MoU inked for skills development, tech entrepreneurship promotion

Islamabad:In a major step towards empowering Pakistan’s youth and entrepreneurs, the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme and the Pakistan IT Industry Association on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to create new opportunities for skills development, youth employment and the promotion of tech entrepreneurship across the country.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Muhammad Ali Malik, Deputy Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, and Ali Hasani, Secretary General of P@SHA. Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, and Dr. Sonia Saleem, P@SHA CEC Member and Focal Person for PMYP were also present at the signing ceremony.

The partnership will focus on several key areas, including joint advocacy for policies that foster youth employment and entrepreneurship. Both organisations will work together to co-develop and regularly update skills development curricula that meet the evolving demands of the technology sector.

Furthermore, the collaboration will introduce industry-backed certification programs to validate skills and improve employability prospects for young people across Pakistan.

In addition, PMYP and P@SHA will establish mentorship networks and incubation programs to support emerging tech entrepreneurs, with a special emphasis on women-led startups. Structured internships, apprenticeships, and career pathways will be developed through member companies to ensure that young people have clear pathways to success.

The partnership also aims to promote consistent branding for both organizations across all joint initiatives, ensuring that PMYP and P@SHA maintain a unified presence in the growing tech ecosystem.

The officials said the collaboration marks a pivotal moment for Pakistan’s youth and tech sectors.

They said by aligning the resources and expertise of both organisations, PMYP and P@SHA are committed to creating stronger opportunities for youth empowerment, fostering innovation, and supporting the growth of Pakistan’s digital economy. The officials said through this partnership, both organisations aimed to build a brighter future for young entrepreneurs and professionals across the nation.