ISLAMABAD, Delegation of the Oxford Pakistan Programme (OPP) called on Chairman NADRA Tariq Malik Tuesday at NADRA Headquarters Islamabad.
The delegation of renowned scholars of academia, researchers and Pakistani origin Professors at the Oxford University is currently on its special visit to Pakistan under Oxford Pakistan Program (OPP) to witness NADRA’s initiatives for digital transformation and to explore opportunities for collaboration on new ethical standards for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its various digital interventions including use of Digital ID for e-governance and sustainable development.
Eight-member delegation comprised of Professor Stephen Blyth, Principal of Lady Margaret Hall, Dr. Nick Brown, Principal of Linacre College, Professor Dr. Adeel Malik, Dr. Talha Jamal Pirzada, Mr. Haroon Zaman, Dr. Mohsin Javed, Ms. Minahil Saqib and Mr. Ahmed Owais Pirzada.
Chairman NADRA Tariq Malik briefed the delegation on NADRA’s latest innovative digital public good and services anchored in digital ID ecosystem.
Elaborating the collaboration with Oxford University Mr. Mlaik said we would appreciate the knowledge sharing on ethical use of AI by collaborating with New Oxford Schwartzman Institute. We are also working in close collaboration with the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government in showcasing NADRA’s experience in the use of digital ID for e-governance and sustainable development, Mr. Malik added.
It is learnt that NADRA intends to tap on Oxford’s resources to train its staff in strategic reform unit, a new department created by the incumbent Chairman.
“We believe that use of digital technologies in coping with aftermaths of crises, pandemic and disasters provide used cases for states struggling with climate adaptation and resilience.” Mr. Malik added. Likewise architecting social programs using NADRA’s foundational database has lessons for struck nations,” he stated.
Having raised pledges of £1.5 million over the next five years, OPP strives to provide an ideal platform of merit-based scholarships for economically underprivileged, yet high net-worth individuals from Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab. The program also includes a window of assistance specifically reserved for Pakistani women that primarily aims at ensuring gender diversity and inclusivity.
The OPP initiative promises to be a unique and unprecedented platform for academic diplomacy of Pakistan Oxford. It is one of the most vibrant regional platforms at Oxford University alongside the Oxford India Initiative and the Africa Oxford Initiative. The OPP will also host a series of ‘Iqbal Lectures’ as part of initiative.
Speaking on the occasion Professor Stephen Blyth, Principal of Lady Margret Hall said, “It was very learning opportunity from NADRA’s data being used appropriately and perfectly. NADRA has built extraordinary capability and clarity about digital ID program in providing solutions for identification, e-governance and secure documents facilitating the public at large. We are quite hopeful that NADRA will reach new heights of success in digital transformation and AI through unmatched innovation.”
“We are hugely impressed by the excellent work done by NADRA, which is really at par with global best practices. In fact, other countries have much to learn from the technological frontier NADRA has reached”, stated Mr. Blyth.
The distinguished visitors from Oxford University also assured that they will support NADRA in accessing the best knowledge resources at Oxford, including the newly established institute of Ethics and Artificial Intelligence.
