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
Pakistan hikes prices of petrol by Rs5, diesel by Rs7.32 per liter for next fortnight
- After latest increase, new price of petrol is RsRs258.17 per liter while that of diesel is Rs275.70 per liter
- Fuel prices in Pakistan are reviewed fortnightly, influenced by global oil prices, exchange rate movements, taxes
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s government has increased the price of petrol by Rs5 per liter and that of high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs7.32 per liter, respectively, an official notification by the Ministry of Energy said on Sunday.
After the fresh increase, the new price of petrol is Rs258.17 per liter from the previous Rs253.17 per liter. Meanwhile, the new price of HSD is Rs275.70 per liter, up from the previous Rs268.38 per liter.
“The government has raised the prices of petroleum products based on recommendations of OGRA [Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority],” a notification by the Ministry of Energy said on Sunday.
Fuel prices in Pakistan are reviewed fortnightly and are influenced by global oil prices, exchange rate movements and domestic taxes. The pricing mechanism passes changes in import costs on to consumers.
The government kept the price of petrol unchanged on Feb. 1, increasing that of HSD by Rs11.30 per lite.
Petrol is mainly used in private transport, motorcycles and rickshaws, while diesel fuels heavy transport and agricultural machinery and is considered a key driver of inflation in the South Asian country.
Financial analysts warn constant increases in prices of petroleum products stoke inflation, inflicting a heavy burden on consumers.
