World’s Second Generation of computers set the stage for the first in Pakistan. It was in 1967, when Pakistan had its first computer installed in Pakistan International Airline, PIA. “PIA made history yet again, by installing Pakistan’s first computer, an IBM1401, in 1967” PIA
Wait, was it 1967 or 1964? Good question.
IBM1401 was installed by PIA for flight reservations. While we were researching on the exact date we found that it was IBM1401 in 1967 (on the official PIA website as quoted above). When finally, after repeatedly calling PIA office, we were able to get hold of PIA’s IT Director Shahid Serwar, after which our confusion took a new turn. He enlightened us further and said that the first computer installed in Pakistan was IBM1401 in 1964 and later in 1971-72 PIA started using IBM 360. PIA’s website quotes 1967, IT Director said IBM 1401 in 1964.
Is this confusion, or maybe a misunderstanding or simply an illusion? Well our research, as far as we know, is authentic, but where did PIA go wrong with the “obsolete computer’s” date. Well all we can say is that it was one good experience.
PIA’s Website and IT Director contradict each other; the only thing which seems authentic over here is IBM 1401, and the fact that PIA is completely computerized.
Since then, (when? 1964/1967, we really don’t know) the continuous advancement in every sector has been taking place and today in 2009 Pakistan is completely digital. Correction! Not completely but we can say “semi-completely”. Semi-completely is not a new or vague term. We are used to it now.
For some more adventure we found our next target. Asif Javed Qureshi, Dy. Managing Director (F, A & R) Water and Sanitation Agency, WASA. Now WASA is a semi-computerized Government Organization. With Oracle embedded in its immune system only the billing section has been automated so far. It was Systems Limited, the first software house in Pakistan, which caught hold of it in 1979. WASA went through many transformations and in 1996 finally it was automated with an in-house billing department which is still under ‘severe’ construction, which is expected to remain that way for some more time, (from what we observed as there were a few computers in the billing section and an empty room which was under construction). We have our hopes high since we were told that WASA will be fully automated by the end of this year.
What inspired us the most was a comment given by an Army Officer. While interviewing him, CodeWeek came to know that, computerization in Pakistan Army started in 1980s with the establishment of CI Directorate under the General Headquarters (GHQ). At that time only a few senior officers were provided with computers for their office work. Later in 1990s Pakistan Armed Forces decided to computerize their entire departments. By 1994, typewriters from every unit were completely removed and CI Directorate was transformed into C4I2 Directorate with Lt. Gen Malik Arif Hayat as its Director General.
C4I2 Directorate is entirely responsible for planning and controlling of all the computer system. Pakistan Army Army Data Network (ADN) has connected in all the areas except for the border. Communication between all the sections of Pakistan Army occurs through ADN. The paper culture has been completely replaced by the digital one. A massive program for the training and awareness of army officers is being conducted so that each and every individual belonging to Pakistan army transforms into a computer literate.
While we were searching for our next target we found out that a few days back it was reported in the Dailytimes Newspaper that the first hospital to go ‘digital’ or as Dailytimes quoted it as “completely paperless” was Indus Hospital in Karachi. The hospital has computerized all its medical and administrative records. CEO of the Indus Hospital, Dr Abdul Bari Khan said that the hospital is now providing efficient services through highly experienced specialists using modern equipment and technique.
All these organizations, completely or semi-completely automated, have made an attempt to develop their infrastructure, thus developing Pakistan on the whole. It is through there continuous efforts, their training and awareness programs that they have competent employees. Pakistan is a developing nation and continues to develop, and time is not far away when Pakistan will transform into a country where each and every organization is completely computerized.
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Nice article.
i must say, your research is quite authentic. as i am personally working on some of the projects you have mentioned here. The process of Army automation is still going on. Have high hopes with the talent of Pakistan as automation of forces is in very good and capable hands. About Indus hospital, i would say that it is indeed a very mature application and was a big step from its master minds. Much of its credit goes to the IT Dept head of Indus hospital who is a genius and a treasure of Pakistan