Tech Desk 
Oct 21, 2025
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday launched a programme, Initiative to Nurture Semiconductor Professionals for Industry, Research & Education (INSPIRE), to help train 7,200 youngsters with digital skills and position Pakistan as a credible contributor to the trillion-dollar global semiconductor industry.
Addressing the launch ceremony, PM Shehbaz said that the youth is nation's asset and education plus skills in IT, artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors.
The premier said: "The semiconductor programme is the most important need of the hour. The launch of the semiconductor programme is a historic step. There is a narrative war going on around the world regarding semiconductors.
"Pakistan has been blessed with resources in the field of semiconductors by Allah Almighty. It is our responsibility to take full advantage of the resources. Rs4.5 billion has been allocated for the project from the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). This is the beginning, the government will provide more resources for the projects."
Shehbaz-led government has also introduced other programmes for the youth , which include the launch of Pakistan Digital Authority. “We have also made major strides in a cashless economy,” the premier noted.
Under the INSPIRE programme, professionals will get five years of training in semiconductor design, verification, and research — engaging nine public-sector universities across Pakistan’s northern, central, and southern regions, and establishing six Integrated Circuit (IC) labs.
In the initial phase, INSPIRE will lay the foundation for future Outsourced Assembly & Testing (OSAT) and fabrication capabilities, enabling Pakistan to participate in the global semiconductor supply chain.
