The book "Digital Pakistan" by Dr. Imran Batada was launched at the Institute of Business Management (IoBM), Karachi on Saturday, March 11, 2023. The book offers a complete digital media guideline for policymakers, industry professionals, and students to move forward, transform, and contribute to the GDP of Pakistan. Dr. Ishrat Husain, Former Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan was the Chief Guest at the occasion.
Mr. Fahd Haroon, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Public Communication & Digital Platforms also attended the event. Mr. Haroon holds extensive experience in holding government offices covering a wide range of strategic, media, and public relation domains.
Dr. Imran Batada, an esteemed professional whose career spans over 20 years both locally and internationally, is currently serving as the Chief Technology Officer and Director Center for Information Technology (CIT) at IoBM. The speakers at the book launch ceremony considerably appreciated his efforts in writing the book that presents a holistic viewpoint and insights on how to best utilize digital media in Pakistan. The panelists were of the view that digital media is the future. This book will provide a roadmap for industry leaders, policymakers, and especially students and freelancers to broaden their mental horizons regarding the nature and working of digital media and how best to utilize its various elements for personal and professional growth. The book is one of the many books published by IoBM. The guests appreciated how IoBM is facilitating its faculty members in the book publishing process.
In his welcome address, Mr. Talib Karim, President, IoBM stated, "This year IoBM has launched two books. The first one was by Dr. Shahida Wizarat, launched in February. Dr. Imran Batada’s book is the second in the series. Dr. Imran has done a remarkable job in initiating IoBM to have a paperless environment. We are developing campus management software and he has successfully initiated a digital marketing diploma at IoBM primarily to facilitate freelancers. This book is a collection of his articles over many years.”
The Chief Guest, Dr. Ishrat Hussain, in his speech, expressed his views noting: “I admire his efforts in compiling his articles in the form of a book. Reading books has become a rare commodity. We have become 14-word captive readers. We should devote time to reading articles and understanding their content. Bringing articles on various subjects in one book is a commendable step. I congratulate Mr. Talib Karim for supporting this project.”
Mr. Fahd Haroon also lauded the book and said: “This work from Dr. Imran is a timely and important contribution to the ongoing discussion of digital Pakistan. Digitalization has the potential to revolutionize our business and communication while also bringing an opportunity to connect with people from all over the world. As public office holders, it is our duty to ensure digital platforms are used for constrictive activities”
The launch of "Digital Pakistan" fosters Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by focussing on digital transformation and infrastructure. Specifically, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure is highly relevant as the book emphasizes advancing Pakistan’s digital ecosystem, fostering innovation, and enhancing digital infrastructure. Additionally, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth is supported through the promotion of digital platforms and freelancing opportunities, facilitating economic growth and job creation. Furthermore, SDG 4: Quality Education is addressed as the book offers digital literacy insights that are valuable for students and professionals, enhancing educational outreach in the digital domain. These SDGs underscore the importance of digitalization in fostering sustainable development and economic progress in Pakistan. By integrating the strategies discussed in the book, Pakistan can not only drive technological innovation but also contribute significantly to sustainable economic and educational growth.
While talking to the media, Dr. Imran Batada said, "The book, Digital Pakistan, emphasizes the importance of digitalization for Pakistan's future. We need to embrace digitization, invest in our digital infrastructure, and build an ecosystem that fosters growth, innovation, and prosperity. The world is headed for a digital future, and we cannot afford to fall behind. The time has come for Pakistan to embrace digitalization and exploit it to its full potential".
Amongst those who attended the event were renowned professionals including Ashfaque Ahmed, Head of Digital, BankIslami Pakistan Ltd., Shaukat Ali Khan, Global Chief Information Officer, Aga Khan University, Tabasum Abid, Director IT and Chief Technical Officer, Sindh Police, Hussein Hassanali, GM, Head IT Audit, Habib Bank Limited, Iftikhar Arif, General Manager IT and E-commerce, Muller & Phillips Pakistan; and Sohaib Hassan, Co-Founder Brand & Media Learning Hub.