China to Train 300,000 Pakistani Youth Annually in Digital Skills: Ahsan Iqbal

By Dr. Ansab Ali | Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Prof. Ahsan Iqbal has announced that China will provide digital skills training to 300,000 Pakistani youth every year, describing the initiative as a major step toward strengthening Pakistan’s technology sector and knowledge-based economy.

Speaking at the 3rd LCCI IT Freelancing Awards 2026, organized by the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the minister said Pakistan has emerged as the world’s fourth-largest freelancing country, with its young professionals playing a pivotal role in expanding the digital economy and increasing technology exports.

Prof. Ahsan Iqbal urged freelancers and IT professionals to equip themselves with artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving global digital marketplace.

He emphasized that success in today’s economy is no longer dependent on large offices or heavy capital investment, but on knowledge, technical expertise, and access to modern technology. He added that Pakistani freelancers are not only serving international clients but are also generating valuable foreign exchange for the country.

LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol said collaboration between the government and the private sector could transform Pakistan into a leading regional digital economy hub. He noted that innovation, information technology, and the digital economy are central to the government’s “Uraan Pakistan” vision, with freelancers capable of turning that vision into reality.

Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja Ur Rehman praised the Lahore Chamber for recognizing the achievements of Pakistani freelancers, saying freelancing has evolved into a major pillar of Pakistan’s digital economy rather than an alternative profession.

He said Pakistani freelancers contribute millions of dollars in foreign exchange each year, strengthening the national economy while serving as digital ambassadors who project a positive image of Pakistan around the world.

The minister acknowledged the challenges freelancers face regarding internationally accepted payment systems and said the Punjab Government is working with the Federal Government and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to remove barriers to international digital payments.

He added that the government’s goal is to ensure freelancers receive their earnings through secure, fast, and convenient payment channels while maintaining a business-friendly environment, transparency, and predictable economic policies to promote digital services exports.

Mian Mujtaba Shuja Ur Rehman further stated that, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Punjab is making significant investments in digital infrastructure, technology parks, IT zones, innovation hubs, and AI initiatives, creating new employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for young people.

He noted that Punjab has become the first province in Pakistan to launch large-scale Artificial Intelligence initiatives and aims to establish itself as the country’s leading center for AI, innovation, and digital entrepreneurship.

The Punjab Finance Minister concluded by saying the government’s long-term vision extends beyond producing successful freelancers to nurturing AI developers, startup founders, and globally competitive technology leaders, stressing that close cooperation between the public and private sectors remains essential for building a sustainable and competitive digital economy.