Islamabad, June 16, 2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday launched an ambitious nationwide initiative to equip Pakistani youth with cutting-edge digital skills, aiming to transform the country into a regional IT powerhouse.
Chairing a high-level review meeting on ongoing and future IT training programs, the prime minister stressed the need for a modern and sustainable ICT ecosystem to unlock the full potential of Pakistan’s young population.
“Our youth are Pakistan’s most valuable asset. We must empower them through advanced IT education so they can secure meaningful employment and contribute to the national economy,” PM Shehbaz said.
The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Ahad Cheema, Shaza Fatima, Rana Mashhood, and Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed.
Key Directives Issued by the Prime Minister:
- Modern IT education to be integrated into school, college, and university curricula.
- Collaborative efforts among the Ministry of IT, Ministry of Education, HEC, and NAVTTC/Neotech for streamlined implementation.
- Launch of summer IT camps during school holidays to engage students productively.
- Clear guidelines and timelines to be established for all training modules.
- Alignment with international standards, ensuring programs meet global market demand and support the local industry’s competitiveness.
PM Shehbaz highlighted that a highly skilled IT workforce could position Pakistan as a key player in the global outsourcing market, attract foreign investment, and boost technology exports.
“Our goal is to prepare youth for the digital future and make Pakistan the IT hub of the region,” he stated, urging swift and coordinated action across all relevant departments.
The initiative is expected to play a vital role in bridging the digital skills gap, enhancing employability, and contributing significantly to national economic growth.