ISLAMABAD, Caretaker Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Dr. Umar Saif held crucial meetings to bolster Pakistan’s IT sector, focusing on international cooperation and enhancing the quality of computer science education.
According to the Press Information Department, Dr. Umar Saif conducted a virtual meeting with the Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) to discuss facilitating Pakistani IT companies in expanding their businesses to DCO member states. The minister emphasized Pakistan’s strong relations with DCO countries and announced that Pakistan would host the organization’s first event on Digital Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) early next year. He highlighted the DCO digital passport as a one-stop shop to assist digital businesses in expanding across member countries, starting with Pakistani companies in Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Saif also mentioned the DCO’s role in expanding the investor network for the upcoming Pakistan Startup Fund. The DCO includes member states like Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Nigeria, Oman, and Jordan.
In a separate meeting aimed at improving the quality of computer science students in universities, Dr. Saif and representatives from the Higher Education Commission (HEC), PASHA, PSEB, and the National Computing Education Accreditation Council decided to conduct a standardized test for the assessment and placement of IT students in their final semester. The Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) will compile data on students who pass the test. An industry co-opt program will also be established, allowing students to earn credit units through practical industry experience before graduation.
PASHA will collaborate with the industry to ensure the placement of students in IT companies and their subsequent job opportunities. Attendees included HEC Executive Director Dr. Ziaul Qayyum, Member IT Syed Junaid Imam, and CEO Ignite Asim Shahryar Husain, among others.
These initiatives mark significant steps towards enhancing Pakistan’s IT sector, both through international collaborations and educational reforms, positioning the country for greater participation in the global digital economy.