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. ๐ป๐
During a high-level meeting on the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, the Prime Minister declared that strengthening Pakistanโs IT sector and boosting IT exports is a top national priority. He emphasized that early IT education is crucial for preparing Pakistanโs youth to thrive in the global digital economy.
๐ก Why It Matters: Digital Skills Are the Future
PM Shehbaz made it clear:
โIncorporating IT into the school curriculum is essential to equipping our youth for the digital economy.โ
This policy is not just about computers in classrooms โ it’s a strategic investment in Pakistanโs future workforce. With this initiative, students will gain essential digital literacy, preparing them for future careers in tech, freelancing, and entrepreneurship. ๐โจ
๐ซ 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. ๐๐งโ๐ป
๐ Whatโs Already in Motion?
The meeting also highlighted current and upcoming IT initiatives:
๐ School Broadband Connectivity Project
- Focused on enhancing internet access in schools, starting with Islamabad.
๐ National IT Training Achievements (FY 2024โ25)
- 49,800 individuals received advanced IT training.
- 600,000+ people completed general IT training.
๐ค 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)
๐งช 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. ๐งโ๐ฌ๐
๐ 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 governmentโs forward-thinking approach aims to make Pakistan a regional tech hub, and it all starts in the classroom. ๐ง ๐ฑ
๐ฃ Final Word from the Prime Minister
โThe government is committed to investing in future generations by expanding access to IT education and ensuring high training standards.โ
This statement reflects a clear commitment: tech education isnโt a privilege โ itโs a right for every Pakistani child.
โ 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 โ 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.