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Message of
Chairman
PTA
on
WTISD
2010
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Dr. Muhammad Yaseen
Chairman, Pakistan Telecommunication
Authority
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It is a gratifying fact that this year again Pakistan
Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has joined hands
with International Telecommunication Union (ITU) by
celebrating World Telecommunication and Information
Society Day (WTISD) in Pakistan. “Better city, better
life with ICTs” is the theme of WTISD 2010. Today, this
fact is being acknowledged worldwide that ICTs work
as a catalyst in the development of emerging
economies of the world. Billions of people living in
cities depend on ICTs for their daily activities. Without
ICT, it would be near impossible to manage and
administer the growing urban population.
It gives me immense pleasure in saying that PTA has
proactively realized this proportionality between growth
of ICTs and social development. About 33% of
Pakistan’s population lives in urban centers. After
achieving considerable success in providing better
telecommunication facilities in the cities, we are also
targeting the remote and underserved areas of the
country to bring them at par with technologically
developed cities and towns. For this purpose, PTA is
promoting the growth, usage and penetration of
broadband to every nook and corner of the country. We
have engaged all the stakeholders of the local industry
and the regional countries in an effective dialogue. PTA
has sought their contributions and collaboration to plan
roadmap for the future of the telecom industry. PTA
also collects money for Universal Service Fund (USF)
and R&D Fund from its licensees which is spent
effectively on provision of telecom services in under
served and un-served areas and research and
development projects for IT & telecom sectors
respectively.
Since the majority of Pakistani population is illiterate
and less familiar with English language, PTA is now
focusing on the development of local content and
applications. Besides, PTA has launched the Urdu
version of its website and has also taken number of
other steps in this regard. We assure our support and
encouragement to the operators in introducing local
content and applications in the fields of education,
agriculture, commerce, banking and other areas of
common interest. Our every claim is supported with
tangible initiatives and measurable results. The role of
PTA is reflected in the success story of Pakistan’s
telecom sector.
To celebrate WTISD this year, apart from other
measures, PTA has also organized an essay writing
competition. Papers have been invited from the general
public on the current theme of WTISD. Emphasis has
been given to seek concrete recommendations from
the participants and cash prizes are being awarded to
the best essays. The recommendations would be part
of PTA’s future policies with a focus on more affordable
and equitable access to information and knowledge
through ICTs. PTA’s vision in this regard is in line with
ITU’s mission which aims at achieving greener, safer,
healthier, prosperous, inclusive and well-managed
cities — where over half the world’s population resides.
On this occasion, I once again assure that PTA is
working sincerely and will continue its efforts with full
zeal and zest for the rapid development of ICTs in
Pakistan.
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