Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that Information Technology IT education will become a compulsory subject from Grade 6 in schools across Pakistan. This decision aims to prepare students for the digital economy and boost IT exports from the country.
New IT Education Policy
1. IT as a Mandatory Subject in Schools
- The government will introduce IT education as a core subject from Class 6 onwards.
- The goal is to equip students with digital skills early to enhance future job opportunities.
2. Focus on Underdeveloped Regions
- Special IT training programs will be launched in Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, AJK, and Balochistan.
- The initiative ensures equal access to technology education nationwide.
3. School Broadband Connectivity Project
- Schools in Islamabad will receive improved internet infrastructure.
- The project aims to enhance digital learning in classrooms.
Read More: New Story-Based Textbooks for Grades 1-5 in 2025
4. Collaboration with Huawei for Advanced Training
- Huawei will set up skills training centers in major universities, including:
- International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI)
- NUST
- COMSATS Lahore
- Specialized courses in AI, Cloud Computing, Big Data, and Cybersecurity will be introduced at:
- GIK Institute (Topi)
- UET Taxila
- Mehran University (Jamshoro)
5. Nationwide IT Training Programs
- Over 600,000 people have received basic IT training in 2024.
- 49,800 individuals have completed advanced IT courses.
- 146,367 students will be trained, and 1,300 labs upgraded under the Huawei partnership.
Why is IT Education Being Made Compulsory?
- To prepare youth for high-demand IT jobs.
- To increase Pakistan’s IT exports and digital economy growth.
- To bridge the technology gap in underdeveloped areas.
This new IT education policy is a major step toward digitizing Pakistan’s education system. By making IT compulsory from Grade 6, the government aims to create a tech-savvy workforce ready for global opportunities.
