China to train 0.3m Pakistani youths in digital skills annually, says Ahsan Iqbal

China will train up to 300,000 Pakistani youths in digital skills every year, according to Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, who said the initiative could strengthen Pakistan’s technology sector and support its knowledge economy.

Iqbal made the remarks in Lahore during a discussion with Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Faheemur Rehman Saigol at the 3rd LCCI IT Freelancing Awards 2026, held late on Saturday night, according to a monitored public feed. He said Pakistan’s growing pool of young digital workers is helping expand the country’s online economy and contribute to exports.

Pakistan has become the world’s fourth-largest freelancing country, Iqbal said, adding that the capabilities of the country’s youth are playing an increasingly important role in the digital economy. He said success in today’s market depends less on large offices and major capital spending and more on knowledge, skills and access to technology.

Saigol, meanwhile, urged freelancers and IT professionals to keep pace with artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies if they want to remain competitive globally. He said the government and private sector can work together to turn Pakistan into a regional digital economy hub. He linked that goal to the “Uraan Pakistan” vision, saying innovation, information technology and the digital economy are central to it.

Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman also praised the chamber’s efforts to recognise freelancers. He said freelancing is now a major pillar of Pakistan’s digital economy rather than a side career, and said freelancers earn millions of dollars in foreign exchange every year.

Rehman described Pakistani freelancers as “digital ambassadors” who are projecting a positive image of the country abroad. He said the Punjab government understands the need for internationally accepted payment systems and a stronger digital financial system, and is working with the federal government and the Special Investment Facilitation Council to address obstacles linked to international payments for freelancers.

He said the aim is to ensure that freelancers can receive their earnings through secure, fast and convenient channels. Rehman also said the Punjab government remains committed to a business-friendly environment, transparency and predictable economic policies, while encouraging digital services exports and foreign exchange earnings.

According to him, significant investment is being made in digital infrastructure, innovation, technology parks, IT zones and innovation hubs across Punjab. He said these efforts are creating new jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities for young people. Rehman added that Punjab is the first province to launch large-scale artificial intelligence initiatives and wants to become the national centre for AI, innovation and digital entrepreneurship.

The minister said the broader goal is not only to produce successful freelancers, but also AI developers, startup founders and global technology leaders. This article is based on a monitored public feed and attributed to Dawn Tech.

Source: Dawn Tech - https://www.dawn.com/news/2016952/china-to-train-03m-pakistani-youths-in-digital-skills-annually-says-ahsan-iqbal