On Monday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presided over a high-level meeting to review existing and forthcoming IT training programs for the youth. During the session, he issued clear directives aimed at positioning Pakistan as a regional IT powerhouse by equipping its younger generation with world-class digital competencies. Emphasizing the critical importance of a contemporary and sustainable Information and Communication Technology (ICT) ecosystem, the Prime Minister stated, “Our youth represent Pakistan’s most invaluable asset. We must empower them through advanced IT education to enable them to secure meaningful employment and significantly contribute to the national economy.”
During the meeting, which saw the attendance of federal ministers Ahad Cheema, Shaza Fatima, Rana Mashhood, and HEC Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, the Prime Minister articulated a comprehensive strategic framework for enhancing IT training across the nation.
Key Mandates from the Prime Minister:
- The introduction of modern IT training curricula across schools, colleges, and universities.
- Fostering collaboration among the Ministry of IT, Ministry of Education, HEC, and NAVTTC/Neotech to ensure seamless program implementation.
- The launch of summer IT camps during school holidays to productively engage students.
- The clear establishment of rules, regulations, and timelines for each specific training module.
- Ensuring that all training programs adhere to international standards and align with current market demands, thereby empowering local companies to compete globally and generate foreign exchange.
Prime Minister Sharif highlighted that by cultivating a highly skilled IT workforce, Pakistan can effectively address global outsourcing requirements, attract significant investment, and boost technology sector exports. “Our overarching objective is to prepare the youth for the digital future and establish Pakistan as the IT hub of the region,” Shehbaz declared, urging all pertinent departments to guarantee the timely and efficient execution of these proposed initiatives.
