Around the world, countries have adopted digitalisation in most fields to speed up the process of growth and development. We have already witnessed the benefits of digitalisation through social media applications that have helped connect people without physical contact. Even e-businesses have changed the marketplace and economics. Pakistan should also consider the digitisation of the economy on a larger scale through technology as it will lower the costs of storing, sharing and analysing data and create a link between consumers and suppliers without middlemen.
Digitalisation will help businesses within Pakistan to expand in the international market. Businesses can analyse economic trends more effectively and help consumers to make better choices. It will be more time-friendly because the overall process is much faster. Even the government can benefit through e-governance and increase political participation through e-voting. The digitalisation of industrial sectors will help Pakistan’s economy. The use of accounting software, maintenance of computerised records, automation, and artificial intelligence can increase the productivity and efficiency of industrial sectors. Transactions through e-banking and digital payments will be easily documented and draw more taxpayers.
The economy can be strengthened by greater e-commerce opportunities as it will generate more revenue. Digital technologies can also promote Pakistan’s agricultural sector. Given that most people now have access to mobile phones, an agriculture information portal can be set up. It will inform agriculturists about price, weather, water quality, and supply data from agricultural markets. Pakistan’s administrative system is still chained with an old manual system. People have to travel long distances and wait for hours in queues just to get documents such as domiciles, driving licences, etc. The government should consider transitioning towards digitalisation as it will overcome several hurdles and ensure smooth procedure, which will significantly benefit the country.
Subhan Shahzad
Lahore
