With the start of Pakistan’s INSPIRE program (Program to Nurture Semiconductor Professionals for Industry, Research, and Education), it has made a major and timely move towards the world technological race. This was announced at the 60th session of the UNHRC in October 2025. It places the country in an advantageous position to enter the semiconductor business, which is one of the most significant and competitive sectors of the modern economy.
The INSPIRE program has seen Pakistan aim at training 7200 engineers, researchers, and professionals in chip design, verification, and semiconductor research within five years. The program, with the government providing it with 4.5 billion, aims to bridge the divide between academics, research, and business through the establishment of six integrated circuit (IC) laboratories in public universities. This effort will begin by targeting nine universities across the nation, creating a national network for education and innovation in chips.
However, this change could not have come at a better time. The semiconductor industry is expected to be worth over $600 billion worldwide. Thus, it will drive everything from smartphones and electric cars to defense systems and artificial intelligence (AI). Pakistan’s choice to invest in chip design and semiconductor talent shows that it is thinking ahead as countries compete for their place in this supply chain. In a world where digital sovereignty is just as important as political sovereignty, this is not only a step towards technological independence but also towards economic resilience.
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The INSPIRE initiative delivers a message of confidence and ambition in addition to its economic benefits. Pakistan’s electronics industry has long been dependent on imports. Today, the country says that it wants to move up the value chain, from consumer to creator. In addition to this, the country is laying the foundation for future manufacturing, packaging, and research centers by strengthening its human capital in semiconductor design and promoting cooperation with foreign partners like Saudi Arabia and other tech-savvy countries.
Pakistan’s move to establish a local semiconductor ecosystem is both smart and forward-thinking at a time when there are chip shortages and alliances evolving around the world. This also aligns with the country’s goals to modernize its industries, improve skills, and go digital. If done right, INSPIRE could not only create thousands of jobs in the high-tech sector, but it could also make Pakistan a major player in the global semiconductor ecosystem. Therefore, this would be a big step forward for a country that is courageously moving towards the digital future.
