equality. The value of ICTs is largely seen through increased productivity, improved access to health and education, equitable participation in social, political and economic spheres, thus breaking barriers of isolation. Initiate specific ICT for Girls’ programs for imparting quality trainings in computer skills, including software coding, across the country to reduce inequalities, provide decent work and promote economic growth in line with relevant SDGs.5 V. Promote Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Incubators/Startups in IT sector Generate sustainable innovation, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for the country’s rapidly growing technology savvy and entrepreneurial youth. To conduct digital skills programs for the human resource development in current and emerging technology domains. Collaborate with international partners to boost innovation. Set up venture capital funds to hold national level competitions on regular basis in all key emerging technologies and applications. Establish and build a framework for setting-up incubation centers in provincial capitals & major secondary cities facilitating IT startups to get off the ground more quickly and smoothly by tapping into a vast network of business partners and mentors, including specialized innovation centers in thematic areas including FinTech, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and Robotics. Promote and encourage entrepreneurship by providing incentives to IT sector and training for young professionals to become freelancers. VI. Increase software exports, IT remittances & Domestic Market The success of the IT industry and freelance sector, the ability of Pakistani IT professionals to win international awards and the availability of a large highly qualified English speaking workforce point to a huge potential for boosting software exports and outsourcing opportunities expanding the domestic market. VII. ICT Ranking of Pakistan Improve Pakistan’s ICT ranking based on international indices and benchmarks measuring the business & innovation environment, infrastructure, affordability, skills readiness, and socioeconomic impact. Improve the provision of data to the international rating agencies. VIII. Digital Inclusion Bridge the digital divide including the urban and rural divide, gender disparity, unserved and underserved areas, inequality for the person with disabilities, by connecting the unconnected with broadband. i. Development of IT Zones/Software Technology Parks To setup at least one state of the art purpose built ‘Software Technology Park’ at major cities of Pakistan (federal and provincial capitals) to promote efficient and costeffective collaboration, digitization, Research & Development (R&D), entrepreneurship and innovation. 5 Digital Pakistan Policy Supporting UN SDG’s 1, 4, 5, 8, 10 Page 6