The Government of Pakistan, in collaboration with a leading Chinese IT company, is launching a significant initiative to issue certifications to 300,000 IT professionals across the country. At a recent event, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator on IT and Telecommunication, Rana Ehsan Afzal, announced this. The initiative, aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s IT workforce, will provide certifications through the NewTech platform, with 50,000 professionals expected to be certified by 2025.
Rana Ehsan Afzal highlighted that the collaboration with China aligns with Pakistan’s broader strategy to leverage international expertise in advancing the country’s digital and technological infrastructure. The certifications will equip Pakistani IT experts with the skills and recognition needed to compete globally, enhancing both employment prospects and the country’s standing in the global IT market.
This move is seen as part of the government’s vision to boost Pakistan’s digital economy and create new opportunities for its tech-savvy youth.
Afzal further emphasized the government’s commitment to long-term economic growth under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership. To reduce expenditures, the government is focusing on the privatization of key state-owned enterprises, starting with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and various electricity distribution companies.
This privatization initiative aims to curtail financial losses, particularly in the energy sector, where inefficiencies have been a longstanding issue. The goal is to streamline operations, reduce energy wastage, and ultimately contribute to the overall economic stability of the country.
Addressing the economic challenges posed by the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) stringent conditions, Afzal acknowledged the difficulty of implementing necessary tax reforms as part of the bailout agreement. However, he assured that these measures are critical to stabilizing the economy and restoring fiscal discipline.
In response to public concerns over rising costs of living, particularly among the salaried class, Afzal announced that the government is preparing relief measures. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to introduce a relief package aimed at easing the burden on middle-income households. Additionally, the government has earmarked Rs. 50 billion to provide relief on electricity bills for approximately 86 percent of consumers, which is expected to provide significant respite amid the current economic challenges.
The initiative to certify IT professionals, coupled with privatization efforts and relief measures, reflects the government’s multi-pronged approach to addressing Pakistan’s economic hurdles while fostering growth in critical sectors like technology. Through such measures, Pakistan aims to not only stabilize its current financial situation but also position itself as a competitive player in the global digital economy.
