logo
PM Shehbaz directs modern IT training for youth to make Pakistan regional tech hub

PM Shehbaz directs modern IT training for youth to make Pakistan regional tech hub

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that a sustainable and advanced Information Communication Technology system will be established to position Pakistan as a central hub for the IT sector in the region.
The prime minister chaired a review meeting on IT training for youth and establishment of training ecosystem in Pakistan.
During the meeting, the PM said that the system should ensure provision of an empowered IT workforce to local companies through which they will be able to meet international demands and bring foreign exchange into the country.
Instructing the formulation of clear Terms of Reference (TORs) for consultancy regarding the training system and setting a timeline for its establishment and implementation, the prime minister said the training programs should be positive and constructive, enabling youth to ensure their productivity at an international level.
Calling the talented young workforce a valuable asset for Pakistan, PM Shehbaz directed the Ministry of Federal Education, Higher Education Commission, and NAVTTC to collaborate with the Ministry of IT to provide IT training in schools, colleges, and universities, besides ensuring IT training in summer camps during the ongoing summer vacations.
PM for imparting tech training to Pakistan youth
The participants of the meeting were told that through collaboration between the HEC and Huawei, efforts were underway to provide IT training to an additional 80,000 students in major cities, and through online classes in remote areas like Balochistan and Turbat.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

China lauds Pakistan's diplomatic efforts amid Iran-Israel tensions
China lauds Pakistan's diplomatic efforts amid Iran-Israel tensions

Express Tribune

time5 hours ago

  • Express Tribune

China lauds Pakistan's diplomatic efforts amid Iran-Israel tensions

Ambassador of China H.E. Jiang Zaidong called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on 24 June 2025. Listen to article China lauded on Tuesday Pakistan's proactive and positive role in pursuing regional peace, particularly through diplomatic channels including the United Nations Security Council, amid heightened tensions following the recent Iran-Israel conflict. On Sunday, the UN Security Council held an emergency session, where China, Russia, and Pakistan jointly called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Middle East. Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad and the two leaders discussed the evolving regional security situation and matters of mutual interest. Ambassador of China H.E. Jiang Zaidong called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 24, 2025 During the meeting, the Chinese envoy praised Pakistan's consistent efforts at international forums for a peaceful resolution to regional challenges, emphasising the need for dialogue and diplomacy. Earlier today, the premier also met separately with the ambassadors of Saudi Arabia and Qatar to discuss the rapidly deteriorating Middle East situation, particularly in the wake of Iran's missile strike on the United States' Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. The missile attack, carried out late Monday night, came amid Iran's vows to retaliate for recent US airstrikes on its nuclear facilities. Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering solidarity with the people of Saudi Arabia and Qatar and stressed that diplomacy remained the only path to lasting peace in the region. Read: PM speaks with Qatar, Saudi envoys Ambassador Jiang also briefed Shehbaz on various dimensions of Pakistan-China bilateral cooperation and informed him that preparations were already underway to ensure the success of Shehbaz's upcoming visit to China, scheduled for late August 2025. PM Shehbaz extended his warm regards and good wishes to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. He expressed his sincere best wishes for the successful holding of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit and acknowledged the ongoing consultations between the two countries regarding his participation in the event. Recalling the historic, deep-rooted, and iron-clad 'All Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership' between Pakistan and China, Shehbaz reaffirmed Islamabad's firm commitment to work closely with Beijing on the timely and effective implementation of key projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He highlighted several priority initiatives, including the Main Line-1 (ML-I) railway upgrade, the realignment of the Karakoram Highway (KKH), the operationalisation of Gwadar Port, and extended cooperation in agriculture, industrial development, and the IT sector. Read more: Global turmoil If Iran shuts Strait of Hormuz — but Pakistan may get a pass The prime minister expressed Pakistan's deep appreciation for China's long-standing financial and economic support, stating that Beijing's assistance had helped stabilise Pakistan's economy and contributed to the improvement of the country's macroeconomic outlook. This support, he noted, was vital for achieving the government's broader socio-economic development agenda. In response, Ambassador Jiang reaffirmed China's commitment to its strategic partnership with Pakistan and reiterated Beijing's support for regional peace, stability, and deeper economic integration. In a separate development, the Foreign Office on Tuesday released a statement expressing Pakistan's deep concern over the growing regional tensions. It strongly condemned violations of the principle of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations and urged all sides to adhere to international law and exercise restraint. The statement also reiterated Pakistan's consistent position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to resolving conflicts, and called for immediate steps to de-escalate tensions to avoid further destabilisation in the region.

Digital payments: Pakistan PM forms three high-powered panels
Digital payments: Pakistan PM forms three high-powered panels

Business Recorder

time13 hours ago

  • Business Recorder

Digital payments: Pakistan PM forms three high-powered panels

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday launched a sweeping push towards a cashless economy, directing formation of three high-powered panels to fast-track digital payments across the country and tighten the government's grip on financial transparency. The new committees – the Digital Payments Innovation and Adoption Committee, the Digital Public Infrastructure Committee, and the Government Payments Committee – have been tasked with crafting policy to accelerate digital transactions between citizens, businesses and the state, while also activating the long-dormant Pakistan Digital Authority and drafting a national digital master plan. The prime minister, while chairing a high-level meeting, said that shifting from cash to digital was not optional but essential for a transparent economy. PM forms body to promote cashless economy, digitization 'The developed nations are racing ahead with cashless systems. Pakistan can't afford to be left behind,' he added. In a significant directive, Sharif ordered the expansion of the RAAST digital payment system from the federal level to all provinces. 'A digital transaction ecosystem is the backbone of a modern economy,' he said, stressing those digital payments must become more affordable and accessible than cash to win public trust. The officials briefed the prime minister that over 40 million users are currently on RAAST, Pakistan's flagship digital payment rail, with all federal financial transactions already routed through the system. Steps are underway to bring provincial governments onboard. The prime minister also signalled a pivot in government policy, ordering that all transactions between public and private sectors be moved to a cashless model – a potentially sweeping change for a largely informal economy. The meeting was told that the Digital Public Infrastructure Committee will operate under the Ministry of IT, while the Cashless Pakistan Steering Committee has been formed under the Prime Minister's Secretariat. In a bold pilot move, the meeting was informed that the Ministry of IT plans to make Islamabad Pakistan's first fully cashless city under the Smart Islamabad project – a digital litmus test for the rest of the country. Sharif emphasised that channelling funds through formal banking systems could help finance development projects and attract investor confidence. The inclusion of fintech in the broader ecosystem was also highlighted as a strategic pillar. The meeting was attended by key members of Sharif's cabinet, including ministers for economic affairs, IT, petroleum, and climate change, along with the governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and heads of major regulatory bodies. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

PC to appoint FAs for more Discos to assess sell-off potential
PC to appoint FAs for more Discos to assess sell-off potential

Business Recorder

time16 hours ago

  • Business Recorder

PC to appoint FAs for more Discos to assess sell-off potential

ISLAMABAD: The Privatisation Commission (PC) has decided to appoint Financial Advisors (FAs) for four more power distribution companies—Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO), Sukkur Electric Power Company (SEPCO), Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO), and Hazara Electric Supply Company (HAZECO)—to evaluate the potential for their privatisation. The decision was made during a meeting of the PC Board, chaired by Muhammad Ali, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Privatisation. The board's recommendations will now be forwarded to the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation (CCoP), led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar. Currently, three power distribution companies (DISCOs)—Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO), and Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO)—are already in the privatisation pipeline, with Financial Advisors actively developing their privatisation models. Discos' sell-off/provincialisation: PMO directs Power Div. to expedite consultations In this second phase, the PC plans to engage FAs to advise on structuring private sector participation in HESCO and SEPCO. Proposals are now invited from qualified firms or consortia with proven experience in similar transactions. Interested parties can access the Request for Proposal (RFP)—including Terms of Reference (ToRs), Evaluation Criteria, and a draft Financial Advisory Services Agreement (FASA)—at: Applicants must submit both Technical and Financial Proposals via email and courier, along with a non-refundable processing fee of $1,000 (or equivalent in PKR), as outlined in the RFP. The deadline for submissions is July 22, 2025. The PC emphasized that this notice does not constitute a formal offer or commitment, and no express or implied warranties should be assumed. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store