Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has launched the Inspire Initiative, a national program to develop skilled professionals in semiconductor research, education, and industry.
Speaking at the launch ceremony in Islamabad on Tuesday, the Prime Minister said the initiative was a need of the hour to prepare Pakistan’s youth for the technologies of the future.
He called the youth the nation’s greatest asset and emphasized the importance of equipping them with knowledge and expertise in Information Technology (IT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and semiconductors.
The Prime Minister announced that Rs. 4.5 billion have been allocated under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) to support the Inspire Initiative.
He assured that the government would provide full funding and support to accelerate the program’s implementation.
Shehbaz Sharif said that countries leading in AI and semiconductor technologies would shape the global future. He directed that work on Pakistan’s semiconductor program be carried out at full pace to ensure it meets international standards.
He added that the government had launched several other programs aimed at youth empowerment, including the establishment of the Pakistan Digital Authority and steps toward promoting a cashless economy.
Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja said the launch marked a historic day for Pakistan as it introduced the first-ever national semiconductor program.
She said under the initiative, 7,200 young people will receive specialized training in semiconductor design and manufacturing.
The plan also includes establishing nine university clusters and building state-of-the-art integrated circuit laboratories across the country.
Shaza Fatima said youth training and employability remain the government’s top priority, as Pakistan looks to expand its presence in the global technology landscape.