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ISLAMABAD, Jan 29 (APP):Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Thursday said that semiconductors were no longer a standalone technological vertical but the foundational layer underpinning modern digital architectures, including artificial intelligence, 5G and emerging 6G technologies.
Addressing an event at the Islamic International University Islamabad (IIUI), she said rapid global technological shifts had made indigenous semiconductor capabilities critical for economic resilience and national security.
Keeping practical constraints in view, Pakistan had adopted a phased and pragmatic approach under the National Semiconductor Policy issued last year, prioritizing chip design, education and OSAT development before moving toward capital-intensive fabrication.
Shaza Fatima said the policy aimed to provide regulatory clarity, IP protection and a predictable framework, with plans to establish a single-window facility under the Ministry of IT.
She said the government was procuring advanced EDA tools, including Cadence, for shared use across nine university-based Semiconductor Education and Research Clusters nationwide.
She added that Pakistan would train around 7,200 young engineers in semiconductor design and verification, while working with friendly countries, including Saudi Arabia, to create international employment pathways.
Highlighting global shortages of chip designers and the industry’s projected growth beyond one trillion dollars by 2030, she said Pakistan’s focus on public-private partnerships aligned with the Prime Minister’s Digital Nation Pakistan vision and broader national security imperatives.
She mentioned ongoing efforts to protect intellectual property rights and develop infrastructure, including procurement of Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools like Cadence, and the formation of nine university-based semiconductor research and education clusters across Pakistan.
These clusters, currently in the bidding process, will provide academia and industry access to essential tools, fostering a skilled workforce.
The minister said that the government’s plan to develop “semiconductor-ready zones” and “OSAT-ready zones” within Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Special Technology Zones (STZAs), equipped with power, water, and high-speed internet to support industry growth.
She highlighted that demand for such skills is projected to surge as the industry expands, with Pakistan positioning itself as an active participant in the global semiconductor market.
In terms of industry development, the minister emphasized public-private partnerships as the cornerstone of ecosystem
growth.
She also highlighted ongoing curriculum updates with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to incorporate semiconductor-related education and the importance of cybersecurity in national defense, referencing recent cyber incidents and Pakistan’s efforts to indigenize its security infrastructure.
Furthermore, she mentioned that the government has passed the AI Policy last July, aligning with Prime Minister’s Digital Nation Pakistan vision, to foster AI innovation, infrastructure, and human resource development.
Shaza Fatima Khawaja expressed optimism about Pakistan’s trajectory in becoming a significant player in the global semiconductor landscape, emphasizing ongoing collaborations, strategic policy implementation, and capacity building.
“Pakistan is committed to creating an ecosystem that supports innovation, security, and economic growth in the semiconductor sector,” the minister added.
Shaza said, “Our focus is on building capabilities gradually, fostering partnerships, and ensuring a secure digital future for the country.”