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ISLAMABAD: The Ignite-National Technology Fund board has given the green light to DigiSkills 3.0, an advanced version of its widely successful digital training program. Under the leadership of Secretary IT Zarar Hashim, the board approved a plan to equip three million individuals with essential digital and freelancing skills over the next three years and six months.
Expanding upon its predecessor, DigiSkills 2.0, which featured 15 online courses, the latest upgrade introduces 25 free courses to enhance digital literacy and empower Pakistan’s workforce in the ever-evolving online job market.
To support this initiative, the board has earmarked a budget of approximately Rs. 1.79 billion. The newly added courses include UI/UX and Web Flow, 3D Modeling, Cloud Computing, Shopify Development & Drop Shipping, Artificial Intelligence with Python, Mobile Game and App Development, and Full Stack Development using MERN. Additionally, entrepreneurship-focused courses such as Startup Strategies have been included to help aspiring business owners build successful ventures.
Since its inception in 2018, the DigiSkills training program has reached over four million individuals across 300 cities in Pakistan. Developed in collaboration with the Virtual University of Pakistan, the platform has played a crucial role in strengthening the IT sector by producing skilled professionals equipped for the global gig economy. DigiSkills.pk, the official platform hosting the program, remains the largest online training hub in the country, offering recognized certifications through the Virtual University.
One of the standout aspects of DigiSkills.pk has been its focus on women’s empowerment. Since 2018, more than 800,000 women have participated in the program, gaining essential digital and freelancing skills. By providing equal access to learning opportunities, the initiative continues to bridge the gender gap in Pakistan’s digital employment landscape.
