Pakistan Completes Semiconductor Education and Research Framework
Pakistan has completed the institutional framework for its national semiconductor education and research clusters. The move aims to develop skilled professionals for the global chip industry.
Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja recently visited Karachi.
She met Sindh Governor Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi at the Governor House. She also attended the Fintech Roundtable 2026.
During the visit, she met industry leaders and discussed ways to improve digital financial services.
The discussions also focused on strengthening Pakistan’s fintech sector and supporting its future growth.
NED University to Lead the South Region
The Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) signed an agreement with NED University of Engineering & Technology.
The agreement formally names NED as the lead university for the South Region.
The university will lead the region under the Semiconductor Education & Research Cluster (SERC).
NUST already leads the North Region. ESUPAK-UET Lahore leads the Central Region.
The latest agreement completes the institutional setup for all three regional SERC clusters.
Three Regional Clusters Now Established
Pakistan has completed all SERC institutional agreements under the National Semiconductor Human Resource Development Program (NSHRDP), also known as INSPIRE.
The program has established three regional semiconductor education and research clusters within its first year.
The government now plans to move the program towards full-scale implementation.
The clusters will help students develop skills needed in the growing global semiconductor industry.
Program Targets 7,200 Professionals by 2030
Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja called the agreement an important step for Pakistan’s semiconductor sector.
She said the country is working to build a globally competitive semiconductor ecosystem.
The current SERC intake will train 270 students across Pakistan’s three regions.
The broader program aims to develop more than 7,200 semiconductor professionals by 2030.
These professionals could help Pakistan build expertise in chip technology and related fields.
Governor Highlights Role of Young Talent
Sindh Governor Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi said the agreement shows the government’s commitment to a knowledge-based economy.
He expressed confidence that the partnership would help prepare young Pakistanis for new opportunities.
The global semiconductor industry continues to create demand for skilled engineers and technology professionals.
Pakistan hopes the SERC program will help its young workforce gain relevant skills and compete in this growing sector.
INSPIRE Moves Towards Full Implementation
With all three SERC clusters now in place, the INSPIRE program can move towards full-scale implementation.
The initiative aims to train a new generation of semiconductor professionals in Pakistan.
The program could also support Pakistan’s digital development and long-term economic growth.
The completion of the three regional clusters marks an important step towards building a stronger semiconductor talent base in the country.
