In a major leap toward building a digitally empowered nation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to introduce mandatory Information Technology (IT) education from Grade 6 in schools across Pakistan. π»π
During a high-level meeting on the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, the Prime Minister declared that strengthening Pakistanβs IT sector and boosting IT exports is a top national priority. He emphasized that early IT education is crucial for preparing Pakistanβs youth to thrive in the global digital economy.
π‘ Why It Matters: Digital Skills Are the Future
PM Shehbaz made it clear:
βIncorporating IT into the school curriculum is essential to equipping our youth for the digital economy.β
This policy is not just about computers in classrooms β it’s a strategic investment in Pakistanβs future workforce. With this initiative, students will gain essential digital literacy, preparing them for future careers in tech, freelancing, and entrepreneurship. πβ¨
π« Implementation Across Pakistan
The plan includes close coordination with provincial governments to ensure uniformity and quality in IT education across:
- Schools
- Colleges
- Universities
Additionally, the PM ordered the launch of special IT training programs in underdeveloped regions, including:
- Islamabad
- Gilgit-Baltistan
- Azad Jammu and Kashmir
- Balochistan
These efforts aim to bridge the digital divide and make tech opportunities accessible to every corner of the country. ππ§βπ»
π Whatβs Already in Motion?
The meeting also highlighted current and upcoming IT initiatives:
π School Broadband Connectivity Project
- Focused on enhancing internet access in schools, starting with Islamabad.
π National IT Training Achievements (FY 2024β25)
- 49,800 individuals received advanced IT training.
- 600,000+ people completed general IT training.
π€ Partnership with Huawei
- Training centers launched at:
- International Islamic University Islamabad
- NUST
- COMSATS University Lahore
- Specialized training in:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cloud Computing
- Big Data
- Cybersecurity
- Integrated into academic programs at:
- GIK Institute (Topi)
- UET Taxila
- Mehran University (Jamshoro)
π§ͺ Lab Upgrades & Student Training
In partnership with the Ministry of Federal Education, Huawei will:
- Train 146,367 students
- Upgrade 1,300+ labs nationwide
This upgrade particularly benefits students in remote regions like Islamabad, AJK, and Gilgit-Baltistan. π§βπ¬π
π Vision for a Digitally Skilled Pakistan
This policy is part of a broader national agenda to develop a highly skilled IT workforce, capable of:
- Competing in local and global job markets
- Fueling entrepreneurship and innovation
- Expanding IT exports for economic growth
The governmentβs forward-thinking approach aims to make Pakistan a regional tech hub, and it all starts in the classroom. π§ π±
π£ Final Word from the Prime Minister
βThe government is committed to investing in future generations by expanding access to IT education and ensuring high training standards.β
This statement reflects a clear commitment: tech education isnβt a privilege β itβs a right for every Pakistani child.
β What You Can Do
- Parents & Students: Stay in touch with your local school administration to learn how and when these changes will be implemented.
- Teachers & Educators: Prepare to embrace digital training β a new era of tech-focused teaching is here!
- Tech Enthusiasts & Freelancers: Keep an eye out for government-led training programs and lab upgrades near you.