Page 18 - CMA Journal (Nov-Dec 2024)

E x c lus iv e I nt er v iew

E-O ce introduces a digital workplace solution that: ICMA: What steps has NITB taken to strengthen
Walk-in services remained a priority for individuals, Additionally, we collaborate closely with relevant cybersecurity and safeguard government data? ICMA: How is NITB enhancing the accessibility and
• Eliminates Paper Dependency: Replaces manual with 11,500 attestations processed in person. governmental agencies to conduct additional security e ciency of digital public services?
le handling with an electronic system. Islamabad led the initiative, accounting for 48,267 assessments and stress tests, ensuring that each digital CEO NITB: In light of the critical need to bolster By leveraging advanced CEO NITB: NITB's digital strategy is anchored on three
• Enables Real-Time Collaboration: Files can be attestations, followed by Lahore with 10,810, solution meets both operational and regulatory cybersecurity within Pakistan’s government sector, NITB monitoring tools and continuous core pillars: Digital Society, Digital Economy, and Digital
updated, shared, and accessed by authorized users Karachi with 4,534, Gujrat with 2,596, Peshawar benchmarks. By leveraging advanced monitoring tools has instituted a robust, multi-layered defense framework improvement practices, we Governance. In enhancing the accessibility and
instantly. with 680, and Quetta with 22. This initiative has not and continuous improvement practices, we ensure that to safeguard every digital product it delivers. Recognizing e ciency of digital public services, the Digital Society
only streamlined administrative procedures but our platforms remain scalable and responsive to the that cybersecurity maturity in the region requires initiative takes center stage by transforming how citizens
• Ensures Data Security: Digital storage with audit also delivered tangible bene ts to the Pakistani increasing demands of a dynamic digital environment. signi cant enhancement, NITB’s comprehensive approach ensure that our platforms remain interact with government services through innovative,
trails for every transaction. diaspora by reducing bureaucratic hurdles at This holistic, layered security strategy is instrumental in ensures that each solution is forti ed at every stage of its scalable and responsive to the user-friendly digital solutions.
• Guarantees Data Integrity: Regular backups and embassies worldwide. maintaining the trust of government stakeholders and lifecycle. This framework comprises four key layers: increasing demands of a dynamic A agship example of this strategy is the ICT App
Disaster Recovery Systems (DRS) protect against Long-term Strategic Interventions citizens alike, while supporting Pakistan’s broader vision a) Security by Design: At the inception of every Islamabad. This mobile platform consolidates a range of
data loss. of a secure, e cient, and resilient digital future. project, security is an integral component of the digital environment essential services into one streamlined A citizen-centric approach ensures reliable
Key Bene ts of E-O ce a) Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP): ICMA: What key challenges does NITB face in design process. This proactive integration ensures interface—enabling residents to submit vehicle token public-private partnerships, and NITB is at the forefront
Recognizing the imperative to fortify Pakistan’s advancing Pakistan’s digital transformation? that cybersecurity principles are embedded within tax payments, apply for driving or arms licenses, and of Pakistan’s digital transformation. Through initiatives
Key Bene ts Details digital infrastructure, NITB is at the helm of the DEEP CEO NITB: NITB’s journey toward a digitally empowered the architecture, thereby mitigating potential complete various other administrative tasks with ease. like the ICT App Islamabad and DEEP, we are paving the
Active Users Over 6,760 government employees initiative, aligned with the 2018 Digital Pakistan visionary digital policies into actionable initiatives. This Pakistan is confronted by a triad of interlinked vulnerabilities from the outset and laying a resilient The seamless integration of these services eliminates the way for a future where government services are more
leveraging the system. Policy under the Act of Digital Nation Pakistan (DNP). dynamic transition empowers us to serve as the executor challenges: foundation for the system. need for physical visits and accelerates service delivery accessible, e cient, and responsive to the evolving
Data Resilience 500 million documents securely This ambitious project seeks to construct a holistic of strategic plans that drive transformative change a) Protracted Technology Rollout: The cycle of Addressing this challenge requires a dual approach: engagement. Without the active participation of while ensuring transparency and accountability. needs of our society.
enterprise architecture, integrating disparate
stored and backed up. government databases and systems into uni ed across all government tiers. conceiving, securing approvals, and deploying new rst, implementing targeted capacity-building b) In-House Testing: Post-development, each digital end-user departments and relevant stakeholders, The success of the ICT App Islamabad is evident in its ICMA: What are the primary goals of NITB’s
Cost Savings Rs. 300 million saved annually on e-government service portals. In a historic move, the Moreover, by bridging the gap between strategic policy technologies is inherently lengthy. Traditional programs to elevate digital competencies; and product undergoes rigorous internal testing. digitalization remains incomplete. To address this, NITB impressive performance metrics: digitalization strategy for the next ve years?
manual
and
automated
both
Leveraging
adopts a “top-down engagement” strategy, ensuring
stationery. establishment of the Pakistan Digital Authority formulation and practical implementation, the Board governmental procedures, while methodical and second, nurturing a culture of continuous learning methodologies, NITB’s in-house teams conduct that directives, initiatives, and critical communications • Domicile: Total Applications – 138,366
Time E ciency 80% reduction in operating time. pilgrimage logistics. This digital solution streamlines under the Digital Nation Pakistan Act signals a new ensures that the digital revolution permeates every facet systematic, are often mired in bureaucratic inertia. and innovation that reassures employees about the comprehensive assessments to identify and rectify cascade seamlessly from senior leadership to entry-level • IDP: Total Applications – 68,126 CEO NITB:
value of digital transformation rather than viewing it
Enhanced 80% increase in organizational the entire Hajj process by o ering a fully integrated era in regulatory oversight for digital transformation. of government operations. The Board’s e orts are pivotal This extended timeline is misaligned with the rapid as a threat. any security gaps, ensuring the solution adheres to personnel. This hierarchical alignment fosters • Token Tax: Total Applications – 907,420 years is structured to achieve impactful outcomes
pace required for digital transformation, thereby
various timeframes:
Productivity e ciency. online registration system that caters to both This body is tasked with ensuring that the nation’s in establishing robust digital public infrastructure, stringent internal standards. organizational cohesion and underpins the execution of
citizens and government agencies. The platform digital initiatives are executed with precision, catalyzing inclusive economic growth, and positioning impeding the swift delivery of e cient public We are navigating a complex landscape where • Android Downloads: 600K
By orchestrating these strategic tiers, NITB not only incorporates dynamic modules for real-time transparency, and accountability. In collaboration Pakistan as a forward-thinking leader in the global digital services. To bridge this gap, there is an urgent need accelerating technology rollout, re-engineering business c) Third-Party Validation: Once internal evaluations strategic digital initiatives across all government tiers. • iOS Downloads: 159,000 Short-term
streamlines digital initiatives across diverse complaint management, allowing complaints to be with key agencies such as the Board of Investment arena. to streamline these processes, embracing agile processes, and upgrading public sector capabilities are con rm the robustness of the product, it is At the core of NITB’s collaborative framework is a robust • Revenue Generated by Token Tax: Rs. 12,446,551,539 digital solutions to meet immediate needs. For i
governmental and provincial frameworks but also sets a logged, monitored, and resolved with unparalleled (BoI), the National Database and Registration methodologies and innovative governance models imperative. Overcoming these challenges will be pivotal subjected to external testing by certi ed third-party commitment to public-private partnerships. Rather than • Total Revenue Collected for ETO: we provided e-licensing services to the Ministry of
Tourism for tourist operators in just two weeks,
ICMA: How is NITB leading the digital transformation b) Digital Economy Transformation: Recognizing the benchmark for excellence in digital governance. Its e ciency, alongside modules for nancial Authority (NADRA), and Ignite National Technology We are not just policy architects but transformative that can expedite decision-making and in achieving a seamless, e cient, and inclusive digital security experts. This validation not only positioning itself as
of government institutions in Pakistan? transformative power of technology in economic holistic and integrated approach ensures that every management, visa processing, ight booking, and Fund, DEEP is poised to catalyze inclusive and executors, rede ning the contours of public sector IT implementation. transformation that meets the evolving demands of demonstrates the in-house ndings but also within the government, NITB strategically leverages the
governance, NITB leverages innovative digital segment of society bene ts from enhanced accommodation. Enhanced features, such as sustained growth. This transformative endeavor not management and setting new benchmarks for e ciency b) Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) Pakistan’s public service delivery. provides an unbiased assessment of the system’s expertise and innovative capabilities of third-party These gures not only re ect widespread adoption but
CEO NITB: Pakistan’s Information Technology landscape solutions to modernize nancial and administrative technological connectivity, laying the foundation for dynamic complaint categorization, call center only enhances the quality and accessibility of public and innovation in digital governance. Imperatives: Digitalization doesn’t just exceed resilience against evolving cyber threats. private sector organizations. By sourcing specialized also highlight the substantia
is inherently devolved, with provinces steering their own processes. This initiative aims to reduce systemic sustainable socioeconomic progress. Through integration, and geolocation-enabled services, services but also bolsters resilience against potential mere automation of existing work ows; it ICMA: How is NITB utilizing enterprise resource can have on public service e ciency and revenue speci c governmental requirements. An example is the
digital transformation. In this dynamic ecosystem, the challenges such as corruption and fund innovative partnerships, robust policy frameworks, and a empower both pilgrims and administrative sta . socio-economic shocks. ICMA: How does NITB ensure the security, reliability, necessitates a fundamental re-engineering of planning (ERP) to enhance government operations? d) Agency Involvement: Finally, with all internal and solutions and advanced technological insig
National Information Technology Board (NITB) has mismanagement, ensuring greater nancial relentless focus on service excellence, NITB is rede ning With over 36,000 complaints successfully managed and scalability of government digital systems? business processes. This holistic transformation CEO NITB: Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) serves as external testing phases satisfactorily completed, the leading industry players, NITB not only enriches the services,
emerged as a pivotal catalyst for nationwide digital transparency and integrity. the contours of digital transformation in Pakistan, since its launch, this initiative has garnered Through these meticulously crafted initiatives, NITB is requires rethinking and redesigning legacy systems a strategic linchpin in our mission to digitize and product is presented to relevant governmental quality of its digital services but also drives competitive operational tran
integration. Granted full autonomy on August 16, 2022, steering the nation toward a future marked by e ciency, international acclaim from the Saudi government for setting unprecedented benchmarks in e-governance, CEO NITB: The National Information Technology Board and operational models to unlock true e ciency streamline governmental processes. At NITB, ERP is not agencies. These agencies perform an additional innovation within the public sector. management.
NITB evolved from its earlier status as a department c) Government Digitalization: At the core of its inclusivity, and resilience. its role in optimizing accommodation logistics, ensuring that both citizens and government entities (NITB) prioritizes security, reliability, and scalability as and innovation. However, there is a notable merely a software solution; it is a comprehensive suite of layer of security scrutiny, ensuring that the solution This syner
under the Ministry of Information Technology and strategy, NITB implements cutting-edge digital scheduling, and overall operational e ciency. bene t from e cient, transparent, and future-ready foundational elements of its digital solutions. Every reluctance within the public sector to overhaul bespoke IT systems, designed to address the unique complies with national standards and operational environment where public sector imperatives merge In addition to the
Telecommunication (MOITT). It was originally solutions to enhance governmental operations, ICMA: What major initiatives has NITB undertaken to digital services. system is architected with "security by design," ensuring entrenched practices. The challenge lies in operational challenges faced by Pakistan’s government requirements before its full-scale deployment. with private sector agility. The integration of external transformative change through initiatives suc
established in 2014 through the merger of the Pakistan improve e ciency, and foster transparency. This improve e-governance and service e ciency? b) Apostille System: Addressing longstanding delays that robust safeguards are integrated from the initial overcoming cultural resistance and developing a institutions. technological expertise ensures that best practices and Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP). As a develop the country's digital infrastructur
Computer Bureau (PCB) and the Electronic Government transformation enables a more agile, responsive, CEO NITB: In the persistent pursuit of digital excellence, in document attestation, NITB has digitized the ICMA: What is NITB’s role in formulating and stages of development. This proactive approach mindset that is receptive to change. Implementing Our approach begins with an in-depth assessment of By implementing this four-tiered security strategy, NITB cutting-e
Directorate (EGD). NITB’s mandate is to architect a and accountable public service system. the National Information Technology Board (NITB) has Apostille process for the Ministry of Foreign A airs executing national IT policies and regulations? mitigates risks and forti es our infrastructure against robust change management strategies and each agency’s operational needs, followed by the not only enhances the reliability and scalability of government operations. Co
cohesive, uni ed digital landscape that not only bridges The best example of digital transformation of embarked on a comprehensive suite of initiatives (MoFA). This globally recognized system, established CEO NITB: The National Information Technology Board evolving cyber threats. demonstrating the tangible bene ts of BPR are custom development of ERP solutions that seamlessly government digital systems but also ensures continuous approach accelerates the digitaliza
the federal-provincial divide but also propels Pakistan government institutions in Pakistan is the E-O ce. designed to revolutionize e-governance and elevate under the Hague Convention, eliminates the (NITB) stands as a cornerstone in the evolution of To guarantee system resilience, NITB implements a critical to achieving this transformation. integrate diverse functions such as nance, human improvement in cybersecurity. This layered defense enhancing service
toward a robust, technology-driven future. The E-O ce is a transformative digital application designed public service e ciency. These initiatives are cumbersome queues and delays traditionally Pakistan’s digital framework, playing an instrumental role rigorous, multi-layered testing framework. This includes resources, supply chain management, and project mechanism is essential in ensuring that all digital of continuous improvement. technologies across mul
organization’s approach is strategically segmented into to help government departments transition to paperless strategically segmented into short-term and long-term associated with academic and o cial document in both crafting and operationalizing national IT policies comprehensive internal testing protocols to identify and c) Public Sector Capacity and Workforce oversight. By consolidating these disparate systems into initiatives are resilient, trustworthy, and c
three core tiers: interventions, each tailored to address immediate veri cation. Between July 8 and December 31, 2024, remediate vulnerabilities early in the development cycle, Adaptability: Adaptability is a signi cant hurdle in protecting sensitive data, thereby supporting Pakistan’s With this approach, we are not only streamlining digital Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT), the Board national, and international levels, ensuring that Pakistan
operations. By replacing manual le handling with an by seamlessly integrating with leading courier and regulations. As one of the founding members of the prevailing resistance among public servants a uni ed digital framework, ERP enhances data of Investment (BoI), the National Database and remains at the forefront of technological advancement
a) Digital Society Initiatives: NITB is dedicated to e cient electronic system, it enhances internal operational challenges while laying the groundwork for services—such as Leopards, which emerged as the Digital Nation Pakistan, NITB is charged with architecting a followed by stringent external audits conducted by toward adopting digital change. This skepticism is transparency, enables real-time analytics, and fosters a broader digital transformation agenda. govern
empowering citizens by delivering seamless, e ciencies, accelerates decision-making, and ensures sustained digital transformation. most frequently used service with 23,122 deliveries, uni ed digital ecosystem that transcends provincial certi ed third-party security experts. This dual-phase often rooted in concerns over job security and a culture of agile decision-making across all levels of ICMA: How does NITB collaborate with public and transparent, and citiz
state-of-the-art digital services that enhance public secure document management. Short-term Interventions: followed by ECS with 9,841, TCS with 9,025, Gerry’s divides and ensures cohesive national progress. validation process not only con rms compliance with general lack of digital literacy. The current workforce, government. The implementation phase is executed private sector entities to drive digital governance? This comprehensive, partnership-driven approach is
engagement, simplify access to government with 6,599, and M&P with 3,995—this system has The National IT Board’s mandate has evolved from mere international security standards but also reinforces the while experienced, is not su ciently tech-savvy to with precision, utilizing agile methodologies to ensure central to nurturing a resilient digital infrastructure that economic growth. Information Technology Board (NITB) for sparing from his
precious time to give exclusive interview for Chartered
resources, and promote civic participation. a) Hajj App and Portal: NITB’s pioneering Hajj app and expedited the attestation process. integrity of our digital ecosystems. that the ERP rollout is both rapid and scalable. CEO NITB: NITB recognizes that e ective digital can e ectively respond to evolving challenges and Management Accountant Journal.
portal represent a paradigm shift in managing policy advisory to active execution, thereby translating fully harness the potential of modern digital tools. opportunities in the realm of public service delivery.
transformation hinges on comprehensive stakeholder
16 ICMA’s Chartered Management Accountant, Jan-Feb 2025 BACK TO CONTENTS PAGE