as well as how customers pay their bills. It is revolutionising health and education while enhancing industrial and cultural productivity. Every economy is attempting to shift digitally.
Pakistan also wants to make most of this opportunity. Notwithstanding the pessimistic predictions of some, recent events and government measures show Pakistan is ready for further digitalization. For instance, the creation of e-courts, allowing Pakistanis living abroad to vote electronically, and the willingness of Pakistani young to embrace technology. The digital revolution, like all others, might, however, go horribly wrong if not handled carefully. Pakistan should therefore give digitalization more consideration.
Pakistan has to improve its digital infrastructure and spread knowledge and awareness among the populace. Businesses in Pakistan will be able to grow internationally thanks to the digital revolution. Companies can better analyse economic trends and guide consumers towards smarter decisions. Given that the entire process is significantly quicker, it will be more convenient in terms of time. E-voting and e-governance both have advantages for the government and can raise political involvement. Pakistan's economy will benefit from the industrial sectors' digital transformation. The productivity and efficiency of industrial sectors can be raised by using accounting software, keeping computerised records, automating processes, and using artificial intelligence. E-banking and digital payments will make transactions easier to document and attract more taxpayers.
More e-commerce prospects can help the economy by bringing in more money. The agriculture sector in Pakistan can benefit from the use of digital technologies. A cell phone is now available to the majority of people, allowing for the creation of an agribusiness information portal. It will provide information to farmers on market prices, weather, water quality, and supplies. The outdated manual method still controls Pakistan's administrative system. To obtain documents like addresses, driving licences, and other identification, people must travel great distances and stand in line for hours.
Unfortunately, Pakistan is one of the nations that invests least on education. Government schools are in disrepair and lack basic equipment and structures. Government education has gone digital, which may enable low-income students to study at home.
Government spending on digital education would be lower than it would be on traditional education. Students who live in remote places may have access to opportunities thanks to the digitalization of higher education. Access to top-notch research papers is made possible through internet resources. There are numerous online digital libraries that offer PDF books on virtually every topic. By providing online courses and certifications, the government can also increase the number of university graduates in its population. The digitalization of education may provide Pakistan new development avenues.
Empowering women can help Pakistan advance as well. In Pakistan, women make up about 60% of the population. Sadly, women participate less in economic activities than men, which makes them more dependent on them.Access to digital technologies will enhance gender equality by reducing inequities. Women from remote communities who have access to the internet can sell their handmade goods and embroidery online. Girls cannot pursue higher education in Pakistan due to the country's traditional mentality. Via internet schooling, young girls can access educational resources.
Pakistan's healthcare system can be improved with the aid of e-health technology. Promoting telemedicine can help those who live in remote locations, particularly in an emergency. People may benefit from the creation of an online network of certified specialists and doctors in terms of convenient appointments. The automation and digitization of patient records can benefit both the doctors and the patients.
In conclusion, Pakistan urgently needs to embrace digitization. It can address a variety of issues the nation is now experiencing. Digital technology have the potential to revolutionise a number of industries, including politics, economics, and the health sector. The obstacles that prevent Pakistan from making progress in the digital sphere must be removed. Pakistan's development will be facilitated by wise use of digital technology, hence moving towards digitalization should be taken into account.
Khizra Mushtaq is a student of Government and Public Policy at National Defense University Islamabad, Pakistan.