UNDP ICT Programme Officer/Focal Point

ICT Programme Office/Focal Point A

Full Name

Haider Qazilbash

Designation/Position

National ICT Expert

Station (UNDP Country Office)

UNDP Pakistan

Email Address

haider.qazilbash@undp.org

Telephone Number

92-51-280 0133 Ext 2221

Fax Number

92-51-280 0031

Government Agency(ies) with Primary Responsibility

Ministry/Agency

Ministry of Science & Technology

Contact Person A

Full Name (First, Last)

Atta Ur Rahman

Designation/Title

Minister of Science & Technology

Email Address

minister@most.gov.pk

Contact Person B

Full Name (First, Last)

Ashfaq Mahmood

Designation/Title

Secretary IT & Telecom

Email Address

secretary-it@most.gov.pk

National Development Priorities

Please list the Government’s primary developmental and sectoral priorities:

• Poverty Alleviation
• Good Governance
• Environment
• Information Technology

e-Readiness Assessment

Has the Government (or any third party or donor) conducted a multi-sectoral ICT or e-readiness assessment of the country?

NO

An e-Readiness is required. The assessment will create awareness about the various parameters that should be addressed for achieving e-readiness. Accordingly, it will potentially serve to stimulate the commencement of multi-sectoral ICT readiness activities in Pakistan.  Furthermore, as a result of the assessment, diverse ICT activities can be aligned with each other for maximum efficacy.
 

Existing e-Policies, -Strategies, Acts, Decrees, etc

Has the Government developed, or is the Government planning to develop, ICT policies?

YES

The Government's policy focus is in areas of telecommunications, Internet access, IT Education, software development, and IT awareness.  The Government's role is that of an enabler or faciliator of private sector participation.
 

Ministry/Agency in Charge of ICT Policy Formulation

Minister of Science & Technology; www.most.gov.pk

Scope of ICT Policies

The existing ICT policies are far-reaching in scope.  Education, Health, Telecom, Public Sector Reform, Gender, and Rural Access to ICT's are covered.

Was the process of ICT policy formulation participatory in nature, and did it involve stakeholders?

YES

Diverse stakeholders from Government, private sector (both ICT and other sectors), legal community, financial community, NGO's, universities, international organizations, and overseas Pakistani experts and entrepreneurs were involved.
 

Does the Government have an official policy on ICT and Gender?

YES

The Government policy encourages ICT for women.  However, more concrete efforts on the ground are needed to make a significant impact in the area of ICT and Gender.
 

Does the Government have an official policy on Open Source Software?

YES

The policy encourages Government purchase of open source (specifically Linux) to foster industry.
www.most.gov.pk

OpenSourceNo: Ministry of Science & Technology
www.most.gov.pk
 

Access

How is the Government addressing the issue of equitable access to ICT for all of its citizens, especially marginalized groups and those in rural communities?

The Government has embarked on a fast-track telecom and internet connectivity exercise, in an effort to provide connectivity to the marginalized groups and those in rural communities.  To further spread Internet to remote locations, the Government's telecom company PTCL will make the UIN (Universal Internet Number) into a local call (from the remote locations) to the nearest PoP of one or more ISPs. This will enable equitable access. In parallel, a drastic reduction in leased line charges will enable ISPs to go to smaller locations.
 

What is the Government planning to do to increase local connectivity to the Internet?

About a thousand towns and cities have been provided new access.
 

Has the Government implemented, or is it planning to implement, e-government/e-governance initiatives to better deliver government services through the application of ICT and to improve government transparency and efficiency?

YES

Government is implementing ICT to enhance efficiency. The following measures are underway:

A - Citizen Online:  to facilitate delivery of services to citizens. In line with this objective, the "Pakistan.Gov" project has been launched for:

i - Providing government information to the public through a government portal
ii - Ensuring online availability and, ultimately leading to submission of all forms of the government electronically
iii - Online availability of information on jobs, tenders, official gazette notifications etc. for the convenience of the public
iv - Bringing transparency in government-public interactions

B -- Salary through ATMs: 18 ATMs are being installed at 13 locations in Islamabad/Rawalpindi for facilitation of payment of salaries to federal government employees.

C -- IT Skills Training programme for Government Officers:  A training programme is being initiated for Officers of the Government. For this purpose IT labs will be established at 11 Academies of the government.

D -- Networking at Selected Divisions: The pilot project involves installation of Local Area Networks and provision of the basic infrastructure to enable internal electronic communications and tracking of paper files within six Divisions of the Federal Government.

E -- Process Mapping for improving efficiency at Ministry of Science & Technology: Under this project, a process mapping and essential re-engineering study is being undertaken at the Ministry of Science & Technology. The purpose of this study is to identify areas for automation that will bring about an improvement in operations and efficiency of the ministry.
 

Local Content Development and Knowledge Management

Is the Government aware of or is it active in standardization and localization of ICTs (e.g. local input/output conventions and standards for digital exchange, development of local language character sets conforming to international UNICODE and other standards) for fostering local content development and knowledge management?

YES

The Government policy encourages development of local content development and knowledge management.  However, more concrete efforts on the ground are needed to make a significant impact in these areas.
 

Please suggest how UNDP can assist in further developing local content development.

UNDP Country Office Pakistan is starting a process of receiving input from private sector, Government, NGO's, universities and training instititutions, international organizations and forums, and overseas Pakistanis; based on which, it will advice the Government on steps for further developing of local content and knowledge management.
 

Please list (in order of priority) the five top areas of ICT for Development for the donor community.  E.g. e-Government, e-Commerce, e-Learning, ICT policy, etc.

1

e-Government

2

Infrastructure

3

e-Learning

4

e-Commerce

5

ICT Policy

Please list and describe the three primary ICT for Development areas of focus for your UNDP Country Office.

NOTE: Please DO NOT list actual projects/activities, there is another section for this information.  Please describe the general focus areas (e-policies, e-government, e-commerce, e-learning, etc.) instead.

Area One
ICT for Poverty Alleviation

Area Two
e-Governance

Area Three
Gender and ICT

Check List: Please provide additional comments where applicable.

UNDP has played or is playing a crucial role in assisting the national government with ICT policy formulation.

YES

The Country Office is planning to begin playing an important role in advising the Government on ICT policy.
 

ICT for Development is a well established programme area within your UNDP Country Office.

YES

UNDP Country Office Pakistan is starting a process of receiving input from private sector, Government, NGO's, universities and training institutions, international organizations and forums, and overseas Pakistanis; based on which, the country office will strengthen the adoption of ICT in UNDP and other projects and in the country office itself, and it will provide enhanced input to the Government on ICT policy.
 

The UNDP Country Office requires assistance in identifying UNDP’s potential niche in ICT for Development interventions in the country.

YES
 

The UNDP Country Office is in partnership with the local government in ICT for Development initiatives/projects/activities.

YES

Government of Pakistan
Provincial Governments
Local Governments in various provinces of Pakistan
 

Please share with us some UNDP County Office success stories, lessons learned, etc., with respect to the work that you have done in ICT for Development.

Work involved has been diverse -- such as establishing District Citizen Information Centres in NWFP; assisting Citizen Police Liaison Commmittee Karachi with crime record, monitoring, and analysis (to provide improved access to justice); building a nation-wide network of e-mail delivery, website, and knowledge management.

The major lesson learnt is that a partnership with all relevant stakeholders is important, which should be in place and effect right from the conception of the project to its commissioning and implementation. Furthermore, while it is important to scan for, and to learn from, global best practices, the solution applied on the local ground should be ultimately indigenous, and also it should take into account local demand, realities, and flexibility needs.
 

What are the major external obstacles in delivering ICT for Development outputs, thus far?  And how has the Country Office overcome these obstacles?

The external obstacles have been lack of resources, lack of capacity, access to infrastructure, lack of literacy, lack of awareness, and technology aversion.
 

What are the major internal obstacles in delivering ICT for Development outputs, thus far?  And how has the Country Office overcome these obstacles?  Please provide suggestions on how to overcome these obstacles.

The internal obstacle has been lack of optimal ICT capacity.  The country office is making efforts for developing, adopting, and integrating an enhanced ICT role in all its activities.
 

Project/Activity Information

Project Title

Fuel Efficiency in Road Transport Sector Project

Start Date

1996

End Date

2001

Objectives

The main objective of the project is to reduce at source emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants by improving fuel efficiency of the road transport vehicles.

Description (200 words maximum)

The project aims to achieve a reduction in carbon emissions in the short-term through the introduction and promotion of the state-of-the-art vehicle engine tune-up technologies in the country.  Furthermore, considerable potential for fuel savings exists as standard of vehicle maintenance is poor, and use of fuel-efficient technologies is limited.  Engine tune-up demonstration and training centres, ten for gasoline and five for diesel vehicles, have been established over the country.  These centres help in the development capabilities in diagnosis of engine performance and stimulate the market for these services.  A revolving loan fund is also set-up to finance the purchase of the vehicle tune-up equipment.  In addition to the short-term approach of reducing carbon emissions through vehicle engine tune up, special studies are being conducted to support development of policies and strategies for achieving fuel savings in the long-term.  There are 19 special studies covering such critical areas as the use of fuel efficient engines and alternative fuel technologies. The project rely primarily on market mechanisms and envisages  pivotal role for the private sector in the achievement of both long-term and short-term project objectives.

UNDP Project Officer

Abdul Qadir

abdul.qadir@undp.org

National Project Officer

Arif Allaudin

Partners (National)

ENERCON

Partners (International)

Cross-Cutting UNDP Themes

Energy and Environment

Geographical Scope

Nation-wide

Target Beneficiaries

Citizens of Pakistan

Expected Outputs/ Results

·         The establishment and promotion of tune-up facilities

·         People trained in new technology for handling and maintaining these facilities

Project URLs (websites)

Budget (USD)

UNDP Contribution (USD)

National (USD)

Other Donors (USD)

7 million

10.35 million

Keywords

fuel efficiency, greenhouse gases emissions, engine tune up technologies, environment, energy

Additional Comments

Project/Activity Information

Project Title

Pakistan Action Research for Development in Governance and Management (PARADIGM)

Start Date

2000

End Date

2003

Objectives

The CPLC is a non-governmental organization with a distinct identity that has attained measurable achievements over the past decade. Its overall objective is to preserve law and order and strengthen civil society in Karachi. CPLC has sought to improve the situation through information systems that make police work more effective, efficient, transparent, and accountable.

Objectives of the project are as follows:

·         Unification and improvement of all databases existing at CPLC

·         Streamlining the procedures of entering crime related information in the system

·         Further developing and strengthening the GIS and Spatial Crime Analysis System (SCAS) at CPLC-CRC.

·         Creation and implementation of an instant crime reporting call centre.

·         Creation and implementation of an instant crime notification system

·         Providing secure remote access to the system

Description (200 words maximum)

As CPLC has grown in its functions and mandate, so have the demands on its data management capabilities. The CPLC has established an advanced distributed information management (computing) infrastructure, with competent technical personnel. While its databases are extensive and populated with descriptive (attribute) and temporal (time-series) data, the spatial component has until now, been missing. Accordingly, the project is designed to rapidly enhance existing information management capabilities through the development of a Spatial Crime Analysis System. This will substantially improve the analytical and investigative capabilities of CPLC. Ultimately it will support law enforcement agencies and community action groups by enhancing public safety and the protection of life in Karachi.

UNDP Project Officer

Jessica Graf

jessica.graf@undp.org

National Project Officer

Nayyar Agha

Partners (National)

Economic Affairs Division, Islamabad

Partners (International)

Cross-Cutting UNDP Themes

Democratic Governance

Geographical Scope

Karachi

Target Beneficiaries

Citizens of Karachi

Expected Outputs/ Results

·         Call Center (integrated with database)

·         Network (Single network, with room for scalability)

·         Database (Unified true relational database system)

·         Applications (all applications Windows GUI based)

·         Internet Access (for accessing database)

Project URLs (websites)

http://www.sindh.gov.pk/functioning_of_CPLC.htm

Budget (USD)

UNDP Contribution (USD)

National (USD)

Other Donors (USD)

140,000

Keywords

crime analysis, police, Karachi, Communition Action Groups, Support to Law Enforcement Agencies

Additional Comments

Project/Activity Information

Project Title

Sustainable Development Networking Programme

Start Date

1996

End Date

2002

Objectives

he Sustainable Development Networking Programme in Pakistan was started in 1992 by UNDP and managed by IUCN. It has been working since then to promote access to information on sustainable human development by different sectors of society. When it started, there was little electronic networking in Pakistan and SDNP was a pioneer in promoting the use of electronic mail and networks.  Since there was no generally available networking infrastructure at the start of the project, SDNP had to invest considerable effort in establishing such a network. These efforts, along with a dramatic rise of interest in the Internet globally, have led to significant developments around the Internet in Pakistan.  There are now a number of private-sector Internet Service Providers (ISPs) who provide connectivity for a fee. Thus, SDNP is now focusing its efforts on promoting the availability and exchange of quality information on sustainable human development.

Description (200 words maximum)

The Sustainable Development Networking Programme (SDNP), is a global programme of UNDP, managed by IUCN - The World Conservation Union, in Pakistan. Since its inception in December 1992, it has been working to promote access to information on sustainable human development by different segments of society. During its initial phase, when there were no public electronic networking services available in Pakistan, SDNP pioneered the introduction and use of electronic mail and offline Internet in the country. SDNP has launched the Pakistan Development Gateway (PDG)- a one-stop website for all significant development information and news about Pakistan. In addition, it has trained more than 250 organizations from the development sector to set up, maintain and update their websites, contributing significantly to the local content about Pakistan on the Web. This training in Web publishing has also been conducted in Urdu and Sindhi languages. Some of the most information rich Pakistani websites - related to both Government and NGO sectors - have been set up as a result of this initiative. Other initiatives undertaken by SDNP include the creation of district websites and cyber community centres, promotion of open software like Linux, special training for women in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and  work on District Management Information System (DMIS).  A development gateway in Urdu is going to be launched soon.

UNDP Project Officer

Rabia Khattak

rabia.khattak@undp.org

National Project Officer

Hassan Rizvi

rizvi@isb.sdnpk.org.pk

Partners (National)

Partners (International)

IUCN

Cross-Cutting UNDP Themes

Poverty Reduction

Geographical Scope

Nation-wide

Target Beneficiaries

Citizens of Pakistan

Expected Outputs/ Results

·         E-mail services: SDNP was a pioneer in providing electronic mail services and networks.  Since there was no generally available networking infrastructure at the start of the project, SDNP had to invest considerable effort in establishing such a network.

·         Website development:  The Web development profile of SDNP is unmatchable, when it comes to development sector information in Pakistan.  These websites represent the work of SDNP running the whole gamut of themes, subjects and organizations covering the development sector in the country. These websites are in addition to over 120 organizational websites that have been set up as a result of SDNP's training initiative, most of which are hosted on its servers free of cost.

·         Pakistan Development Gateway:  PDG is the most comprehensive knowledge based website pertaining to the development sector in Pakistan. It contains a sophisticated knowledge management architecture and is envisaged as a one-stop site for all significant development information about Pakistan on the Web.  It is designed as a portal, the first and only one of its kind in Pakistan.

Project URLs (websites)

http://www.sdnp.org.pk/

Budget (USD)

UNDP Contribution (USD)

National (USD)

Other Donors (USD)

233,460

Keywords

E-mail, websites, knowledge networking, knowledge management, one-stop site

Additional Comments

Project/Activity Information

Project Title

Balochistan Trial District Management Project

Start Date

1997

End Date

2005

Objectives

The Government of Balochistan is working in collaboration with UNDP to assess how the delivery of public sector services in the province could be improved through enhanced capacity of all actors of the public sector delivery mechanism. Recognizing the need for improved public services delivery mechanism, the Project has established a user-friendly district based Participatory Information System (PIS) that will be used for planning, implementation, management and monitoring of local level public services with active participation of beneficiary communities. The district level database will facilitate the planners and decision-makers to appraise the spatial and gender disparities, and to suggest priorities for intervention in the neglected areas.

Description (200 words maximum)

PIS developed by BTDMP has been recognized by various organizations both at provincial and national level. PIS at district level can greatly support the new Local Government System. It provides the central core upon which other systems may be developed, and will serve as Information Resource Center at the district level.  It has been proposed to make the information accessible for public and organizations through Internet. For this purpose, software named ESRI ARC IMS will be used in the extension phase.   The PIS can only be successful if adequate number of trained staff is made available at district level. Accordingly, BTDMP has been organizing special courses to train line department staff to use the system. More training courses and utilization workshops are being planned during the 2nd quarter of 2002. At least three staff members will be trained on all processes of PIS to enable them to carry out all the operations of PIS

UNDP Project Officer

Jessica Graf

jessica.graf@undp.org

National Project Officer

Ghulam Mohiuddin Mari

btdmp2001@yahoo.com

Partners (National)

Government of Balochistan

Partners (International)

Cross-Cutting UNDP Themes

Democratic Governance

Geographical Scope

Balochistan

Target Beneficiaries

Citizens of Balochistan

Expected Outputs/ Results

According to the study conducted prior to project implementation stated, “There is an acute deficiency of basic data in Balochistan. There is no up to date source of data on the current population, settlement size, age and gender breakdown of the population, seasonal migration patterns, human resource availability, live stock population, water resources or the other basic facts about the province.” PIS especially focused these issues and tried to develop the database according to the requirement. The reason to include GIS is to produce a transparent picture of any area to address spatial disparities.

PIS is now capable of producing outputs based on Geographic Information System and Management Information System. The scope of PIS starts from the grass root level, covering the information of village, households, public facilities and topographic data of that area. The purpose of participatory Information system is to:

·         Fill gap between communities and service providers.

·         Create awareness about the potential the communities possess.

·         Create sense of ownership.

·         Address spatial and gender disparities.

·         Build consensus on development activities·

·         Provide transparent decision making mechanism.

Project URLs (websites)

http://www.btdmp.org/

Budget (USD)

UNDP Contribution (USD)

National (USD)

Other Donors (USD)

2,701,600

Keywords

Improved Public Delivery Mechanism, GIS, MIS, Balochistan, Participatory Information System

Additional Comments

Project/Activity Information

Project Title

Northern Areas Development Project -- Technical Assistance

Start Date

July 98

End Date

Dec 04

Objectives

To strengthen planning capacity of the Planning and Development department

Description (200 words maximum)

By providing technical assistance via GIS lab and MIS applications (hardware and software), the planning capacity of the P&D department is being strengthened viz-a-viz information on parameters such as population density, population profile, income generation, natural resources, and land utilization.

UNDP Project Officer

Naeem Ahmad

naeem.ahmad@undp.org

National Project Officer

Aman Ullah Niazi, Secreatry P&D, Northern Areas Administration

Partners (National)

Northern Areas Administration

Partners (International)

IFAD

Cross-Cutting UNDP Themes

Poverty Reduction

Geographical Scope

Northern Areas -- District Diamer

Target Beneficiaries

Government line departments, policy makers

Expected Outputs/ Results

Strengthen Policy-Making Capacity of the P&D Department

Project URLs (websites)

www.nadpchilas.org.pk

Budget (USD)

UNDP Contribution (USD)

National (USD)

Other Donors (USD)

150,000

Keywords

GIS, MIS, Planning tools, Poverty Reduction, Policy-Making

Additional Comments

Project/Activity Information

Project Title

Policy Support on e-Commerce

Start Date

April 2002

End Date

June 2003

Objectives

Assist Government in formulation of e-Commerce policy and strategy, with focus on pro-poor initiatives.

Description (200 words maximum)

An international conference was planned and organized on Sep 18 and 19. 300 national and intrnational participants attended the 6 thematic sessions on various aspects of e-Commerce. The recommendations are being compiled by UNCTAD, for follow-up by Government.

UNDP Project Officer

Naeem Ahmad

naeem.ahmad@undp.org

National Project Officer

Tariq Badshah

memberit@most.gov.pk

Partners (National)

Ministry of Science & Technology -- IT & Telecom Division

Partners (International)

UNCTAD

Cross-Cutting UNDP Themes

Poverty Reduction

Geographical Scope

Nation-wide

Target Beneficiaries

Policy Makers

Expected Outputs/ Results

Better informed policy makers on e-Commerce issues

Project URLs (websites)

www.emerge.com.pk

Budget (USD)

UNDP Contribution (USD)

National (USD)

Other Donors (USD)

149,000

100,000 (in kind)

Keywords

e-Commerce, Policy, Technology, Poverty, Legal issues

Additional Comments

Project/Activity Information

Project Title

Virtual University Feasibility Report

Start Date

Oct 2000

End Date

Dec 2000

Objectives

To assist Government in preparation of feasibility report for Virtual University

Description (200 words maximum)

As a part of the National IT policy, the Government has established a Virtual University. The Country Office arranged 3 consultants to assist in the preparation of the university's feasibility.

UNDP Project Officer

Naeem Ahmad

naeem.ahmad@undp.org

National Project Officer

Naveed Malik

rector@vu.edu.pk

Partners (National)

Government of Pakistan -- Ministry of Science & Technology

Partners (International)

APDIP KL

Cross-Cutting UNDP Themes

Poverty Reduction

Geographical Scope

Nation-wide

Target Beneficiaries

Poor students

Expected Outputs/ Results

Feasibility study prepared and approved -- leading to establishment of Virtual University by Government

Project URLs (websites)

www.vu.edu.pk

Budget (USD)

UNDP Contribution (USD)

National (USD)

Other Donors (USD)

50,000

Keywords

IT Education, Distance Learning, e-Learning, Poverty Reduction, Poor Students

Additional Comments