ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has launched the Inspire Initiative to train semiconductor professionals for industry research and education.
Speaking at the launch ceremony in Islamabad on Tuesday, he said the programme is a milestone in the country’s transition toward a knowledge-based digital economy.
He highlighted that the youth are the nation’s asset and underscored the importance of equipping them with education and skills in IT, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and semiconductors.
The Prime Minister expressed the government’s full commitment to the initiative, noting its immense potential. He emphasised that those who lead in AI and semiconductor technology will shape the future of the world.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored the urgency of fast-tracking Pakistan’s semiconductor programme, assuring that funding will not pose a challenge.
PM Sharif announced that 4.5 billion rupees have been allocated from the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) to support this strategic initiative.
He also highlighted broader efforts to empower the youth, including the launch of various development programmes and the establishment of the Pakistan Digital Authority.
PM Sharif noted significant progress toward building a cashless economy as part of the government’s digital transformation agenda.
Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima hailed the launch of Pakistan’s first national semiconductor programme as a historic milestone. She shared that the programme aims to train 7,200 young individuals, establish nine university clusters, and set up cutting-edge integrated circuit (IC) laboratories across the country.
“INSPIRE reflects the prime minister’s vision for a technology-driven, inclusive economy – one that equips youth and women with the skills required to lead in global innovation. It will empower our students, researchers, and professionals to transition from learning to leading roles in the global semiconductor industry,” she commented.
