ISLAMABAD, Sept 1 (ABC): Pakistan is stepping up efforts to expand its digital workforce, with government-backed programmes targeting more than 132,000 students, engineers and young people for training in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and other emerging technologies.
According to an official document available with Wealth Pakistan, the National Semiconductor HR Development Programme (INSPIRE) will target 7,200 individuals. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s SkillTech Pakistan Initiative plans to train more than 25,000 youth over the next three years.
In addition, the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) has entered into a partnership with ZTE Pakistan to provide online technology training to 100,000 students.
Together, the three initiatives target more than 132,000 beneficiaries as Pakistan seeks to develop an export-ready digital workforce and strengthen its IT and IT-enabled services sector.
INSPIRE targets semiconductor talent
PSEB is implementing the INSPIRE programme to develop Pakistan’s semiconductor talent pipeline.
Under the programme, Semiconductor Education and Research Clusters will benefit 2,200 undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Another 5,000 engineers will receive support through nationwide upskilling programmes, taking the total number of targeted beneficiaries to 7,200.
The programme aims to build human resources for the semiconductor industry and strengthen Pakistan’s capacity in an increasingly important area of the global technology sector.
Over 25,000 youth to receive emerging-tech training
Alongside the semiconductor programme, the Prime Minister’s SkillTech Pakistan Initiative will train more than 25,000 youth during the next three years.
The training will focus on emerging and industry-demanded technologies. These include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analytics and software development.
The initiative goes beyond technical training. It will also offer bootcamps, professional certifications, internships and soft-skills development.
Industry linkages will form another part of the programme to improve employability and prepare participants for opportunities in domestic and international technology markets.
100,000 students covered under ZTE partnership
PSEB has also entered into a Youth Development Agreement with ZTE Pakistan to train 100,000 students through online learning programmes.
The training will cover emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, 5G and modern communication technologies.
The partnership also envisages developing 100 certified trainers through a Training of Trainers programme.
The three programmes collectively represent a major expansion of technology skills development as Pakistan seeks to increase the supply of trained professionals for its growing digital economy.
Push aimed at strengthening IT exports
The skills programmes form part of a broader government strategy to strengthen Pakistan’s IT and IT-enabled services exports.
The strategy combines workforce development with international market access, industry facilitation and expansion of digital infrastructure.
To increase the global presence of Pakistani technology companies, PSEB is facilitating their participation in international technology exhibitions.
It is also supporting targeted trade missions and business matchmaking initiatives. These measures aim to connect Pakistani companies with overseas clients, attract foreign investment and create new export opportunities.
Technology infrastructure being expanded
The government is also expanding the network of Prime Minister’s National Technology Parks to 250 centres.
At the same time, work includes the development of IT parks in Islamabad and Karachi and the establishment of Software Technology Parks.
These facilities aim to provide infrastructure and support services for startups, small and medium enterprises, freelancers and established IT companies.
The expansion is expected to strengthen the wider ecosystem required for technology businesses to grow and access international markets.
One-window platform supports IT industry
PSEB has strengthened industry facilitation through its MARKAZ one-window platform.
The platform provides round-the-clock assistance in areas such as registration, visa facilitation, foreign remittance matters, regulatory coordination and investor services.
PSEB has also fully digitised its registration process. Companies can now complete registration and renewal online and obtain QR code-enabled verifiable certificates.
On the financial and regulatory side, PSEB is working with the State Bank of Pakistan to improve banking services for IT exporters.
The measures include dedicated banking channels, specialised focal persons and improvements in foreign exchange procedures.
Efforts also cover expansion of the Digital Service Providers List, streamlined realisation of export proceeds and facilitation of Exporter Special Foreign Currency Accounts.
US procurement training opens new opportunities
Pakistan has also launched its first US State, Local and Education (SLED) Procurement Training Programme.
The programme aims to help Pakistani IT companies and professionals understand public procurement procedures in the United States.
By improving knowledge of procurement requirements, the initiative seeks to increase the ability of Pakistani technology firms to compete for international contracts.
Together, the skills, infrastructure, market-access and regulatory initiatives are aimed at developing a larger technology workforce and strengthening Pakistan’s position in international IT and digital services markets.
