ISLAMABAD, Dec 18 (DNA):Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday underscored the central role of the information technology (IT) sector in driving Pakistan’s economic revival, noting that the industry has continued to grow despite persistent macroeconomic challenges.
Chairing a meeting of the private sector working group on IT-led economic development, the prime minister welcomed the recommendations presented by the committee headed by Asif Peer, describing them as timely and aligned with the government’s reform agenda. He said the gradual rise in IT exports was extremely encouraging and reflected the resilience and potential of the sector.
The prime minister said the government was actively working to enhance technical training of the IT workforce, introduce tax facilitation measures, and remove structural bottlenecks to support sustained growth. He stressed that all initiatives in technical education were focused on equipping Pakistani youth with globally competitive skills so they could enter the international IT market as an experienced and reliable workforce.
Emphasising job creation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed that further measures be taken to expand employment opportunities for young people, particularly through digital platforms and emerging technologies. He also instructed relevant ministries to improve IT infrastructure nationwide, noting that the promotion of a digital economy was directly linked to citizens’ access to reliable and affordable internet services.
During the meeting, the prime minister directed a high-level committee headed by the finance minister to review the recommendations presented and submit a comprehensive report within two weeks. He was briefed on proposals aimed at expanding the digital economy, increasing IT exports, and implementing broader sectoral reforms, including the development of a data-driven governance model.
Private sector participants appreciated ongoing government initiatives, including efforts to increase export market share, the full digitisation of the Pakistan Software Export Board, the e-Rozgar scheme, and the strengthening of the startup and innovation ecosystem.
The meeting was attended by federal ministers Dr Ahsan Iqbal, Jam Kamal Khan, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Dr Musadik Masood Malik, Ahad Khan Cheema, Attaullah Tarar and Shaza Fatima Khawaja; Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kiani; Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar; the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue; and senior officials from relevant departments.
:Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday underscored the central role of the information technology (IT){kind=link}