Shehbaz launches 'INSPIRE' initiative

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday launched the 'Initiative to Nurture Semiconductor Professionals for Industry, Research and Education' (INSPIRE), formally marking Pakistan's entry into the global semiconductor ecosystem.

At a ceremony in Islamabad, Shehbaz inaugurated the National Semiconductor Initiative - a transformative step towards technological self-reliance and global competitiveness— spearheaded by the Ministry of Information Technology and executed by the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB).

The global semiconductor industry is valued at over $600 billion and is projected to surpass $1 trillion by 2030. INSPIRE reflects Pakistan's vision to harness the potential of its youth, strengthen international partnerships, and position the country as a credible contributor to the global semiconductor supply chain.

"INSPIRE is a milestone in Pakistan's transition towards a knowledge-based digital economy, where innovation, research, and human capital drive sustainable growth," Shehbaz said in his address.

"Our vision is to prepare Pakistan's youth for the industries of tomorrow. Through this initiative, we are laying the foundations of a new economic frontier - one where Pakistan contributes talent, technology, and innovation to the world," he remarked.

The prime minister said Pakistan was blessed with abundant natural resources and emphasised that harnessing these resources was the government's core responsibility. He assured full government support for the initiative and directed that work be expedited to achieve the desired targets.

"The Planning Ministry, under its Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), has allocated Rs4.5 billion for this programme, which is just a drop in the ocean," he said, adding that funding would not be an issue for such strategic projects.

Shehbaz noted that the government had also established the Pakistan Digital Authority, while the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) was being fully digitised. He said work was also under way to transition the country towards a cashless economy.

Commending the IT Ministry and the PSEB for "their bold step in developing a skilled workforce aligned with global industry demands," the prime minister also acknowledged the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) for enabling strong public-private collaboration and facilitating investment in such initiatives.

He reaffirmed the government's resolve to strengthen Pakistan's digital and industrial capabilities through education, inclusion, and international cooperation.

IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, National Semiconductor Task Force Chairman Dr Naveed Sherwani, and PSEB Chief Abu Bakar also spoke on the occasion.