ISLAMABAD, JUN 16 (APP/DNA):Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed the authorities concerned to formulate modern training programs for the youth to ensure their employability and develop Pakistan as a regional hub of information technology.
The prime minister, chairing a review meeting on IT training for youth and establishment of training ecosystem in Pakistan, said that a sustainable and advanced ICT (Information Communication Technology) system would be established to position Pakistan as a central hub for the IT sector in the region, according to a PM Office press release.
In this regard, local companies will be provided with a skilled workforce to enable them to meet international standards and generate foreign exchange.
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, he 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.
During the briefing, it was informed that work on establishment and implementation of advanced IT training system was in progress, with Terms of Reference for hiring consultancy firms in the final stage.
It was told that with Huawei’s collaboration, 20,000 students have already received advanced IT training. Last year, trained Pakistani students not only excelled across China but also secured the top three positions globally in three IT categories, competing against 200,000 candidates worldwide.
Prime Minister Shehbaz commended the students for bringing pride to Pakistan through their achievements.
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.
Moreover, 50,000 trainers will be trained in modern technology and contemporary requirements in Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad. Additionally, through the integration of training programs into bachelor’s degree programs and the launch of artificial intelligence programs, the target is to train 300,000 students in the IT sector.
It was informed that during the ongoing summer vacations, 146,000 children will receive IT training through collaboration between the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, the Ministry of Information Technology, and Huawei. Under the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, 2,000 students will soon be trained in advanced IT courses to become employable.
The prime minister directed to accomplish all the said initiatives as per defined timelines.
The meeting was attended by federal ministers Ahad Khan Cheema and Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission, and relevant senior officials.
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