IT ministry scraps NITB amid rightsizing

Efforts are being made to expedite legislative process for Digital Nation Pakistan Act 2024
An undated image of MoIT&T logo. — MoIT&T/Canva
An undated image of MoIT&T logo. — MoIT&T/Canva 

The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoIT&T) on Friday started a major rightsizing exercise based on recommendations from the rightsizing committee. This move aims to streamline operations and save costs.

According to an official document, MoIT&T has abolished 17 posts and declared 7 more positions as “dying cadres.” These positions will not be replaced after the current employees retire in 2026, saving approximately Rs25 million annually. The officer-to-staff ratio has been adjusted from 1.25 to 1.20.

In total, 50% of the National Telecommunication Corporation's (NTC's) current structure will undergo restructuring. Further decisions regarding it have been sought from P3A and has hired a consultant to finalise a rightsizing plan for Ignite while retaining the outfit but submitting operations to a review by an outside party.

Performance reviews and legislative efforts

A performance review of the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) will be conducted, with a report expected to be presented to the Prime Minister within three months.

The overlap between the functions of PSEB and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) will also be evaluated.

The Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA) is set to introduce a finalised draft bill to the National Assembly after consultations with stakeholders.

Efforts are being made to expedite the legislative process for the Digital Nation Pakistan Act 2024. Virtual University has been transferred to the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training.

The National Information Technology Board (NITB) will be closed. Procurement of IT equipment and software shall be managed directly by the respective procuring agencies themselves.