Pakistan has launched an ambitious semiconductor training program aimed at preparing thousands of young engineers for jobs in integrated circuit (IC) design. Federal Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja, in remarks reported by BBC Urdu, said the initiative will not only create employment opportunities but also strengthen the country’s resilience in the global technology supply chain.
The project, launched under the name Inspire, has been allocated Rs4.5 billion from the Public Sector Development Program. It includes the establishment of nine university clusters and six modern IC laboratories. Officials say the initiative will help Pakistan build a skilled workforce capable of contributing to both local and international markets.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, speaking at the launch ceremony, described training in IT, artificial intelligence, and semiconductors as “indispensable” for the country’s future. He acknowledged that the initial funding is only a starting point and promised additional resources to ensure the program’s success.
Aiming for global partnerships
The government hopes the initiative will position Pakistan as a reliable human resource partner for Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, which is investing heavily in chip design and fabrication under its Vision 2030 strategy. Officials believe that connecting with such regional centers will create job opportunities for Pakistani engineers and attract investment into the country’s technology sector.
Dr. Naveed Sherwani, head of Pakistan’s Semiconductor Task Force, said semiconductors will play a decisive role in data security and national defense. “The process of development cannot move forward without cybersecurity and semiconductors,” he noted, adding that cooperation with Saudi Arabia will be central to Pakistan’s long‑term strategy.
Experts urge realism
While the government’s ambitions are high, industry experts caution that Pakistan must be realistic about what it can achieve. Dr. Adil Pasha, an assistant professor at LUMS and an IC design specialist, praised the initiative but warned against expectations of local chip manufacturing.
“Since 2019, we have seen rapid growth in this field. Around 22 to 25 companies are now engaged in IC design and research,” he said. “But fabrication plants are another matter. They require billions of dollars, vast amounts of water, and clean rooms where even a speck of dust can ruin production. This is not feasible for us right now, and even advanced economies struggle with it.”
Instead, Dr. Pasha advocates for a fabless model, where companies focus on chip design while outsourcing manufacturing to established global players. “Designing chips and creating products around them is where we can compete. That is where our talent and resources should be directed,” he explained.
Jobs and skills for the future
The potential of IC design is vast, with applications in smartphones, electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, and defense systems. By building expertise in this area, Pakistan could create thousands of high‑skill jobs and carve out a niche in the global semiconductor ecosystem.
Dr. Pasha also highlighted the importance of preparing youth for this sector.
“Artificial intelligence can eliminate many jobs. A chatbot can now write better code than many programmers. But IC design jobs are not that easy to replace. They require deep technical knowledge in electronics, circuits, and engineering.”
He noted that most information in this field is proprietary, making it harder for newcomers to learn compared to software development. “A high‑tech chip can cost millions of dollars to design. That’s why specialized skills are essential,” he said.
Looking ahead
Pakistan’s roadmap envisions becoming a regional hub for semiconductor design by 2035. Officials hope that by training engineers, establishing design houses, and fostering startups, the country can gradually build a sustainable ecosystem.
For now, the consensus among experts is clear: Pakistan should not aim to build its own chip factories but instead focus on design, innovation, and partnerships. By doing so, the country can create jobs, attract investment, and strengthen its technological base without overextending its resources.