Digital FDI Initiative Pakistan 2025

Table of Digital FDI policies and regulations in Pakistan TABLE A1 Category Name Instrument Organization Year Status Digital Vision (National Agenda) Digital Pakistan Policy Policy MoITT 2018First national-level policy focused on creating a digital vision for Pakistan. While the term for this policy has lapsed, a new digital vision framework is being introduced under the Digital Nation initiative that will focus on enabling and scaling widespread digitalization through the use of digital public infrastructure. The Digital Nation Pakistan Bill was introduced in the National Assembly (lower house) in 2024 to allow for institutional reforms to support the digital agenda. Data securityTelecom Consumer Protection RegulationRegulation PTA 2009Aims to protect the rights and interests of telecom consumers by focusing on issues related to quality of service and billing and charging practices. It provides the legal framework for protecting the personal data of individuals and regulating its processing and use by data controllers and processors. The regulation has been amended periodically, most recently in 2017, to reflect changing consumer needs and advances in technology. Personal Data Protection Bill (Draft)Bill MoITT2020 (latest draft 2024)The country’s first data protection legislation, the Personal Data Protection (PDP) Bill, aims to safeguard personal data, enhance privacy rights and regulate data processing by organizations. After undergoing multiple consultations and revisions, the bill is currently being finalized by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) based on further industry feedback. However, concerns have been raised regarding provisions for data localization and stringent limitations on cross-border data flows, as well as the potential regulatory burden and compliance costs for businesses, which could hinder innovation and investment in the digital sector. Copyright laws to protect intellectual propertyThe Copyright Ordinance 1962Ordinance IPO 1962Establishes copyright protection for literary, artistic and intellectual works. However, it has not been updated to address the issue of online privacy and digital copyright infringement, which pose significant challenges for copyright holders in Pakistan in the emerging digital age. Copyright Rules 1967Rules IPO 1967Provides procedural guidelines for implementing the Copyright Ordinance, 1962, including registration, licensing and dispute resolution. As above, this has not been updated with regards to digital technologies and requires significant revisions to ensure clear provisions and adequate enforcement and to remove outdated terms that fail to take into account emerging digital technology. Agreement on Trade- Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS)International treatyWTO 1995Since the establishment of the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan in 2012, there have been efforts to implement TRIPS requirements and regulations, with further progress and steps for comprehensive compliance remaining areas for future focus. Data privacy regulationsNational Cyber Security PolicyPolicy MoITT 2021Provides a comprehensive framework for ensuring the security, resilience and integrity of national cyberspace, including critical infrastructure, government networks and private-sector systems. There is a need to ensure the adequacy and effectiveness of the implementation and enforcement mechanisms of the policy, particularly in terms of resource allocation, training and accountability. A continuous evaluation and monitoring of the impact of the policy on the cybersecurity landscape – especially in terms of the reduction of risks and threats, the enhancement of trust and confidence and the promotion of innovation and prosperity – will also be required. Digital FDI Initiative: Digital FDI-Enabling Project in Pakistan 26