Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the integration of Information Technology (IT) education as a mandatory subject starting from Grade 6 across Pakistan. This initiative aims to equip students with essential digital skills to thrive in the modern economy.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of early exposure to digital skills, stating that it is crucial for preparing future generations for the demands of the digital economy. He highlighted the need for collaboration with provincial governments to ensure the delivery of quality and standardized IT education at all educational levels .
In addition to curriculum changes, the government plans to implement IT training programs in underdeveloped regions, including Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Balochistan. These programs aim to provide high-standard training to enable participants to secure competitive employment both domestically and internationally .
To support these initiatives, the “School Broadband Connectivity Project” is underway, focusing on upgrading internet infrastructure in schools, particularly in Islamabad. Furthermore, partnerships with organizations like Huawei are being established to set up skills and vocational training centers at institutions such as the International Islamic University Islamabad, the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), and COMSATS University Lahore .
These efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance Pakistan’s IT sector and increase IT-related exports, reflecting the government’s commitment to modernizing digital education and providing world-class training opportunities for the youth .
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