Digital Pakistan

In the digital age, public infrastructure has evolved from physical constructs like roads and bridges to sophisticated digital frameworks supporting and enhancing various facets of society.

Digital public infrastructure (DPI) encompasses systems and platforms that provide essential digital services, enabling the functioning of modern economies and societies. DPI refers to the foundational systems and services facilitating digital interactions and transactions among citizens, businesses, and governments.

These systems include digital identification, payment systems, data exchange platforms and internet connectivity, among others. DPI ensures that digital services are accessible, reliable, and secure for all users. DPI’s architecture is typically multi-layered, consisting of several interconnected components:

Digital identity systems: These systems provide individuals with unique digital identities used to access various services. Examples include India’s Aadhaar, Estonia's e-Residency, and the EU’s eIDAS.

Digital payment systems: These platforms enable secure and efficient electronic transactions. Notable examples are the unified payments interface (UPI) in India, M-Pesa in Kenya, and Swish in Sweden.

Data exchange platforms: These systems facilitate the secure sharing of data between different entities, ensuring privacy and interoperability. Examples include Estonia’s X-Road and the EU’s single digital gateway.

Internet connectivity: Robust internet infrastructure is essential for accessing digital services. Initiatives like South Korea’s high-speed internet and Google’s Project Loon aim to provide widespread and reliable connectivity.

Government service platforms: These platforms digitize government services, making them more accessible to citizens. Examples include Singapore’s MyInfo and Denmark’s Borger.dk.

Let us see how different countries have set up their digital public infrastructure. India’s DPI is anchored by the Aadhaar system, a biometric-based digital identity for over a billion people. The UPI revolutionized digital payments, making transactions seamless and accessible. India Stack, a set of APIs, further facilitates data exchange and service delivery.

Estonia is a pioneer in digital governance, with its X-Road platform enabling secure data exchange across various public and private sectors. The e-Residency programme allows global citizens to access Estonian digital services, promoting entrepreneurship and digital nomadism.

Kenya’s M-Pesa transformed financial inclusion by providing mobile-based payment and banking services to millions, particularly in rural areas. This innovation has been crucial in bridging the gap for the unbanked population.

Sweden’s Swish payment system, backed by major banks, offers a real-time mobile payment solution widely used by citizens. The country also excels in e-government services, with high internet penetration and digital literacy.

Singapore’s MyInfo platform streamlines digital interactions between citizens and the government by providing a single digital identity. The Smart Nation initiative integrates technology into various aspects of urban life, enhancing efficiency and quality of living.

The advent of generative AI, which includes technologies capable of producing text, images, and other content autonomously, has profound implications for DPI. Generative AI can enhance DPI capabilities in several ways:

Improved service delivery: AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can provide instant, personalized support for users accessing digital services, reducing wait times and improving user experience.

Enhanced data security: AI can detect and respond to cybersecurity threats in real time, safeguarding sensitive information within DPI systems.

Predictive analytics: Generative AI can analyze vast amounts of data to predict trends and needs, allowing governments to proactively address issues such as healthcare, traffic management and disaster response.

Automated processes: AI can automate routine administrative tasks, increasing efficiency and freeing up human resources for more complex problem-solving.

Inclusive access: AI-driven tools can provide accessibility features for individuals with disabilities, ensuring that DPI is truly inclusive.

Several key technologies form the foundation of modern DPI:

Blockchain: This technology provides a secure and transparent way to record transactions and manage digital identities. Estonia’s use of blockchain for its e-Residency programme ensures data integrity and security.

Artificial intelligence (AI): AI enhances DPI by enabling intelligent data analysis, automated decision-making and personalized service delivery. For example, AI-driven chatbots can handle routine inquiries, freeing up human resources for more complex tasks.

Cloud computing: Cloud infrastructure allows for scalable and cost-effective data storage and processing. Governments can use cloud services to host public portals and applications, ensuring high availability and performance.

Internet of Things (IoT): IoT devices collect and transmit data from various sources, enabling real-time monitoring and management of public services. Smart city initiatives often rely on IoT to optimize traffic flow, manage energy usage and enhance public safety.

Cybersecurity: Protecting DPI from cyber threats is crucial. Advanced cybersecurity measures, such as encryption, multi-factor authentication and intrusion detection systems help safeguard sensitive data and ensure the reliability of digital services.

Does this new technology have any significance for Pakistan? Pakistan has historically been an unequal society where ordinary people rarely enjoy any benefits. The majority remains deprived not only of the economic gains from lopsided development but also of their basic human and fundamental rights as outlined in the constitution.

Political institutions and their allied economic, social, political and spiritual forces have consistently taken advantage of the people, exploiting their sentiments while doing little to promote their prosperity beyond marginal actions.

Now, as we enter the age of generative artificial intelligence, there is a unique opportunity to create an inclusive society founded on rule of law, good governance, transparency, accountability, enhanced efficiency, reduced corruption and participatory economic development. In this envisioned society, all working-age individuals can contribute with their intellectual capabilities rather than relying on physical labour alone.

Achieving this vision requires the immediate development of digital public infrastructure. Immediate action, within five to six months, is entirely feasible. Political parties, powerful groups, entrepreneurs, and other forces within the country must collaborate to develop this DPI swiftly. This is, for the time being, the main solution for economic turnaround, political stability, and the prosperity of the people.

The writer is an advocate of the high court and a former civil servant.