Govt wants to transform Pakistan into IT hub
- 'Extending Pakistani youth with international-standard education and training in the IT sector is among the government’s top priorities': PM
LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said concerted efforts are being made to transform Pakistan into a regional hub for Information Technology.
He said this during a meeting with Samina Amjad and Amjad Karim Randhawa, parents of late IT expert Arfa Karim Randhawa, here Sunday. Chief Executive of the Arfa Karim Foundation Tabinda Islam was also present on the occasion.
The Prime Minister said, “Youth are being encouraged to acquire IT education and training, while entrepreneurship in the IT sector is also being actively promoted. Extending Pakistani youth with international-standard education and training in the IT sector is among the government’s top priorities.” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif further said the federal government is distributing laptops among high-performing students to support their academic pursuits.
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He also paid rich tribute to Arfa Karim for her remarkable services in the IT sector at a very young age and for bringing laurels to Pakistan at the international level.
However, the premier expressed deep sorrow over the loss of precious lives in a cylinder accident in Islamabad and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
The PM directed Federal Minister for Health, Secretary Health and the administration of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) to remain on high alert and ensure that all possible medical assistance was provided to the injured. He further instructed that the best medical facilities be ensured for the injured until their complete recovery.
Taking notice of the incident, the Prime Minister directed the Secretary Interior to conduct a thorough investigation and submit a detailed report to determine the causes of the accident and fix responsibility.
The Prime Minister prayed for the forgiveness of the deceased and expressed heartfelt condolences and sympathy with the bereaved families. He also instructed the Islamabad administration to launch an awareness campaign to educate citizens about safety precautions in the use of gas cylinders to prevent such incidents in future.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026