Web Desk
Karachi: Syed Aminul Haq, the Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication announced that Pakistan has entered into an agreement with Google for 45,000 scholarships, which is projected to increase to 450,000 next year. Notably, at least 40% of these scholarships will be reserved for women, as reported by the state news agency.
The minister shared this news during his address at the Startups for Industries and IT Exports conference held at the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) on Friday. He highlighted that Google had initially offered 15,000 scholarships last year, but the number was increased through consultations.
Furthermore, the Federal IT Minister revealed that a dedicated building costing $1.6 million has been constructed at NED University to support the gaming and animation industry’s promotion and growth.
The event saw the participation of various dignitaries, including Zubair Chhaya, Vice Patron of KATI, Senator Abdul Haseeb Khan, Senior Vice President Nighat Awan, Chairperson of the Standing Committee Maheen Salman, Former President Saleem-Uz-zaman, Masood Naqi, Razzaq Hashim Paracha, Ehtishamuddin, experts from universities, National Incubation Centers, students, teachers, and start-ups.
Minister Aminul Haque emphasized that the Ministry of IT is working with a vision for 2050. He highlighted the increasing investment in Pakistan, from $75 million in 2020 to $373 million in 2021. The Ministry’s efforts also resulted in the removal of regulatory duty on mobile phones from March 30.
Regarding the growth of the IT industry, the minister noted that after assuming office, he promptly formulated a mobile phone manufacturing policy, which led to the establishment of a mobile phone manufacturing industry within a few months.
Syed Aminul Haque further mentioned the expansion of incubation centers from five to eight across major cities in the country over the past three years. He emphasized the government’s focus on promoting startups, gaming, and animation in Pakistan.
In his remarks, former KATI chairman Senator Abdul Haseeb Khan highlighted the importance of research and development in the IT sector. He praised the entrepreneurial efforts of startups and emphasized the need for adequate support and investment in the industry.
Zubair Chhaya, Deputy Patron of KATI, welcomed the increase in Pakistan’s IT exports from $1 billion to $2.6 billion by the end of the previous fiscal year. He urged the government to eliminate duties on machinery and IT sector-related products to further expand the industry.
Mahin Salman emphasized the need for professional educational institutions to develop curricula aligned with industry requirements. She noted the positive transformation of projects into successful startups over the past year.
Nighat Awan, Senior Vice President of KATI, called for the abolition of duties on machinery and IT sector products to facilitate the industry’s further growth in the country.
