Hajra Naz
At a recent event, Prime Minister’s Coordinator Rana Ehsan Afzal revealed a significant new plan to boost Pakistan’s IT sector. The federal government, working with a Chinese IT company, will issue certifications to 300,000 IT professionals over the coming years.
Afzal explained that the first part of this program will see 50,000 certifications given out by 2025 through the NewTech platform. This project aims to upgrade Pakistan’s IT workforce skills. It will make them more competitive internationally.
Economic Development Efforts
The Prime Minister’s Coordinator emphasized the government’s focus on economic development. Under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, initial steps will include privatizing state-run companies. This includes Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and electricity distribution firms.
This privatization is expected to improve efficiency and reduce energy losses in the power sector. These actions are part of a larger strategy to revive the economy and offer relief to the public.
Navigating IMF Demands
Afzal also talked about the challenges of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which requires tough tax changes in exchange for a significant bailout. Despite these challenges, he assured that the Prime Minister is aware of public concerns and will soon announce support measures for the salaried class.
Additionally, the government has allocated Rs. 50 billion to help reduce electricity bills for at least 86 percent of consumers. This step is designed to offer relief to households dealing with high living costs.
The announcement of the IT certification program is a key development. It will be supported by efforts to privatize state-owned enterprises. The government also plans to provide public relief. These actions together show a broad strategy for solving Pakistan’s economic problems. The focus is on skill development and structural reforms. The goal is to achieve steady economic growth and prosperity.
