Islamabad, March 13,2026: President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Sardar Tahir Mehmood, has called for expanding digital skills programmes to equip young people with the expertise needed to benefit from opportunities in the global digital economy.
Speaking to a group of university students at the Chamber House on Friday, he said Pakistan’s large youth population could become a significant national asset if provided with proper training in modern digital technologies.
He emphasized that skills in information technology, e-commerce, digital marketing, software development, and freelancing can greatly enhance employability while enabling young people to contribute effectively to the country’s economic development.
Sardar Tahir Mehmood noted that the rapid expansion of the digital economy has created new avenues for entrepreneurship and employment. However, he warned that without adequate training and skill development initiatives, many young people may not be able to fully benefit from these opportunities.
He stressed the need for stronger collaboration among educational institutions, technology companies, and the private sector to design market-oriented training programmes aligned with evolving industry demands. Such cooperation, he said, would help bridge the gap between academic education and practical skills required in today’s competitive job market.
The ICCI president also highlighted that strengthening digital skills among youth could significantly boost Pakistan’s IT exports, promote innovation, and support the growth of startups and technology-driven businesses.
He urged the government to introduce more initiatives and incentives aimed at promoting digital education, establishing training centres, and facilitating youth participation in the digital economy.
Sardar Tahir Mehmood added that the business community stands ready to support programmes that empower young people with modern skills, enabling them to play a meaningful role in shaping Pakistan’s economic future.
