Overview
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif unveiled the initiative in Islamabad, calling it Pakistan’s entry into a global chip ecosystem valued at over $600 billion.
- The Planning Ministry earmarked Rs4.5 billion under the PSDP, with MoITT leading, PSEB executing, and a National Semiconductor Task Force providing the roadmap.
- Phase one targets 7,200 trainees over five years in design, verification and research, working through nine public universities and six Integrated Circuit labs.
- Officials said INSPIRE is intended to lay the groundwork for future outsourced assembly, testing and eventual fabrication to join global supply chains.
- The rollout aligns with ongoing digital reforms such as the Pakistan Digital Authority and FBR digitisation, with leaders urging international partnerships and investment.