Pakistan’s economic future is directly linked with expeditious growth of the information technology (IT) sector, said the head of a leading business chamber.

Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) President Dr Khurram Tariq said in a meeting with Professor Dr Robina Farooq, Vice Chancellor of Government College Women University Faisalabad (GCWUF), that Pakistan must transform its universities into technology-oriented institutes. “We must promote Faisalabad as a hub of IT so that it could be recognised globally," he said, according to a statement received by WealthPK.

Dr Khurram was of the view that work must be started immediately on this emerging segment to harvest its dividends within the next few years. He stressed the need to create harmony between the industry and academia, and underlined the need for a balanced approach in policy formulation.

The FCCI president proposed a technological ecosystem for comprehensive, organized and balanced development of different sectors.

“We must take initiative from Faisalabad city by launching a workable and result-oriented IT programme in collaboration with academia, and in this connection industry-academia councils could be constituted,” he stated.

Prof Dr Robina Farooq stated that she was making serious efforts for industry-academia linkages.

“This alma mater has produced skilled female entrepreneurs who are now earning about Rs50,000 per month by working from their homes," she added.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk