ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar issued instructions on Wednesday to create a policy framework to draw top information technology experts from various parts of the world to strengthen the sector in Pakistan while observing it could help boost the national economy.
The government has taken several initiatives in recent months to develop the IT sector to attract foreign investment, create greater employment opportunities and position the country as a competitive player in the global tech industry.
Among these initiatives is the country’s decision to set up Special Technology Zones (STZs) that will offer a number of incentives like tax exemptions along with the necessary infrastructure and connectivity support to facilitate IT companies and professionals with their work.
Kakar highlighted the potential of the information technology sector while chairing the fifth meeting of the Board of Governors of Special Technology Zones Authority held in Islamabad.
“The Prime Minister said that the IT sector can play a key role in the country’s economy,” said a statement circulated by his office after the meeting. “He directed to make necessary policies to attract IT experts from all over the world to Pakistan for the development and promotion of IT in the country.”
He told the participants of the meeting that the government had taken steps to promote foreign investment in the IT sector, adding that significant progress had already been made in the area.
The meeting also focused on issues related to the establishment and working of Special Technology Zones in the country.
Pakistan’s IT sector captured the attention of the authorities after local startups began to display notable performance in recent years by getting significant international funding, reflecting growing investor confidence in the potential of the country’s tech market and its entrepreneurs.
These startups have been thriving in various sectors such as e-commerce, fintech, health-tech, ed-tech, and logistics.
The government, in recent months, has also tried to explore various markets for the country’s IT exports while focusing primarily on the Middle East and Gulf countries.
Pakistan PM calls for global information technology expert recruitment to boost national economy
https://arab.news/w8s3j
Pakistan PM calls for global information technology expert recruitment to boost national economy
- Kakar highlights progress as the government tries to promote foreign investment in Pakistan’s IT sector
- The PM and his team discuss issues related to the establishment, functioning of Special Technology Zones
‘Happy faces’: Karachi’s Down syndrome students gain confidence through culinary training
- Students learn practical kitchen skills from boiling eggs to making chicken sandwiches under guided instruction
- Parents say the program has helped children become more independent at home, including preparing simple meals
KARACHI: In a bright training kitchen in Karachi, young adults with Down syndrome chop vegetables, measure ingredients and prepare sandwiches under the guidance of their culinary instructor, skills their parents once believed were beyond their reach.
The medical condition, caused by the presence of an extra chromosome, can affect learning, motor coordination and speech.
Experts say structured, hands-on training, especially in practical life skills such as cooking, significantly improves independence and confidence, which is what the Karachi Down Syndrome Program (KDSP) aims to deliver through its “Education for Life” initiative.
“Parents say their child could not even turn the stove on earlier,” Shayan Zafar, General Manager Communications and Awareness at KDSP, told Arab News on Friday. “They were scared of a mishap when the child entered the kitchen. Now, thanks to the kitchen and KDSP, they make evening tea for their parents at home.”
Launched three years ago for individuals aged 16 and above, the three-year program offers weaving, sewing, stitching, arts and crafts and a dedicated culinary stream taught in small, supervised groups.
Students learn everything from boiling an egg to baking cupcakes as they progress through the curriculum.
“At the end of the day, when the class concludes and you see their happy faces, it makes you happy too,” Zainab Durrani, the culinary and pastry instructor guiding the class, said. “And that motivates you to do all of this.”
Trained at the College of Tourism and Hotel Management (COTHM), Pakistan’s leading international hospitality college, she said the facility did not have a proper kitchen when she first joined it.
However, that changed as its management decided to introduce culinary classes.
“In the first year, we teach them the basic skills enough for them to make their breakfast at home. For instance, boiled egg, toast and fried egg,” she continued.
The 10 students taking the class said they enjoyed working with Durrani who helps them acquire cooking skills.
“Today, I am making a chicken cheese sandwich and cupcakes along with it,” 20-year-old Dua Shahid, one of Durrani’s students, said while slicing spring onions with careful focus.
“[My most favorite is] chicken cheese sandwich,” she added. “[It is made with] onion, capsicum, chicken, cucumber, bread, mayonnaise [and some] sauce.”
Dua said she also cooks the dishes she learns at home.
“I made chicken vegetable pasta at home. It was very delicious, everyone liked it.”
Another student, Nauroz Khan, 21, shared proudly: “I know how to make pizza, burger [and] eggs. I make all of these at home. I really enjoy [being part of the class].”
Durrani said students often struggle initially with motor skills or coordination, requiring gradual introduction.
“For instance, they may have a problem holding the knife,” she added. You can give them a toy knife and I suggest giving them play dough to begin with,” she said, adding that visual aids help them identify ingredients.
Zafar, who leads communications and awareness programs, said the initiative has demonstrated tangible outcomes.
“We have had a previous batch who just graduated with us, and they are running their own businesses. They have their own Instagram pages which they are running by themselves. Each of them has their respective niche, from weaving to block printing.”
KDSP, now in its 11th year, operates five facilities nationwide — three in Karachi, one in Islamabad and one in Faisalabad — with new centers planned for Hyderabad and Lahore.
Under its KDSP Café brand, the organization also provides a platform for students to promote and sell their work in corporate settings.
“There would be 30,000 individuals with Down syndrome in Karachi while the number would be 300,000 in the entire Pakistan,” said Zafar.
“At this point, we are serving 2,800 of them,” he added. “The goal is to get to every individual, and we have plans to do that through the development of an app and other initiatives across the country.”
