Pakistan Observer
Published Date: Dec 14, 2012
ANTI-GRAFT STRATEGY ON ENVIL WITH STAKEHOLDERS
Qamar Zaman Kaira said on Thursday that utilization of modern technology was vital to overcome the challenges being faced by the society especiallyeconomic and security issues. While addressing as chief guest at the launching ceremony of “15th International Multitopic Conference” hosted by RiphahInternational University at a local hotel he said that the challenges being faced by Pakistan were global in nature and greater collaboration and sharing of technological advancements was needed to overcome these challenges.
He said that lack of research was one of the reasons behind less development in Pakistan and there was a need to find innovative solutions to the problems being faced by the nation. Kaira said that in Pakistan, there a special Ministry for Information Technology which has been striving for promotion of the IT sector. He said that in Pakistan a Universal Services Fund has been created to provide latest IT network in the far-flung areas and now optic fibre has been laid in all districts of Pakistan.
Ministry of Information Technology has been also providing scholarships to youth to equip them with latest technological knowledge so that they can compete in corporate culture. Referring to Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) the minister said that the present government has introduced this flagship programme to support the poorest sections of the society by giving them direct cash subsidy. For making this programme more effective information technology has been introduced and they have been issued smart cards. The minister appreciated the role of Riphah University in promotion of higher education in Pakistan in short span of 10 years time period. All stakeholders to be taken on board in making strategy to curb graft: Kaira
Earlier, talking to media persons after attending a seminar Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira said that corruption was a global issue and developing societies mostly were afflicted by this menace. He that the present government will take all stake holders on board while making strategy to curb corruption from the society as think tanks play crucial role in development of any society. He said that a section of the media gives impression as if federal government was involved in corrupt practices which was totally wrong.
Kaira said that the government will review the report issued by Transparency InternationalPakistan (TIP). To a question, he said that PTV will soon launch its English channel to reach out those viewers who can only understand English. The new channel, he added will help present Pakistan’s view point at international level in a better way. Kaira said that the Federal Government has transferred record 1000 billion additional funds to the provinces, and development works being done in provinces were its outcome.
He said in principle it was good idea to cut defence budget but the present scenario Pakistan cannot afford to reduce its defence expenditure as we have unresolved disputes with the neighbours and war on terror is continuing.