The Asia Internet Coalition (AIC), a regional ICT policy group, has raised concerns about the government’s plans for data localisation in Pakistan, stating that it will have negative consequences.

At a recent round table on data protection & digital economy at the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, the AIC presented its report ‘Data Localisation in Pakistan’. However, the ministry’s statement did not mention the report, focusing instead on discussions and recommendations related to data hosting and sensitivity.

Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, emphasized the importance of data regulation and cybersecurity, highlighting the government’s commitment to achieving the $25 billion IT exports target.

The AIC report highlighted concerns about the impact of data localisation on productivity, cost of business, and unemployment in the IT sector. The move could also lead to a potential loss of jobs and GDP.

Furthermore, the report warned about the threat of cyber attacks due to storing all key data in a single location, making it vulnerable to hackers.

It is crucial for Pakistan to address these concerns and find a balance between data protection and economic growth in the digital era.