Originally Posted by darwaesh

Covid-19 has intensified digitalization in Pakistan

1. Introduction
Pakistan was among the nations which had embraced digitalization long before the outbreak of Covid-19 but we failed to get benefits from this modern technology in its true essence. However, the pandemic has pushed the nation closer to information technology as multiple sectors in the country started doing their businesses through digital means.


2. What is digitalization?

3. A short background of Covid-19 pandemic

4. How Covid-19 has intensified digitalization in Pakistan?
4.1. Individuals have started using digital means instead of traditional means
Case in point: the rise in online shopping ( food, grocery items, and other items of domestic use)
4.2 . Students started preferring online sources and other sources of media to cover their courses
Cases in point: ptv online classes, google, youtube, Coursera l, khan academy became ubiquitous among Pakistani students
4.3. People have started consulting physicians virtually for the treatment of non- surgical health related issues
Case in point: sehat.com became a digital platform for interaction between patients and doctors
4.4. Laboratories and Pharmacies started providing online services
Cases in point: AKU lab started sample collection at door steps, multiple local pharmacies started home delivery of medicines
4.5. Private companies decreased regular manpower and started hiring online workers
4.6. Banks and other financial organizations started focusing more on digital banking
Cases in point: NBP, UBL, Easy Paisa applications improved
4.7. Education institutions introduced online learning services for their students
Cases in point: LGS, QaU, Muet, DUHS etc,. introduced classes via zoom application
4.8. National government initiated multiple online services
Cases in point: FBR's online services, Nadra's online services ...
4.9. Provincial Governments have taken steps to embrace digitalization
Cases in point: provincial governments online health services, and improvements in the records of FIRs by Balochistan police

5. Some of the dangers of excessive digitalization which have been witnessed during the Covid-19 lockdowns
5.1. Young generation become addicted of useless online activities
Cases in points: a large number of young minds have been captured by applications and games like PubG, youtube, facebook
5.2. Excessive use of digital devices have caused health issues in people
Cases in point: arthritis, chest pain, headaches, and muscle spasm are some of the common problems occur due to over usage of digital devices
5.3. Psychological problems have also accelerated during the times of lockdowns and primarily because of excessive usage of digital devices
Cases in point: behavioral changes, stress and anxiety, mood swings
( Doctor who killed his own daughter in Punjab)
5.4. Misinformation and disinformation have become much common
Cases in point: various conspiracy theories about the origin of covid-19, and treatments on youtube,,

6. How can we make digitalization more helpful
6.1. Individuals shall take strong measures to use technology to help the country and the nation
6.2. Business corporations should try to facilitate common people with the help of digitalization
6.3. Government shall take measures to remove threats associated with digitalization.

7. Conclusion






Pakistan was among the nations which had embraced digitalization long before the outbreak of Covid-19 but we failed to get benefits from this modern technology in its true essence. However, the pandemic has pushed the nation closer to information technology as multiple sectors in the country started doing their businesses through digital means. Most of the individuals in the country shifted from traditional means to digitalization. Similarly, business corporations also used this as a blessing in disguise to promote their businesses. Moreover, the government both at federal and provincial have also become inspired by the modern technology at times of Covid-19 and introduced a kind of digital governance in some of the departments. Nonetheless, the society at large, have gained benefits from digitalization but there are some dangers associated with it which, however, have damaged a large number of people in Pakistan. Yet, the damage is not completely done and we still have the time and resources to resolve the issues at individual, societal and governmental level.

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