ISLAMABAD, Jun 16 (Alliance News): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed authorities to launch modern IT training programs to boost youth employability and transform Pakistan into a regional information technology hub.
Chairing a review meeting on youth IT training and the national training ecosystem, the prime minister stressed the need for a sustainable and advanced ICT system to help Pakistan compete in the global digital economy.
He called for developing clear Terms of Reference (TORs) for hiring consultants and setting strict timelines for implementing the training system.
“These programs must be constructive, aimed at enabling our youth to compete and contribute at the international level,” he said.
To achieve this goal, the prime minister instructed the Ministry of IT to collaborate with the Ministry of Federal Education, the Higher Education Commission (HEC), and NAVTTC to roll out IT training in schools, colleges, and universities, and to organize training sessions in summer camps.
Officials briefed the meeting that under Huawei’s collaboration, 20,000 students had already received advanced IT training, with Pakistani students winning top global positions in IT competitions.
Efforts are underway to train 80,000 more students in major cities and remote areas like Balochistan and Turbat through online platforms. Additionally, 50,000 trainers will be educated in modern technologies in regions including Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad.
The government also aims to integrate IT and artificial intelligence courses into university programs to train 300,000 students nationwide.
During the ongoing summer vacations, around 146,000 children will receive IT training through a joint initiative involving the Ministry of IT, the Ministry of Education, and Huawei.
Under the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, 2,000 students will also be enrolled in advanced IT courses to boost their employability.
The prime minister praised Pakistani students’ recent achievements in international IT contests and emphasized completing all projects on schedule.
The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Ahad Khan Cheema, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, PM’s Youth Program Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, HEC Chairman, and senior government officials.
