Govt is focusing on the IT sector for sustainable economic development: Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar

ISLAMABAD, Jan 11 (SABAH): Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has launched the establishment of Pakistan E-Rozgar Co-Working Centers across the country to facilitate freelancers and promote the IT sector. The Prime Minister emphasized that the government is focusing on the IT sector for sustainable economic development. He expressed the government’s commitment to promoting the IT industry under the umbrella of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).

Addressing the launching ceremony of Tech Destination Pakistan in Islamabad, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar stated that the initiative aims to create an ecosystem where talented individuals can thrive.

He mentioned that these centers, supported by interest-free loans, assistance, and training, would help enhance the capacity of the youth.

Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar added that Tech Destination Pakistan offers a unique opportunity to holistically examine the theme and its significant role in boosting Pakistan’s economy.

Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar further stated that the government is working to materialize the vision of a digital Pakistan through multiple cross-sectoral digital transformation initiatives.

Earlier, speaking on the occasion, Caretaker Minister for Information Technology Dr. Umar Saif said 10,000 centers will be established across Pakistan, with 5,000 each being set up at academic institutions and in the private sector.

He highlighted that under this initiative, interest-free loans will be provided. Dr. Umar Saif emphasized the importance of providing the IT industry with skilled manpower according to the needs of the global competitive tech ecosystem.

The minister mentioned that the government has initiated two large programs in cooperation with the Higher Education Commission. He explained that a centralized test is being organized across all universities to measure the IT skills of students. Passed students will have mandatory industry placements before graduation, and the government will provide them with a stipend. The industry providing apprenticeships will receive cash rewards.

Dr. Umar Saif said E-Rozagar progamme will provide freelancers the required space and other facilities, who do not afford expensive laptops, an office, generator or availability of uninterrupted internet. He said this is a scale-up programme that was started in Punjab many years ago. The Minister said the income earned through E-Rozgar centres will be exempted from various taxes.