ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the government’s commitment to equipping Pakistan’s youth with modern digital skills during a review meeting held in Lahore on Sunday. The meeting focused on the ongoing collaboration between the Pakistani government and Huawei Technologies, aimed at providing ICT (Information and Communication Technology) training to 300,000 youth across the country. This initiative, which aligns with the government’s vision of fostering a technology-driven future, was discussed thoroughly to ensure the successful implementation of agreements made last year between Pakistan and Huawei in China.
Prime Minister Sharif highlighted the critical role that youth play in the technological and digital revolution, emphasizing that equipping them with relevant skills is essential for Pakistan’s growth in the global IT sector. He stated that Huawei’s ICT training program would not only enhance the country’s IT exports but also open up employment opportunities for young people, thereby playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of the nation’s workforce.
During the meeting, a delegation from Huawei Technologies also participated, presenting various measures aimed at ensuring the successful implementation of the training initiatives. The collaboration between Huawei and Pakistan will focus on providing advanced training in cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. These fields are becoming increasingly important in the global economy, and the partnership with Huawei aims to place Pakistan at the forefront of technological innovation.
The ICT training initiative will reach 300,000 Pakistani youth, with the primary method of delivery being an online portal that will provide access to world-class digital education. Prime Minister Sharif was informed that, to date, Huawei Technologies had already trained over 20,000 students under the program. This includes upskilling students, professionals, and trainers working within the ICT sector. The trained master trainers, equipped by Huawei, will then provide local-level training to a wider audience, ensuring that the benefits of this program are felt throughout the country.
One of the main topics discussed during the meeting was the launch of the ICT Training Portal, which Prime Minister Sharif is set to officially inaugurate. This portal will serve as a central hub for the online training program, providing users with access to a wide range of ICT courses. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of making this portal as accessible as possible to ensure that youth from all regions, including underserved areas, benefit from this initiative. He directed that the training program be expanded to include all provinces, as well as Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, ensuring nationwide participation.
In his address, Prime Minister Sharif also directed elected representatives to maintain close contact with their constituencies and ensure that the people’s concerns were addressed. He emphasized the importance of staying connected with local communities to understand the challenges they face and work toward resolving them.
The implementation of this program is seen as a significant step towards reducing the digital skills gap in Pakistan and preparing the country’s youth for the future of work in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. With the support of Huawei Technologies, Pakistan aims to provide its youth with the necessary tools and expertise to compete globally in the digital economy.
This initiative, a part of the broader vision to empower Pakistan’s youth, also supports the government’s objective to boost the local IT sector, increase job creation in technology-related fields, and provide sustainable growth for the country’s economy.