Government aims to boost IT industry to $25 billion: Rana Mashhood
Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, announced the government’s ambitious goal to expand Pakistan’s IT industry from its current $2.5 billion to $25 billion within the next four years. Speaking at an awards ceremony organized by Assort Tech Private Limited in Lahore on Thursday, Mashhood emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting the youth and fostering growth in the IT sector.
Rana Mashhood highlighted the immense talent present in Pakistan’s IT sector and assured that the government is prioritizing its development. “The government’s role is not to do business but to facilitate business people,” he said, underscoring Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s vision of elevating Pakistan’s IT industry to global standards.
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He emphasized that providing opportunities for the youth is at the core of the government’s mission. “If platforms are provided to the youth, we will see more successful entrepreneurs like Aftab Ahmad,” he said, encouraging young professionals to draw inspiration from such role models.
Reflecting on the evolution of Pakistan’s IT industry, Mashhood credited former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for initiating a technological revolution by laying optical fiber in the late 1990s. He lamented that progress slowed after Sharif’s departure but reiterated that the current government is determined to accelerate advancements.
He also referenced past initiatives, such as distributing laptops to students and providing free Wi-Fi in educational institutions, which contributed to enhancing IT infrastructure and youth empowerment. Regarding recent issues with internet speed, he assured that these are temporary and will be resolved in the coming year.
Mashhood warned about the challenges posed by the so-called “Fifth Generation War,” which he said aims to sow despair and destabilize Pakistan. He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to counter these threats, stating, “All attempts to turn Pakistan into Syria, Libya, or Iraq will be thwarted.”
The ceremony, attended by key IT leaders including Assort Tech CEO Aftab Ahmad, COO Usama Ali Khan, and motivational speaker Qasim Ali Shah, celebrated the achievements of Pakistan’s IT professionals. Mashhood shared inspiring stories of young individuals who, despite humble beginnings, credited their success to their parents’ hard work and dedication.
To recognize excellence, Mashhood distributed awards at the event, including plots, cars, motorcycles, and Umrah tickets to outstanding employees of Assort Tech.
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