IT graduates must appear for exam

The interim government has decided to introduce a compulsory centralised examination for information technology students to set standards for the graduates in this field.

Addressing a new conference in Islamabad on Wednesday, caretaker Information Technology and Telecommunication Minister Dr Umar Saif said in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC), the government was going to set mandatory standards for IT graduates and there would be a centralised examination for them.

He added that the graduates clearing this exam would also be placed in practical apprenticeship programmes.
The minister further said 16,000 people would be trained in collaboration with the National University of Technology (NUTECH).

He elaborated that this exam would be mandatory for students of all universities.

Giving further details, the minister said 200,000 people would be trained in a year, enabling them to earn $50,000 to $60,000.

He continued that this initiative would bring foreign exchange worth $5 billion annually to the country.

The interim minister pointed out that there was no individual structure in the country where freelancers could sit and work.

“So a major e-programme is under way that will be launched in a few weeks,” he added.

Dr Saif explained that the government, with the assistance of the private sector, would provide interest-free loans under the e-Rozgar programme to provide space for the freelancers to work.

He continued that workplace would be provided to 500,000 freelancers under the programme.

The caretaker minister said it was expected that in the next four to six weeks, positive developments would take place for Pakistan in connection with online payment platforms PayPal and Stripe.

He acknowledged the challenges that had been hampering the integration of PayPal and Stripe, including concerns related to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) requirements.

However, the minister remained optimistic and said through any formula, they would provide these services to the country’s freelancers.

Dr Saif further maintained that in the next few weeks, Pakistan was going to set up a start-up fund.

“This fund will be established with the support of venture capital firms of the world,” he added.

The minister pointed out that that many IT firms retained their foreign reserves and revenues outside Pakistan.

A major hurdle for them in the country has been the restriction on repatriating foreign currency earnings.

However, recent initiatives by the information technology ministry and Pakistan Software Houses Association have allowed these firms to retain 50% of their revenue in US dollar accounts.

These companies will also be provided with corporate debit cards to facilitate international transactions.
Dr Saif said they had 300 MHz spectrum available and it would be auctioned.

He added that immediately after the auction, 5G would be introduced in the country.

The minister said in partnership with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the government was also introducing a cell phone financing scheme that would enable citizens to buy high-end phones in installments.

Dr Saif also highlighted the government's commitment to enhancing cybersecurity and protecting against online data theft.

He added that a cybersecurity authority would be announced in the next few months.