THE way the world has changed in the last decade or so and the process is continuing with rapid pace, there should be no doubt that Information Technology (IT) is the future.
It is also a matter of satisfaction that there is also a strong urge in Pakistan to take full benefit of technological advancements.
Indeed we cannot afford to miss the opportunities being offered by the IT to change the country’s economic landscape.
Whilst chairing a meeting on Thursday, Prime Minister emphasized the need for enhancing IT-related exports to fifteen billion dollars in the next three years from the current 2.6 billion dollars.
We have no doubt in saying that this is very much possible rather the country can achieve more inflows of dollars through IT than the targeted by the PM, provided right kind of interventions are made and conducive environment is provided to the companies to invest in this important sector.
It is really wise instruction on the part of the PM to the Higher Education Commission, universities and training institutes to work on a priority basis to increase the number of IT professionals from 600,000 to 1.5 million in the country. It is only through a trained workforce we can achieve a major jump in IT exports.
We will suggest that apart from the present three or four years Bachelor programs in Computer Sciences, degree programs of two years should also be started in colleges and universities.
But there should not be any compromise on quality as only those experts in their fields be it artificial intelligence, cloud computing or software development will bring a real change in the IT landscape of the country.
Pakistan is rightly being described as the emerging hub of the IT industry because of our talented youths who are providing out-of-box solutions to the industries.
The more we produce and train youth in this field as was done by India, we will also be able to multiply by several times the exports. If we succeed in doing so, we will not have to spread the begging bowl before any body.
This is the path of self reliance and must be pursued more vigorously. We also expect the Overseas Pakistanis to play their role and help uplift the IT infrastructure in the country through their investments.
