The National Semiconductor Round Table Conference, hosted by the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), brought together key stakeholders to explore how Pakistan can develop skills, research capacity and industrial strength in semiconductors, an industry seen worldwide as the backbone of modern economies.
Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunications Shaza Fatima Khawaja, speaking as chief guest, said the semiconductor sector holds the potential to transform employment opportunities, strengthen research culture, boost exports and enhance Pakistan’s digital independence. She underlined the need for universities to play a wider role beyond classrooms and laboratories by actively contributing to policy thinking, innovation platforms and national planning.
The minister noted that the initiative is aligned with the Prime Minister’s INSPIRE program and the National Semiconductor Initiative launched in October 2025, which has now been declared a national priority under the Uraan Pakistan Vision. The broader vision aims to steer Pakistan towards a $1 trillion economy by 2035 through skilled human capital, high-value industries and modern infrastructure.
IIUI President Professor Dr. Ahmed Saad Al-Ahmad emphasized that semiconductors are no longer a niche technology but a strategic necessity for economic resilience and technological self-reliance. He said the university is positioned to connect academia with industry and policymakers, and is committed to contributing meaningfully to this national agenda.
Highlighting regional prospects, Dr. Al-Ahmad pointed to growing alignment between Pakistan’s semiconductor plans and Saudi Arabia’s ongoing initiatives in the same field. He described this convergence as a timely opportunity for regional cooperation, joint research and shared capacity building, adding that IIUI is steadily emerging as a reliable academic partner in this space.
Vice President- Professor Dr. Ahmed Shuja Syed stressed that building a semiconductor ecosystem requires consistent policies, institutional coordination and long-term investment. He said IIUI’s work in advanced electronics and microelectronics reflects sustained commitment rather than short-term experimentation. During the event, he also presented the annual portfolio of the Center for Advanced Electronics and Photovoltaic Engineering (CAEPE) and a commemorative shield to the chief guest.
International experts joined the discussion through recorded messages. Dr. Naveed Sherwani, CEO of the National Semiconductor Hub Saudi Arabia and advisor to Pakistan’s National Semiconductor Plan, stressed the importance of global collaboration in building a competitive ecosystem. Dr. Farhat Jahangir, Founder and CEO of GS Microelectronics, highlighted opportunities in manufacturing, OSAT operations and quality assurance, reaffirming support for Pakistan’s semiconductor ambitions.