ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the development of a comprehensive roadmap aimed at bolstering Pakistan’s IT exports.
He said that the government would act to fully utilize the nation’s billion-dollar potential for IT exports and that the youth would be given access to the necessary resources for startups, education, and skill development.
A review meeting on the IT and telecom sector was presided over by the prime minister. Shahzad Saleem, the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, Jameel Ahmed, the Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb, the Minister for Economic Affairs and Establishment Ahad Khan Cheema, the Minister of State for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja, and other prominent officials were present at the meeting, stated a press statement issued by PM Office Media Wing.
The prime minister stated during the meeting that the beginning of several projects in the IT sector had produced positive results during their previous administration.
Reflecting on the positive outcomes of previous IT projects, Prime Minister Sharif highlighted the importance of addressing issues faced by startups, freelancers, and IT companies, particularly in the banking sector. Expressing satisfaction over the current IT export volume exceeding $3 billion, he emphasized the need for further growth.
The prime minister also asked for the submission of a comprehensive report regarding special technology zones.
The meeting reviewed progress on the IT package announced in June 2023. During the previous tenure, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, IT exports saw a 13% increase in the first seven months of the fiscal year compared to the previous year.
Highlighting achievements under the Digiskills program, which provided training to 4 million students across 17 batches, the meeting noted Pakistan’s position as the second top country globally in terms of freelancers. Pakistan’s IT products are now exported to 170 countries.
Furthermore, the meeting acknowledged a $400 million investment in Pakistani startups during the previous year. Prime Minister Sharif urged for necessary legal and policy steps to attract investment and boost IT exports.
وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیرِ صدارت آئی ٹی شعبے کے حوالے سے اعلیٰ سطحی جائزہ اجلاس۔
نوجوانوں کو آئی ٹی کے شعبے میں تعلیم و ہنر اور اسٹارٹ اپس کو درکار سہولیات فراہم کریں گے۔
~ وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف pic.twitter.com/XioFdaSXvM
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) March 12, 2024
He also called for expediting projects aimed at enhancing professional and technical training in the IT sector. Progress on initiatives related to IT, E Rozgar, startups, cybersecurity, and the launch of 5G was also discussed in the meeting.
