Chinese tech giant Huawei has trained more than 20,000 Pakistani youngsters in cutting-edge information and communication technology (ICT) skills.
The initiative, launched under an agreement between Pakistan and Huawei last year, aims to train 300,000 Pakistani youth in various ICT fields to bring their skills in line with international standards. The initiative is part of efforts to develop a digitally-savvy workforce.
The program, which focuses on crucial sectors like artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and cloud computing, is a crucial part of Pakistan’s strategy to develop a skilled workforce that can meet the demands of an increasingly tech-driven global economy.
According to a statement from the office of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Huawei has already trained 20,315 students under this initiative. The details were shared by Sharif’s office following his meeting with a Huawei delegation in Lahore on Sunday.
The program is designed not only to provide technical skills to youth but also to train master trainers who will help spread these skills at the local level, thereby maximizing the program’s impact across the country.
Digital Transformation and Economic Growth
Pakistan is increasingly viewing ICT as a key driver of economic transformation, and the government is actively courting foreign investment to support this vision. By partnering with global tech leaders like Huawei, Pakistan hopes to not only enhance its IT exports but also to create job opportunities for a new generation of professionals.
Prime Minister Sharif reiterated his government’s commitment to this cause, stating that the ICT training initiative was critical for Pakistan’s growth and development in the global digital landscape. “The government is providing all possible support to ensure that youth are prepared for the evolving digital landscape,” Sharif said during the meeting, stressing the importance of modernizing skills to keep pace with technological advances.
At the meeting with Huawei’s delegation, Sharif expressed his satisfaction with the progress made so far and emphasized the need to fast-track the implementation of these IT training projects. The government’s push for digital education aligns with Pakistan’s broader economic goals of increasing exports and attracting foreign investment, particularly from China and the Gulf states.
Huawei representatives reassured the Prime Minister of their continued commitment to the program. The company has pledged to provide further specialized training opportunities, equipping young Pakistanis with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive and tech-centric world.
Expansion of ICT Training nationwide
To further drive the success of this program, the Pakistani government is working on making the ICT training portal, launched in January 2024, more accessible.
Prime Minister Sharif directed officials to expand the initiative to include all provinces, including Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, ensuring that more youth across Pakistan have access to world-class ICT training.
The collaboration with Huawei will see students across Pakistan gain specialized skills in AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and other high-demand technologies. The government’s goal is clear: to ensure that the country’s youth are not only consumers of technology but also creators of innovative solutions that can help Pakistan compete on a global stage.
The upcoming rollout of the ICT training portal is expected to make a lasting impact on the country’s youth, fostering a more advanced, tech-driven economy.