Both the public and private sectors are adopting digitalization to serve people more effectively. Considering the intense competition, digitalization has become essential for survival in today’s world. In this opinion statement, I aim to present reasons why the public sector must digitalize and how digitalization can help control corruption.
I believe that digitalization can enable countries to grow while also curbing corruption within their systems.
To support my view, I’ll share examples, but first, let’s clarify what digitalization essentially means. In my opinion, digitalization represents ease—the ease of doing anything. You no longer need to go to a bank to deposit money; you can do it from the nearest ATM. Similarly, foreign currency can be bought via mobile apps without visiting an exchange office, and the same goes for stocks, mutual funds, air tickets, and more. But how does this lead to societal or national development?
Competition is a powerful way to raise the standard of living. When governments or companies digitalize, they set a high bar, prompting others to innovate and offer better services. Nowadays, this is only possible if they too embrace digitalization.
So how can a government digitalize and control corruption? Governments worldwide are adopting e-government systems that allow citizens to access many government services online. Although not all services may be available, a significant number are. Unfortunately, Pakistan does not yet have a comprehensive e-government system, although departments like NADRA are becoming digital. A robust e-government framework can enhance governance, especially for countries like Pakistan with large informal economies. It would also benefit citizens abroad who remit significant funds back home.
From my own experience, I can share how digitalization can lead to development and help control corruption. After completing 11th grade, I applied for a domicile. In rural Sindh, obtaining a domicile without connections can be frustrating. They ask for an exhaustive list of documents, demand unofficial fees, and, at times, delay the process for what they call methai (Sweet) Even though I had someone helping me from the deputy commissioner’s office, I saw him offering sweets to the clerk to expedite my process, an unpleasant sight. I can only imagine the trouble others face without internal connections. If Pakistan had an e-government system, I could have downloaded my domicile from home by simply paying the official fees. I have personally witnessed the incredible value of e-government in Türkiye, where I can download essential documents, from my academic transcripts to my tax returns, simply by logging in.
In our digital world, the only way forward is to digitalize ourselves if we want to thrive. My purpose in writing this opinion is to foster an understanding of digitalization’s importance. If you have suggestions, feel free to email me at chairmanatpdm@gmail.com.
Muhammad Noman Soomro