Pakistan has taken a decisive step in its digital transformation drive by officially setting up the Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA) and appointing its inaugural leadership team.
Who’s Leading the PDA?
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has named Dr. Sohail Munir as the authority’s first chairperson and Muhammad J. Sear as its member. Both will serve five-year terms on contract under the Ministry of IT and Telecom. The Cabinet Division has already issued the formal notification.
How They Were Selected
The appointments followed a competitive process led by a Search and Selection Committee headed by IT Minister Shaza Fatima. The panel included key figures from the finance, economic affairs, railways, and cabinet divisions, along with PRAL board member Salman Akhtar. After vetting shortlisted candidates, the committee forwarded three names for each position to the prime minister, who finalized the appointments.
What the PDA Will Do
The PDA’s mandate is central to Pakistan’s Digital Nation Pakistan Act, 2025. It will:
- Develop and execute a National Digital Master Plan, a roadmap for nationwide digitalization.
- Oversee and evaluate digital projects to ensure accountability and efficient rollout.
- Lay down the institutional framework for Pakistan’s digital governance.
Part of a Bigger Strategy
The authority is just one piece of the broader digital governance puzzle. The Act also envisions a Strategic Oversight Committee (SOC) and a National Digital Commission (NDC)—together designed to push innovation, strengthen governance, and make Pakistan more competitive in the global digital economy.
Why It Matters
While Pakistan has long spoken of embracing digital transformation, the establishment of the PDA provides a formal structure and leadership to turn policy into action. The coming months will be crucial as the newly appointed team shapes the authority’s direction and builds systems that could determine how quickly Pakistan catches up with regional digital leaders.
