Islamabad--: In an effort to address concerns of Pakistan’s IT industry with regard to stringent requirements by EU for outsourcing information and data, Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) has issued Recommendatory Guidelines for adoption of Model Clauses for transfer of personal data from the EU to third countries & Binding Corporate Rules for international transfers of personal data. These Guidelines are recommended for both - Pakistani IT and IT enabled businesses, especially the BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) businesses looking to process data and personal information being transferred from anywhere in the EU to Pakistan as well as for businesses with a presence in Pakistan and frequently involved in global transfers of data.

Mr. Talib Baloch, MD, PSEB said “PSEB is aware of the stringent legal requirements by EU regarding outsourcing data for processing to countries outside the EU and the problems Pakistani companies, at times, face in getting business from EU.”  “PSEB is also aware of the marked differences between the requirements of the EU as opposed to the US in the area of Privacy law and Data Protection. Keeping in mind, that EU and the US markets are both important for Pakistani IT and IT enabled trade, the approach to be adopted must not adversely affect the possibilities of Pakistani businesses to export their services to either jurisdiction.” he added

Mr. Baloch was gratified with the patronage and encouragement expressed by the International businesses in the US & EU on becoming the first mover in the region to adopt compatible international best practices in the area of data protection.

Mr. Baloch indicated that this was the first step in implementation of the Road Map which is part of the Data Confidentiality Law and Framework Project which is underway and included work on legislative efforts to implement international best practice, PSEB, in the meantime, has issued “Recommendatory Guidelines” to facilitate the IT Industry and to encourage the companies in exploring adoption of the measures in compliance with the requirements laid down by the EU Directive on Data Protection. It is envisioned that by adopting these measures, the Pakistani IT and IT enabled businesses would be able to improve their legal coverage in exporting their services and enter into relationships for outsourcing of personal data from the EU to Pakistan. This will go a long way in adopting international best practices by Pakistani companies and demonstrate the contribution of the Pakistani public sector for adoption of the same. PSEB, however, strongly advised that in implementation of these measures and in any amendments thereto adequate legal advice be taken being the prudent responsibility of those adopting the same.

PSEB is a Government agency mandated to promote Pakistan's IT Industry, including software, IT enabled services, hardware and call centers locally and globally. PSEB has been facilitating the IT Industry through its programs in Human Capital, Office Space, Marketing, Company Capability Development, Telecom Bandwidth, Industry Finance, Public Policy, Strategy & Research, and Facilitation.