INSPIRE to bring IT revolution in Pakistan, says Dr Naveed Sherwani

National Semiconductor Task Force Chairman Dr Naveed Sherwani has said that INSPIRE first step toward building a world-class semiconductor ecosystem that links academia, research, industry and hospitals, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Wednesday.

Unveiled by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on October 21, 2025, INSPIRE represents Pakistan’s National Semiconductor Initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) and executed by the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB).

The programme places Pakistan within a $600 billion global semiconductor ecosystem, projected to surpass $1 trillion by 2030.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz called the initiative a milestone in Pakistan’s digital transformation, emphasising innovation, research, and skilled human capital as the engines of sustainable growth.

“Our vision is to prepare Pakistan’s youth for the industries of tomorrow. Through this initiative, we are building the foundations of a new economic frontier, one where Pakistan contributes talent, technology, and innovation to the world,” he said.

The prime minister assured full government support for the programme and directed concerned departments to accelerate implementation.

He noted that Rs 4.5bn had already been allocated under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) and reaffirmed that funding would not be a constraint.

Highlighting the broader digital reform agenda, he said the government had established the Pakistan Digital Authority, was digitising the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and was working toward a cashless economy.

Commending the IT ministry and PSEB for their forward-looking vision, the prime minister also praised the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) for fostering public–private partnerships and facilitating investment in strategic technology sectors.