Islamabad – The European Union Delegation to Pakistan and the British Council have jointly launched a pivotal report titled “Skill Gap & Market Need Analysis” under Component 4 of the EU-funded Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Sector Support Programme (Phase IV). Conducted by Ipsos Pakistan, the study identifies critical digital and high-tech skill gaps across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Balochistan, and provides the foundation for two internationally accredited Centres of Excellence focused on equipping women with future-ready skills.
Launched under the patronage of Ms Wajiha Qamar, Minister of State for Federal Education & Professional Training, the report offers a comprehensive overview of labour market demands and outlines a strategic roadmap for developing inclusive, industry-aligned technical training in emerging technologies.
Key Findings:
Pakistan’s rapidly growing Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector exports reached US $3.2 billion in 2024, with expected revenue growth of 7.3% by 2029, but only 16% of ICT jobs are held by women.
A comprehensive list of 42 courses in 20 high-tech domains, such as Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, data analytics, and cloud security identified where demand is high in the industry but skills in short supply.
Fewer than 10% of TVET institutes currently offer high-level, competency-based training in emerging technologies.
Ms Wajiha Qamar, Minister of State for Federal Education & Professional Training said:
“This report provides the evidence we need to close the gender gap in technology and create opportunities for the women and girls of Pakistan to lead in the digital economy.”
Jeroen Willems, Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation to Pakistan said:
“The EU is proud to support Pakistan’s journey towards a green and digital future. By investing in women’s skills, we invest in the nation’s prosperity.”
James Hampson, Country Director, British Council Pakistan said:
“The launch of this report reminds us of how far there is to go, but will help turn ambition into reality. We want to help the women of Pakistan succeed by developing their skills, help them get jobs and improve their lives. Thanks to the European Union’s support, we are one step closer to achieving this aim.”
