In a significant move toward digital empowerment and youth development, the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Sialkot Institute of Science & Technology (SIST) to establish e-Rozgaar 2.0 centers at SIST’s campuses. This initiative aims to equip young individuals with globally in-demand digital and freelancing skills, enabling them to access diverse online employment opportunities and contribute to Pakistan’s growing digital economy.
The MoU was formally signed in Lahore by Sajid Latif, PITB’s e-Governance representative, and Ayaz Ahmad Siddique, Director of SIST. The signing ceremony was also attended by other senior officials including Ahmed Islam Syan, Director of PITB’s Skills Development Wing, and Hammad Ahmad, Principal of SIST.
The e-Rozgaar 2.0 initiative, spearheaded by PITB, is a next-generation upgrade of its earlier e-Rozgaar program. It reflects a renewed focus on expanding digital literacy and promoting freelancing as a viable career path for Pakistan’s youth. By partnering with educational and technical institutions across the country, PITB intends to create a wider network of skill development hubs that prepare young people for modern work environments and global gig economy platforms.
The centers in Sialkot will serve as learning hubs for youth seeking hands-on training in various digital domains, such as content creation, graphic design, digital marketing, web development, and e-commerce, among others. The broader goal is to ensure economic enablement through digital readiness and reduce the barriers for individuals from non-metropolitan regions to enter the tech and freelance sectors.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman of PITB emphasized the importance of this collaboration, calling it a critical step in strengthening the digital capabilities of Pakistan’s emerging workforce. “This partnership is not just about training; it’s about creating access to global income streams for young Pakistanis. We are committed to ensuring that our youth are not left behind in the rapidly transforming digital world,” he said.
Sialkot, known for its entrepreneurial spirit and export-oriented industries, presents a promising landscape for such a digital initiative. By equipping its young population with relevant freelancing and tech-based skills, PITB and SIST are tapping into the city’s inherent potential and aligning it with Pakistan’s national vision for a digitally connected and economically empowered future.
The e-Rozgaar 2.0 initiative continues to be a core part of PITB’s broader mission to foster economic independence, job creation, and digital inclusion. Through collaborations like the one with SIST, the program ensures that training is not confined to major urban centers but is available in cities and districts with untapped talent.
This partnership is expected to boost digital entrepreneurship, enhance Pakistan’s freelance exports, and encourage a shift toward a more resilient and inclusive digital economy. As Pakistan continues to focus on expanding its digital infrastructure, such efforts reaffirm the government’s commitment to transforming the country into a globally recognized hub of tech-enabled talent.
