Federal Secretary Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication Maroof Afzal was also present in meeting. Dr Atta-ur-Rehman attended the meeting as the co-chairman of PM Task Force on IT and Telecom.
The first meeting of the Task Force was held last month and it decided to declare the IT and Telecom sector as industry and to adopt legal process in this regard soon. Further, the meeting had formulated with consensus three sub-task forces on IT, Telecom and Human Resource Development. These sub-task forces were directed to submit their recommendations in six weeks. During the second meeting, the three sub-task forces on IT, Telecom, and Human Resource Development gave recommendations regarding IT, Telecom and HRD sectors.
The sub-task force on IT gave recommendation for setting up of special technology zones in the country for enhancing IT exports. It was observed that image of country''s IT industry will enhance by establishing special technology zones in the country.
While speaking, Dr Atta-ur-Rehman said that instead of setting up of special technology zones from the start while developing land for this purpose, existing buildings or infrastructure can be designated as special technology zones.
About spectrum, Dr Atta-ur-Rehman said that spectrum should be allocated in right manner. He also emphasised the need for promoting locally manufacturing products like mobile phones, computers, laptops, etc.
It is also proposed that the IT related small and medium enterprises (SMEs) should be empowered by establishing special technology zones. The members of the sub-task force on telecom observed that the telecom taxes in Pakistan are highest in the world. It was proposed that 12.5% advance income tax on internet must be zeroed.