Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formally launched the Inspire Initiative, a groundbreaking national program designed to promote semiconductor research, education, and industry development in Pakistan.
Speaking at the launch ceremony in Islamabad on Tuesday, the Prime Minister said the initiative represents a vital step toward preparing Pakistan’s youth for the technologies that will shape the global economy in the coming decades.
“Our youth are our greatest asset,” Shehbaz Sharif said. “To secure Pakistan’s place in the future, we must equip them with the knowledge and expertise in Information Technology (IT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and semiconductors.”
Under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), the government has allocated Rs. 4.5 billion to support the Inspire Initiative. The Prime Minister assured that the government will provide full funding and institutional support to ensure the project’s swift and successful execution.
He emphasized that nations leading in AI and semiconductor technologies will define the next era of innovation and global competitiveness. He directed the concerned ministries to accelerate work on the national semiconductor program and ensure its alignment with international standards.
The Prime Minister added that the government’s broader vision focuses on youth empowerment, digital transformation, and economic modernization. He highlighted parallel initiatives such as the establishment of the Pakistan Digital Authority and ongoing efforts to promote a cashless economy, positioning Pakistan as a forward-looking digital nation.
Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja, who also spoke at the event, hailed the initiative as a historic milestone — marking the launch of Pakistan’s first-ever national semiconductor program.
“This is a proud moment for Pakistan. Through the Inspire Initiative, we are entering a new era of technological capability,” she said.
Shaza Fatima announced that under the program, 7,200 young Pakistanis will receive specialized training in semiconductor design, chip fabrication, and microelectronics manufacturing. The program will also establish nine university clusters and build state-of-the-art integrated circuit (IC) laboratories across the country.
These clusters will connect universities, research institutions, and technology companies, creating a collaborative ecosystem for innovation and industry-driven research. The initiative aims to prepare Pakistani engineers and scientists to contribute to the global semiconductor supply chain — a sector critical to AI, telecommunications, and defense technologies.
The IT Minister stressed that youth employability and skills development remain the government’s top priorities. “Our vision is to see Pakistani talent compete globally in emerging technologies,” she said.
The Inspire Initiative represents Pakistan’s most ambitious step yet toward technological self-reliance, signaling the country’s determination to strengthen its role in the fast-growing global semiconductor and AI markets.
