The Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications, Syed Aminul Haq, has announced a collaboration with Google to offer 45,000 scholarships this year, growing to 450,000 the next year. These scholarships will have a minimum 40% female allocation.

During his remarks at the Startups for Industries and IT Exports conference, hosted by the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), the Minister made this statement. He said that initially, Google only provided 15,000 scholarships, but following negotiations, the amount was raised. The Minister also emphasized NED University’s construction of a $1.6 million gaming and animation complex to help and grow this industry.

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The ceremony was attended by a number of luminaries, including Senator Abdul Haseeb Khan, KATI Vice Patron Zubair Chhaya, and representatives from universities, National Incubation Centers, as well as students, instructors, and start-ups.

Minister Aminul Haque also emphasized the increased financing for Pakistan’s IT sector and noted that the IT Ministry is working on a 2050 vision. He also mentioned the elimination of regulatory requirements for mobile phones and the country’s successful formation of a mobile phone manufacturing sector.

Other speakers at the event emphasized the value of R&D in the IT business and the necessity of professional training in line with market demands. To encourage additional industry expansion, they also demanded the removal of taxes on IT and equipment items.

Overall, the conference demonstrated the development of Pakistan’s IT sector, including a rise in exports and initiatives to close the gap between demands of university and business.