In line with a directive from Prime Minister, Pakistan has launched a major initiative to ensure zero-day employability for graduates by making industry-relevant certifications and internships mandatory for undergraduate programs. This move is expected to significantly enhance the readiness of Pakistan’s workforce and align academic learning with the needs of modern industries.
The initiative follows extensive consultations with industry representatives, academic institutions, government departments, and regulatory bodies. Ministry of IT & Telecommunication Pakistan, together with HEC, PSEB, and the National Computing Education Accreditation Council (NCEAC), has worked to create a framework that equips students with practical skills, while also fostering stronger collaboration between academia and the private sector. By integrating hands-on internships and certifications directly into undergraduate programs, students will graduate with the skills demanded by employers from day one.
Key figures involved in the initiative include Zarrar Khan, Nadeem Mahbub, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Abu Bakar, and numerous industry experts. Their combined efforts have shaped the certification programs, ensuring they are relevant, up-to-date, and aligned with global standards. Through these programs, students will gain exposure to emerging technologies, industry best practices, and practical experience in sectors ranging from software development to IT services, supporting the growth of Pakistan’s tech ecosystem.
Ministry officials emphasized that these measures will create a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals ready to contribute immediately to industry projects. The programs are designed to provide equal opportunities for students across diverse fields, helping to bridge the gap between academic theory and professional application. By embedding certifications and internships into undergraduate studies, Pakistan aims to enhance the employability of its graduates while promoting innovation, productivity, and competitiveness across multiple industries.
With strong support from HEC and PSEB, the initiative represents a strategic step toward building a digitally skilled workforce capable of meeting domestic and international demands. Efforts are ongoing to ensure these certifications are widely accessible and integrated across all industry-relevant academic disciplines. This program is expected to set a new standard for graduate employability in Pakistan, benefiting students, universities, and the broader technology sector alike.
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