Unsung Heroes:Dr. Umar Saif (Top 35 Innovators)


Dr. Umar Saif was named one of the top 35 innovators of the world who is radically transforming technology by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in August 2011. Along with being known for his work on using Information and Communications Technology solutions for developing world problems, he is also a part of the faculty at the Lahore University of Management Sciences, the founding vice-chancellor of the Information Technology University Punjab and established one of the first start-up incubators in Pakistan.

Umar Saif is leading a digital insurgency in Pakistan, bringing transparency to governance, through his shock and awe approach to public-sector reform. The impact of his intervention is rooted in its outrageous simplicity, for example, ghost schools are a problem that has plagued Pakistan for a long time. Why not take selfies with attendance registers at schools via independent inspectors and upload them in real time to monitor the presence and effectiveness of schools?

Another notable example of his work in Punjab was using technology to fight dengue fever when this ugly disease struck Pakistan in the last quarter of 2011. The epidemic affected more than 21,000 people and resulted in over 300 deaths. To prevent another outbreak, the PITB developed an Android mobile application for real-time information on larvae prevention, detection, and public hygiene activities. With these applications, field officials could take geo-tagged photographs of designated areas for dengue surveillance. They were asked to identify larvae breeding hotspots and remove them. As part of the accountability process, they were asked to submit two photographs in this process, showing the situation ‘before’ and ‘after’ action was taken.

I’ve been surprised by how many unsung heroes are quietly holding this country together, even as I struggle to cover them with the nuance, panache and punch they deserve. Not all people serving in the government are bad. Nor are the good ones perfect. But they need our support. We need to foster a culture where it’s okay for talented, young Pakistanis to enter the government and become the change we all want to see.


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