Sindh has announced a significant allocation of Rs1.4 billion for Phase-II of the People’s Information Technology Programme (PITP), aiming to train 35,000 students across 12 high-demand IT domains, including data science, AI, cybersecurity, and full-stack development. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah during the 2025-26 provincial budget presentation in the Sindh Assembly.
The initiative builds on earlier efforts under PITP, with a renewed vision to expand digital skills across the province. While the step was welcomed by the tech industry, experts emphasized the need for better execution, accountability, and stronger industry linkage to achieve sustainable outcomes.
Tech analyst Muhammad Yasir highlighted that the budget, although appreciated, should be larger to meet the growing demand for IT education and digital governance. He urged the provincial government to expand PITP’s reach to underserved regions and invest in establishing specialised IT universities in Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur. He also underscored the importance of digitising public services such as vehicle and property registration to improve efficiency and transparency.
Mehboob Shar, CEO of iCreativez Technologies, acknowledged the positive intent behind the allocation but raised concerns over the adequacy of the budget for delivering high-quality technical education. He remarked that the effectiveness of the programme would depend on how transparently the funds are utilised and whether universities are monitored strictly. According to Shar, academic instructors often lack the industry exposure required for practical training, which reduces job readiness. He advocated for industry experts to lead hands-on training, suggesting that such an approach could result in 55–70% of trainees securing jobs. Commenting on the potential salary outlook, Shar said that a Rs60,000 probation salary could be realistic if the training is aligned with real-world industry needs, eventually helping graduates earn over Rs100,000 per month.
He emphasized the importance of scaling the IT budget further and involving private-sector professionals in programme delivery. Shar also praised the leadership of the recently appointed IT secretary, noting visible progress in programme planning and execution. He pointed out that IT is the only sector capable of generating large-scale foreign remittances without physical exports, simply by leveraging Pakistan’s skilled youth.
Syed Azfar Hussain, Project Director at NIC Karachi, welcomed the initiative as a step in the right direction. He noted that the decision to invest in 12 high-demand IT disciplines demonstrates a clear focus on developing Sindh’s digital economy. However, he stressed that the outcome depends more on programme structure than on budget size. According to him, inclusion of real-world projects, industry mentors, internships, and startup engagement can significantly enhance training outcomes. Drawing parallels with successful platforms like DigiSkills, he pointed out that practical training models have already proven effective in turning graduates into employable professionals and entrepreneurs.
Hussain emphasized that while Pakistan’s youth bulge presents a unique opportunity, it requires thoughtful investment. He encouraged broader inclusion of women, rural students, and startup support under PITP. He also stressed the importance of long-term infrastructure development such as innovation labs, internet access, and tech hubs to ensure sustained digital progress. With appropriate mentorship and public-private collaboration, he believes Sindh has the potential to lead Pakistan’s tech and startup ecosystem.
