Key Points
- 300,000 youth to receive annual training
- Focus on AI and emerging technologies
- Initiative targets digital economy growth
- IT services and exports expected to benefit
ISLAMABAD: China plans to provide digital skills training to 300,000 Pakistani youth annually under a major capacity-building initiative, strengthening Pakistan’s technology sector and equipping its workforce to meet the demands of the digital economy.
Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, made this announcement during the 3rd Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) IT Freelancing Awards 2026.
He said the programme would equip young Pakistanis with skills in artificial intelligence (AI), digital technologies and other emerging fields, helping them compete in the global marketplace.
Ahsan said Pakistan’s youthful population represents one of the country’s greatest assets and stressed the need to invest in modern skills to unlock its economic potential.
He noted that Pakistan has emerged as one of the world’s leading freelancing destinations, with thousands of young professionals earning income through digital platforms and technology-based services.
The minister urged students, freelancers and IT professionals to embrace AI and innovation, describing them as key drivers of future economic growth.
He said countries that invest in digital capabilities and human capital will be better positioned to benefit from the ongoing technological transformation.
Focus of training initiative
The training initiative forms part of an overall cooperation between Pakistan and China aimed at promoting technological advancement, innovation and skills development.
Officials believe the programme will help create a larger pool of highly skilled workers, support the expansion of the information technology sector and enhance the country’s export earnings from digital services.
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Pakistan has been prioritising digital transformation as a pillar of its economic strategy.
The federal government has launched several programmes to improve digital literacy, expand access to technology education and encourage entrepreneurship among young people.
Analysts say the planned training of 300,000 youth annually could significantly strengthen Pakistan’s digital workforce, particularly in areas such as AI, software development, cybersecurity, data analytics and online freelancing.
The initiative is also expected to support the government’s efforts to increase IT exports and reduce unemployment by creating new opportunities in the rapidly growing global digital economy.
