In a major step to boost digital literacy and future-proof the workforce, the federal government of Pakistan will provide 500,000 certifications from Google and Microsoft in 2025.
The initiative, announced by Federal Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja, also includes the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) education at the primary school level, marking an ambitious push to bridge the country’s growing digital skills gap.
The update was shared during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on IT, where Khawaja outlined the government’s broader efforts to align education with global technological trends.
Building a Tech-Savvy Workforce
“These certifications from leading global tech companies will help Pakistan’s youth become internationally competitive,” Khawaja said. She emphasized that the move aims to increase job opportunities and equip young people with the skills needed in a rapidly evolving global economy.
The digital certification initiative is part of a larger government-backed strategy to promote market-relevant digital skills and reduce unemployment among tech graduates. Both Google and Microsoft have partnered with the government to roll out training programs across the country.
AI Education coming to Primary Schools
Alongside certifications, the government is planning to integrate AI education into the primary school curriculum. A reform committee, led by the Prime Minister, is currently reviewing school programs to ensure future-ready content is embedded early in the education system.
“Teaching children AI from an early age will help us build a workforce that can meet the demands of tomorrow’s global tech industry,” Khawaja said.
Accountability for Higher Education Institutions
The minister also called for greater accountability in higher education, criticizing universities that continue to churn out unemployed IT graduates. She urged the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to halt funding to institutions that fail to produce employable graduates.
“Universities must align their programs with market needs. We cannot keep funding institutions that don’t deliver results,” she asserted, calling on HEC to closely monitor graduate employment outcomes.
During the session, the committee also reviewed the recruitment process for the Director General (DG) of International Coordination. Khawaja clarified that while the current DG was reappointed, the position had been re-advertised to ensure transparency. Over 1,400 candidates applied for the role.
Responding to concerns about fairness, she noted that the post targets experienced professionals with international engagement capabilities—not fresh graduates. “Such roles are critical for Pakistan’s global outreach,” she added.