6.2. 6.3. Support the creation of text to speech software for Urdu and regional/local languages that can be used to enhance the utility of basic mobile phone based text messages as well as for normal computer usage. Collaborate with local technology associations, academia and industry incubation centers to promote R&D and localization of relevant content and its usage. 7. Persons with disabilities (PWDs) 7.1. 7.2. 7.3. 7.4. 7.5. Involve Civil Society, Private Sector Organizations and other relevant stakeholders for developing and instituting holistic ecosystem to promote ICT accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). Collaborate with local and international software industry to introduce ICT infrastructure and software applications for PWDs along with local language support. Ensure compliance of universal standards in development of websites that allow inclusiveness of PWD community. Encourage the local development of software tools for PWDs and its availability at economical rates. Consideration of PWDs in all national level ICT schemes/initiatives of MoIT. 8. Open Source 8.1. 8.2. 8.3. 9. 9.1. 9.2. 9.3. Enhance the skills and capabilities within government to evaluate open source ICT products and services as an option. Ensure fair consideration of both types of software i.e. open source and proprietary during the procurement process. Government IT initiatives should make assessments and costbenefit and security analysis to determine most appropriate action for each project. Encourage R&D of “Open Source” across the country through appropriate means. Local Manufacturing of Hardware Promote the local manufacturing of IT hardware (Desktop PCs, Laptops, Mobile Handsets, Network equipment, LEDs, Microprocessors, etc.) to augment measures already in place to incentivize local manufacturing of handsets, if so required. Transfer management control of existing manufacturing concerns in the public sector to the private sector through equity participation or long-term lease, or any other publicprivate partnership modes. Work with relevant stakeholders regarding accession to Information Technology Agreement (ITA) under the framework of WTO in-line with necessities of local hardware manufacturing industry. Digital Pakistan Policy Page 12