ISLAMABAD: State Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Friday stressed the importance of equipping youth with digital skills as the IT ministry, in collaboration with Huawei, launched a training portal to develop a more technologically skilled workforce, the state media reported.
The government views information technology as a driver of economic change, seeking to transform the sector into a cornerstone of its strategy for financial stability. Pakistan has earmarked IT as a priority sector, courting foreign investment from countries like China and the Gulf states.
“The main objective of this program is to impart training to our youth, making them eligible for jobs and enabling them to contribute to the country’s development,” Khawaja was quoted by the Associated Press of Pakistan as saying at the launch of the portal.
“To bolster the economy, it is essential to equip our young population with the necessary training and skills,” she added.
The minister emphasized the importance of IT in the modern age, pointing out that the government was also setting up e-employment centers and e-libraries.
Highlighting the country’s potential in the field, Khawaja noted that over 150 million young people in Pakistan were under 30, adding that they could play a critical role in driving economic progress.
The minister announced the formation of a National IT Skills Committee, comprising representatives from IT boards and provincial ministries, to strengthen governance and coordination in the sector.
Huawei’s Deputy CEO Ahmed Bilal Masud highlighted the company’s commitment to fostering digital literacy and bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry needs.
“By investing in the future of our youth, we are paving the way for a skilled workforce that will drive Pakistan’s economic growth and technological advancement,” he said.
He informed that the training program would utilize Huawei’s extensive resources and global expertise to deliver comprehensive education for students and trainers, aiming to enhance ICT education nationwide and promote digital transformation in Pakistan.
Pakistan launches IT training portal with Huawei to build digital skills among youth
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Pakistan launches IT training portal with Huawei to build digital skills among youth
- Shaza Fatima Khawaja says it is vital to equip Pakistani youth with necessary skills to bolster the economy
- The training program will use Huawei’s resources and global expertise to deliver comprehensive education
Santas on camels lead Christmas rally in Pakistani capital
- Hundreds join year-end procession in the capital, chanting and marching in festive dress
- Christians make up only 1.37% of Pakistan’s population, according to the 2023 census
ISLAMABAD: Hundreds of Pakistani Christians marched through Islamabad in a Christmas rally on Sunday, with men dressed as Santa Claus riding camels and waving at crowds as they chanted greetings ahead of the holiday.
The gathering showcased one of the country’s most visible Christmas celebrations, held in a nation where Christians remain a small religious minority. Census data from 2023 puts the Christian population at less than 1.37 percent nationwide, though communities are concentrated in major cities such as Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.
For participants, the rally was both festive and symbolic, an open display of faith near the heart of the capital.
“My heart is filled with gratitude. We are very thankful to the government of Pakistan, the army, the police, and everyone for supporting us during our event, especially the event for minority communities,” said 27-year-old Arsalan Masih.
Standing beside him as camels passed through Zero Point, a central traffic junction, electrician Shafiqui Saleem said the group celebrated openly each year.
“December has started, and we are enjoying our Christmas celebrations. This is why we have started this rally, to praise our Lord and celebrate His coming, as He was born in the month of December to bring salvation to this world. We are very happy to enjoy December.”
Saleem said the procession reflected a sense of belonging despite being a minority in the country.
“Despite being a minority, we have never faced any obstacles here in Islamabad,” he said.
“You can see that today, we were granted permission to hold this rally from Zero Point, and the authorities are managing the traffic and supporting us. It is wonderful that, despite being a minority, we are receiving a lot of support.”
