By Web Desk 
In a strategic move to bolster Pakistan’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) is seeking a seasoned legal consultant. This new role is expected to enhance the ministry’s capability to navigate the legal complexities inherent in the rapidly evolving ICT landscape, thereby supporting its broader mission to transform Pakistan into a technology-driven economy.
The Search for Legal Expertise Begins
The MoITT is opening applications for the position of legal consultant on an initial three-year contract. This tenure may be extended for two additional years, depending on the consultant’s performance, as evaluated by the Performance Evaluation Committee. This approach reflects the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that only the most effective and knowledgeable professionals are entrusted with this crucial role.
The Ministry’s Vision: A Knowledge-Based Economy
The ministry has long been at the forefront of developing policies that aim to advance Pakistan’s ICT infrastructure and services. As part of its mission to establish Pakistan as a knowledge-based economy, the MoITT is focusing on providing reliable and affordable ICT-enabled services to its citizens. The appointment of a legal consultant under the MP-II Scale is a key step in this direction, aimed at fortifying the ministry’s legal framework to better support its strategic goals.
Rigorous Qualifications for a Critical Role
The MoITT has set high standards for this position, requiring candidates to hold a Ph.D. in Law from an HEC-recognized institution, with at least five years of professional experience in a relevant field. Those with an LLM in Law and seven years of experience are also encouraged to apply. These stringent requirements underscore the ministry’s dedication to recruiting professionals who are not only legally astute but also deeply familiar with the challenges and opportunities within the ICT sector.
Expansive Responsibilities Await
The legal consultant will be tasked with a wide array of duties, including drafting new legislation, providing legal counsel to senior officials, and offering expert opinions on various legal matters. The consultant will also be responsible for reviewing and vetting contracts related to the ICT sector, ensuring that all agreements comply with national regulations and the ministry’s strategic vision.
In addition to these core responsibilities, the consultant will interact with a broad range of stakeholders, including private sector entities, to gather feedback on legal issues pertinent to the ICT industry. The role will also involve organizing workshops and representing the ministry in legal proceedings, both of which are critical to advancing the ministry’s objectives.
A Rigorous Selection Process
To ensure that the best candidates are considered, the MoITT will establish a shortlisting committee with the Secretary of IT and Telecom’s approval. This committee will carefully review all applications and recommend the top three candidates for the role. The final appointment will be made by the Prime Minister, highlighting the importance of this position within the government’s broader strategy to enhance the ICT sector.
The appointed legal consultant will be compensated under the MP-II Scale, as per the Management Scale Policy. This recruitment effort is part of a larger initiative led by the Prime Minister to strengthen ten key ministries, including IT and Telecom, by appointing expert professionals. This follows the recent successful hiring of a telecom consultant for the ministry, further demonstrating the government’s commitment to enhancing Pakistan’s ICT infrastructure and legal framework.