Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) is taking major strides toward becoming a digital powerhouse! 💡In a groundbreaking initiative, the GB government, in collaboration with the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) and the Special Communications Organization (SCO), has signed two MoUs that will transform the region’s IT infrastructure and freelancing landscape. 🌐
🎯 What’s in the Plan?
Two key MoUs have been signed to make Gilgit-Baltistan a center of digital education, freelancing, and innovation:
1️⃣ Upgrading Software Technology Hubs
- Locations: Diamer, Ghizer, and Nagar 🏞️
- Partners: PSEB and GB’s IT Department
- Purpose: These hubs will serve as key innovation centers, where PSEB will provide technical expertise to enhance the region’s IT capabilities.
2️⃣ Establishing 14 Freelancing Centers
- Locations: IT centers in 14 schools across Gilgit-Baltistan 🏫
- Partners: SCO, GB’s IT Department, and Education Department
- Purpose: These centers will promote digital literacy, giving students essential IT skills and the chance to engage in freelancing during after-school hours.
👥 Who Was Involved?
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by key officials, including:
- Suraiya Zaman – IT Advisor
- Abrar Ahmed Mirza – Chief Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan
- Colonel Faheem – Sector Commander SCO
- Akhtar Hussain Rizvi – Secretary Education
- Riaz Ahmed – Secretary IT
In her speech, Suraiya Zaman emphasized the government’s focus on transforming Gilgit-Baltistan into an IT hub and highlighted how these partnerships will open up new opportunities for youth training and professional development.
💡 Why Is This Important?
These initiatives mark a huge leap forward in Gilgit-Baltistan’s digital transformation journey. Key benefits include:
- Freelancing Opportunities: 14 IT centers in schools will serve as freelancing hubs during the second shift, enabling the youth to gain valuable freelancing experience. 💻
- IT Innovation: The upgrade of three Software Technology Parks will position GB as a center of IT innovation and drive economic growth. 🌟
- Youth Empowerment: By providing digital education and skills to students, these centers will create a pathway for youth empowerment and entrepreneurship.
🚀 GB’s Path to Digital Growth
According to the government’s spokesperson, Faiz Ullah Faraq, these initiatives represent a significant step in the region’s economic growth. The goal is to use IT as a vehicle for digital transformation, ensuring that the youth in GB have access to modern education and freelancing opportunities.
With IT labs and innovation centers, the future of Gilgit-Baltistan looks bright as it gears up to become a key player in Pakistan’s digital economy.
