Tech
Ignite Wants to Train 2,000 IT Graduates in Coding And Other High-Demand Skills
Ignite, the training and capacity development wing of the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, has announced a plan to upskill 2,000 IT graduates through its new “Code4AI-North Region Program.” The initiative aims to provide short-term, intensive, hands-on training in highly demanded coding languages to help participants develop practical and job-ready skills.
The Code4AI-North Region Program is designed to expand Pakistan’s pool of skilled programmers by focusing on leading programming languages that support current and future industry needs. For this purpose, Ignite has identified three in-demand technologies: Python, JavaScript Fullstack, and Java with Angular or React. These languages are considered well-suited to meet market demand, especially in areas related to artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and blockchain.
Training will be conducted in major northern cities, and selected companies will execute the program under the requirements outlined in the RFP. Ignite has mandated that the intensive, hands-on approach must equip young Pakistanis with a clear career path in programming. The organization aims to hire qualified local firms, preferably in consortium with reputable local or international partners, to deliver the training.
The program is open to graduates or final-year students enrolled in undergraduate programs in computer science, software engineering, information technology, ICT engineering, technology management, mathematics, statistics, or other relevant fields. Ignite will select training companies to provide the courses in Islamabad, Peshawar, Abbottabad, and Rawalpindi.
Pakistan’s population has crossed 240 million, with nearly two-thirds under the age of 29. Around 90 million people in the country have active internet access. Each year, Pakistan produces more than 40,000 IT professionals from over 230 universities and degree-awarding institutions. However, out of approximately 30,000 graduates entering the job market annually, only an estimated 10 percent secure employment in the IT sector. The industry contributes about seven percent to Pakistan’s GDP and supports hundreds of thousands of professionals across banking, telecommunications, healthcare, and education.
According to data from the State Bank of Pakistan, IT exports increased by 47.4 percent in fiscal year 2020–21, reaching $2.1 billion for the first time in the country’s history, compared to $1.44 billion in 2019–20. In fiscal year 2022, Pakistan’s IT sector posted record remittances of $2.616 billion. The government has set a target of $5 billion for fiscal year 2023 and plans further expansion of the industry in the coming years.
Tech
ACME Telecom Secures LDI License in Pakistan to Boost Telecommunication Infrastructure
Acme Telecom (Pvt.) Ltd., has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining a Long Distance International (LDI) License from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The license was officially awarded at a ceremony held at PTA headquarters, marking a major expansion of the company’s footprint in global services landscape.
With the acquisition of the LDI license, Acme Telecom is aiming to invest in International digital ecosystem to position Pakistan as a regional connectivity hub and to enhance national connectivity infrastructure, deliver faster and more reliable communication solutions to the nation.
Representing Acme Telecom at the licensing ceremony, Syed Zeeshan Hussain, CEO of Acme Telecom, shared his sentiments over the company’s new chapter. Speaking about the achievement, he stated that: “This license represents a transformative moment for Acme Telecom as we expand our infrastructure capabilities and strengthen Pakistan’s position in the regional telecommunications landscape. Beyond technology, Acme Telecom aims to play an imperative role in Pakistan’s socio-economic progress. The LDI license directs us towards more ventures which will result in creation of new jobs, foster IT and telecom-driven opportunities, and contribute to stronger economic stability by encouraging investment and innovation within the sector.
“This milestone is not just about Acme Telecom, – It is about Pakistan’s digital future. By strengthening our infrastructure and expanding our capabilities, we are helping build a more resilient, technologically empowered, and globally competitive nation,” he added.
Tech
Telcos Owe Rs. 16.33 Billion in Dues to PTA
The federal government has informed the National Assembly that telecom companies owe Rs. 16.33 billion in outstanding dues to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
The information was shared in a written response to a question by MNA Syed Waseem Hussain, who asked for details of the unpaid amounts and related actions.
According to the response, all outstanding dues are currently sub-judice, which has halted the recovery process. The delay in payments has also resulted in a late payment fee of Rs. 39.24 billion, further increasing the financial burden linked to the telecom sector.
The government confirmed that contributions to the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, including the Universal Service Fund (USF) and the Research and Development (R&D) Fund, also remain unpaid due to ongoing litigation. These funds are essential for expanding telecom services to underserved areas and supporting technology development projects.
The reply stated that PTA has issued enforcement orders against licensees in line with legal procedures. However, recovery efforts remain stalled as various dues, including Access Promotion Charges (APC) for USF, continue to be challenged in different courts.
The written response did not specify whether any action had been taken against officials considered negligent or ineffective over the past two years. It focused mainly on the financial obligations and the legal hurdles that are delaying their recovery.
Tech
Vivo X200T Tipped as Hybrid of X200 and X200 FE
According to a new rumor, Vivo is working on a new device that it will call X200T. The name is unusual for the brand, and the device is allegedly described as “a mix of the X200 and X200 FE”.
The X200T is expected to launch in India by the end of January. This rumored release timing appears unusual, since the X300 and X300 Pro have just become available in India, which could make a new device in the X200 line feel instantly outdated in comparison.
The X200T is said to be similar in size to the X200 FE, which has a 6.31-inch touchscreen. The X200T will match that size.
The X200T is said to include “the performance DNA” of the X200. This is assumed to mean that it could use the same Dimensity 9400 chipset.
The X200T will “likely” come with three rear cameras with Zeiss branding. It is also expected to support 90W wired charging and include a large battery that could be similar in size to the X200 FE’s 6,500 mAh cell.
These are all the details revealed so far. Based on the current information, it sounds like a re-released X200 FE with a better chipset. Further details are expected when more information becomes available.
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