Karachi, March 24, 2025 — In a groundbreaking move to empower its youth and bolster the province’s digital economy, the Sindh government has launched an ambitious initiative to provide 30,000 digital skills scholarships in collaboration with tech giant Google. The announcement, made today at a ceremony in Karachi, marks a significant step toward bridging the digital divide and equipping young Sindhis with the tools to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven world.
The program, dubbed “Digital Sindh 2025,” targets students and young professionals across the province, offering them access to Google’s globally recognized Career Certificates in fields such as IT support, data analytics, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence (AI). These skills are seen as critical for the future workforce, particularly as industries worldwide undergo rapid digital transformation.
Speaking at the event, Sindh’s Minister of Education, Syed Sardar Ali Shah, emphasized the transformative potential of the initiative. “Our youth are our greatest asset. By partnering with Google, we’re not just providing training—we’re opening doors to global opportunities. This is about creating a generation of innovators who will put Sindh on the map as a hub of technology and progress,” he said.
The scholarships, fully funded by the Sindh government with technical support from Google, will be distributed across urban and rural areas to ensure inclusivity. Special emphasis has been placed on empowering women and underrepresented communities, with 40% of the scholarships reserved for female candidates. The program also includes mentorship sessions and job placement assistance, aiming to translate skills into tangible career opportunities.
Google’s Regional Director for South Asia, Farhan Qureshi, hailed the partnership as a milestone in fostering digital literacy. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with the Sindh government on this forward-thinking initiative. These scholarships will provide young people with in-demand skills, enabling them to compete in the global economy and drive innovation from the heart of Pakistan,” Qureshi stated during the launch.
The selection process for the scholarships will be merit-based, with applications opening next month through a dedicated online portal. Applicants will undergo an initial assessment to gauge their aptitude and interest in digital fields, followed by a structured training program delivered through Google’s online learning platform, Coursera. The courses, designed to be flexible, will allow participants to learn at their own pace, making the program accessible to students and working professionals alike.
Local tech leaders and educators have praised the initiative as a game-changer. “This is exactly what Sindh needs to leapfrog into the digital age. By equipping our youth with cutting-edge skills, we’re setting the stage for entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic growth,” said Ayesha Khan, a Karachi-based tech entrepreneur and founder of a digital startup incubator.
The program is also expected to have a ripple effect on the province’s economy, with experts predicting an influx of skilled professionals into Sindh’s burgeoning tech sector. As the world moves toward a digital-first future, Sindh’s investment in its youth could position the province as a leader in Pakistan’s tech landscape, fostering a new era of opportunity and progress.
