Pakistan has presented a clear national plan to build its semiconductor industry, marking an important step in the country’s technology development strategy. The roadmap is designed in three phases, beginning with talent creation, moving into industry partnerships, and eventually building domestic manufacturing capacity. This approach is aimed at gradually positioning Pakistan within the trillion-dollar global semiconductor ecosystem.
The first phase, focused on workforce readiness, will be executed under the National Semiconductor HR Development Program (NSHRDP). This program is dedicated to developing a strong pipeline of skilled professionals capable of contributing to various segments of the semiconductor value chain. By investing in advanced technical education and industry-specific training, the government seeks to ensure that Pakistan has the expertise required to meet the demands of international partners and local industry players. Building this talent base is regarded as a fundamental step before pursuing large-scale industry operations.
Following the talent development stage, the roadmap prioritizes the establishment of Outsource Assembly and Testing (OSAT) facilities. These facilities will be set up through collaborations with global companies and supported by local industry engagement. This second phase aims to create the infrastructure for assembly, packaging, and testing, which are vital components of the semiconductor production cycle. By engaging in OSAT, Pakistan intends to develop technical know-how and strengthen its position in the supply chain, while at the same time generating employment opportunities and encouraging technology transfer.
The final phase of the roadmap envisions Pakistan entering semiconductor fabrication. While fabrication is capital-intensive and requires long-term investment, it is considered essential for developing a fully integrated semiconductor ecosystem within the country. Establishing fabrication capabilities would allow Pakistan to move beyond support functions and play a direct role in advanced chip manufacturing. This gradual and carefully structured progression from human resource development to assembly and eventually fabrication reflects a deliberate approach to integrating Pakistan into the international semiconductor market.
The plan has been endorsed by various stakeholders including Ministry of IT and Telecommunication Pakistan, Pakistan IT Industry Association (P@SHA), and Tech Destination Pakistan. Industry professionals such as Amir Anzur, Shaukat Ali, and Sidra Jalil have also been associated with the broader discussions around building a semiconductor industry, reinforcing the collaborative nature of this initiative. Through a mix of government policy, international cooperation, and industry support, Pakistan aims to lay the foundation for long-term participation in the global semiconductor ecosystem.
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