Key Takeaways
- Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has directed the preparation of three provincial data centers.
- The decision aims to enhance digital governance and secure data infrastructure in Sindh.
- A public-private partnership model is suggested for the project.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has ordered the establishment of three modern provincial data centers under the Digital Sindh project. The directive was issued during a meeting with National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) Managing Director Major General retired Ali Farhan, attended by senior provincial officials and NTC representatives.
The meeting reviewed the current cooperation between the Sindh government and NTC in telecommunications, data management, cloud services, and cybersecurity. Officials highlighted that NTC already operates approximately 1,000 kilometers of optical fiber network in Sindh and is planning a modern data center for Karachi to meet e-governance needs and strengthen data sovereignty.
Murad Ali Shah emphasized the importance of secure data infrastructure as a strategic need and national asset. He directed the Planning and Development Board, the IT Department, and NTC to prepare a detailed roadmap covering technical requirements, completion timeline, administrative structure, and future expansion needs. The chief minister also stated that the proposed data centers should meet global standards for cybersecurity, data protection, and disaster recovery.
The project is expected to support secure storage, cloud services, disaster recovery, and business continuity for government departments. Murad Ali Shah suggested launching the project through a public-private partnership model, indicating potential collaboration with private sector entities to ensure efficient implementation.
The chief minister’s directive reflects Sindh's commitment to entering a new phase of digital governance and technology-led public administration. The establishment of these data centers is seen as a critical step in enhancing the province’s technological infrastructure and ensuring secure management of government data.
Officials noted that the data centers will play a crucial role in supporting e-governance initiatives, strengthening cybersecurity measures, and providing reliable cloud services to various government departments. This move aligns with broader national efforts to modernize governance through digital means.
