ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the importance of providing maximum financial and professional support to the youth. He is particularly interested in unlocking the immense potential of the IT sector to ensure the country’s prosperity.
He addressed the launching ceremony of PM’s Freelancer and Venture Capital Initiative and National Innovation Award Investor Connect. Furthermore, he expressed the need to expand the network of incubation centers across the country with substantial funding for the future.
The Prime Minister praised the innovative projects showcased by young individuals. The projects included drones for agriculture, IT-led medical systems, and the utilization of banana peels for various products.
He saluted the young talents and particularly lauded Sahar Munir from Naushki for her vision and ideas in promoting the IT sector.
Shehbaz Sharif emphasized nurturing and supporting untapped talent across Pakistan through training and increased funding. He urged holding similar innovation award ceremonies in other regions.
He also instructed the formulation of a coordinated mechanism and policy framework for the IT sector for cabinet approval. It aims to ensure the smooth continuity of projects by the interim government.
Syed Aminul Haq, the Minister for IT and Telecommunications, mentioned that the ministry was cooperating to execute the Prime Minister’s vision of Digital Pakistan. Additionally, they are facilitating around 20 incubation centers nationwide.
Efforts were being made to increase women’s participation in IT start-ups, as out of 1387 start-ups in the last five years, 37% were led by women.
Shaza Fatima Khawaja highlighted that the ceremony marked the second round of the National Innovation Award with 50 winners. She emphasized that the event aimed to connect these winners with investors to capitalize on their ideas.
The government had allocated Rs. 5 billion for the IT sector, including Rs. 2 billion for venture capital, Rs. 1 billion each for IT training and IT endowment fund, and Rs. 200 million for women-led business ventures.
The event also featured a short documentary on two rounds of PM National Innovation Awards and testimonials by award winners showcasing their projects and vision.
