National Information Technology Board

The National Information Technology Board (NITB) is an autonomous government agency under the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication in Pakistan. It was founded in 2014.

National Information Technology Board (NITB)
Agency overview
Formed2014; 10 years ago (2014)
JurisdictionPakistan
HeadquartersIslamabad
Parent agencyMinistry of Information Technology and Telecommunication
Websitenitb.gov.pk

History

edit

National Information Technology Board (NITB) was established in 2014 after the merger of the Pakistan Computer Bureau (PCB) and the Electronic Government Directorate (EGD).[1] However, after the passage of the National Information Technology Board Act, of 2022, its status was changed to an autonomous body.[1][2][3]

In 2022, NITB was given the autonomous status through the National Information Technology Board Act, 2022.[3] The Act was approved by the President of Pakistan Arif Alvi under Article 75 of the Constitution of Pakistan.[4]

Role and functions

edit

NITB is responsible for implementing e-governance across the country as per the vision and policy of the Federal Government. Its objective is to serve the public in a more efficient and effective manner through the provision of e-governance software applications to advisories, consultancies, and federal ministries and divisions.[1][3] NITB has developed and launched more than 31 portals and more than 15 mobile applications in the last four years.[5]

Beep Pakistan

edit

NITB launched Pakistan's first communication application "Beep Pakistan" under the leadership of Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Syed Aminul Haque. This application is intended to be a homegrown alternative to WhatsApp and aims for secure and efficient digital communication between government officials and employees.[6][7]

Controversies

edit

Some controversies have emerged regarding NITB's tendering process for skilled IT-HR outsourcing8. Some participating firms raised questions against the process, alleging that the selection criteria were specifically designed to favor one of the potential bidders.[8]

References

edit
  1. ^ a b c https://pakistancode.gov.pk/pdffiles/administrator9e230a59250fb6485a7c2f7cf95b1e57.pdf
  2. ^ "Govt Set to Establish National Information Technology Board".
  3. ^ a b c "National Information Technology Board (NITB) Act, 2022". www.pakistancode.gov.pk.
  4. ^ "President Approves National Information Technology Board Bill 2022".
  5. ^ "Over 31 portals, 15 mobile applications developed by NITB". March 1, 2023.
  6. ^ "Amin launches Pakistan's first ever communication application 'beep Pakistan'". August 7, 2023.
  7. ^ "Amin launches Pakistan's first ever communication application "Beep Pakistan"". August 7, 2023.
  8. ^ "Firms raise questions to tendering process of NITB's skilled IT-HR outsourcing". 14 July 2023.
edit