Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has launched the Inspire Initiative to nurture semiconductor professionals for industry research and education. Speaking at the launch ceremony in Islamabad today (Tuesday), he described the program as a critical need of the hour.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister highlighted that the youth are the nation’s asset and underscored the importance of equipping them with education and skills in IT, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and semiconductors. He expressed the government’s full commitment to the initiative, noting its immense potential. The Prime Minister emphasized that those who lead in AI and semiconductor technology will shape the future of the world.

The Prime Minister emphasized the need to accelerate the semiconductor program at full pace, assuring that funding will not be an issue. He stated an allocation of 4.5 billion rupees has been made from the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) to support the initiative.

Shehbaz Sharif said the government has also launched other programs for the youth and mentioned the establishment of the Pakistan Digital Authority. He said strides have been made in developing a cashless economy.

Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima said it is a historic day as the first national semiconductor program has been launched in Pakistan. She stated that under this program, seven thousand and two hundred youth will be trained. Additionally, nine university clusters will be established, along with state-of-the-art integrated circuit laboratories. She said the youth empowerment, along with their training and employability, is the government’s topmost priority.