National IT Reformer
PM SECRETARIAT | 1998 — 1999
The Digital War Room
Architecting Transparency Live From The PM Secretariat
Historical Milestone
August 14, 1999: The World's First Digital Conference on mIRC With Minisiter of Planning & Development
1998: The Spark
Pakistan's First Cyber Gathering
Before social media existed, our founder organized the nation's first "Cyber Gathering" for mIRC users. Covered by Dawn News ('Cyber-Friends Meet in Real Life'), this community became the grassroots movement that would later challenge national policy.
The Crisis
Combating the Multi-Metering Death-Blow
Following the 1998 economic sanctions triggered by national nuclear tests, PTCL imposed Multi-Metering on telephone calls—a system of recurring charges every 3 minutes. In an era of slow dial-up connectivity, this move would have effectively killed the Internet in Pakistan.
Our founder took immediate action, authoring the influential article 'Internet Can Be Used To Counter Sanctions' in Daily Dawn. Beyond public advocacy, he approached the Prime Minister of Pakistan directly with a comprehensive fax detailing why Internet access was a strategic necessity during such a crucial time.
Recognizing the gravity of his proposal, the PM Office invited him for direct negotiations. Leading a specialized delegation, he worked closely with the Prime Minister's Secretariat and played a decisive role in successfully securing a **waiver of multi-metering** for Internet usage nationwide.
Advocacy Highlights
- Waiver of Multi-Metering on Internet Dial-up
- Participation in Pakistan's First IT Policy Initiative
- Champion of Reforms: Pakistan 2010 Program
- Published Author: Pakistan & Gulf Economist
- Advocate for Home-Based Self-Employment Through Internet
Uncensored & Undiluted
On August 14, 1999, the Minister of Planning & Development and senior officials sat before a massive projector screen, watching a live stream of consciousness from citizens across the globe.
Moderated and managed by our founder, this event used a central workstation connected to a high-end projector—a rarity at the time—to bridge the gap between the corridors of power and the "Cyber Friends" on mIRC. It remains a world record for sitting-minister level digital transparency.
Pakistan 2010 Program
Appointed to the Ministry of Planning & Development as a Champion of Reforms.
Pakistan's First IT Policy
Played a vital role in drafting the foundational IT policy that birthed the current tech landscape.
Media Voice
Influential writings in The Daily News, The Daily Nation and Pakistan & Gulf Economist on the Internet Economy and Online Home Based Employment.
Advocating for the Future
From fighting for the right to connect in 1998 to architecting digital futures today. Let's build your next breakthrough.