ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN: In a major leap towards technological independence, Pakistan has launched its first-ever semiconductor development programme, INSPIRE — Initiative to Nurture Semiconductor Professionals for Industry, Research & Education. The ambitious project aims to position Pakistan within the global semiconductor supply chain, a market valued at over $600 billion.
The programme, spearheaded by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) and the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), will train more than 7,000 engineers and professionals over the next five years. Around Rs 4.5 billion has been allocated under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) to drive the project, which includes establishing six integrated-circuit (IC) design labs across nine public universities.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while inaugurating the initiative, called it a “historic milestone” that will transform Pakistan’s digital and industrial landscape. He stated that the country must move beyond being a consumer of technology to becoming a global contributor. Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja highlighted that the programme will particularly focus on empowering youth and women in high-tech sectors.
Experts believe INSPIRE could redefine Pakistan’s role in the global technology market if backed by consistent policy support, industrial collaboration, and international partnerships. They note that the development of a sustainable semiconductor ecosystem requires long-term commitment, infrastructure, and intellectual property safeguards — all crucial for success in the global chip race.
With INSPIRE, Pakistan has taken its first tangible step towards becoming a player in one of the world’s most competitive and high-value industries — where innovation, precision, and persistence determine global standing.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.