Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has launched the INSPIRE program, a major step toward developing Pakistan’s semiconductor industry, aiming to train 7,200 professionals and strengthen the country’s role in the trillion dollar global technology market.
A step toward technological self reliance
Pakistan officially entered the global semiconductor arena with the launch of the INSPIRE (Initiative to Nurture Semiconductor Professionals for Industry, Research & Education) program.
Introduced in Islamabad by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the initiative is part of the National Semiconductor Development Roadmap.
Furthermore, it is led by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) and executed by the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB).
The prime minister described INSPIRE as a milestone in Pakistan’s shift toward a knowledge based, digital economy. Where innovation and skilled talent will drive long term growth.
Training 7,200 professionals for future industries
Under INSPIRE, 7,200 professionals will be trained in semiconductor design, verification, and research over the next five years.
Moreover, the program will partner with nine public universities and establish six Integrated Circuit (IC) labs across Pakistan.
Additionally, the government has allocated Rs 4.5 billion under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) to support the initiative.
This first phase will help Pakistan develop expertise needed for semiconductor fabrication and Outsourced Assembly & Testing (OSAT). Which will help create a skilled workforce ready to contribute to the global supply chain.
Building a digital and cashless economy
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also highlighted broader digital goals, including the government’s efforts to build a cashless economy and fully digitise the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
He praised the IT ministry, PSEB, and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) for promoting innovation and investment in technology.
The launch of INSPIRE marks a new chapter in Pakistan’s digital transformation. Focusing on research, education, and global competitiveness in advanced technology.
