Can IT Certifications Shape Pakistan’s Political Future?

Pakistan stands at a pivotal moment: with an estimated 64% of the population under the age of 30, the nation’s youth can either be its greatest asset or a looming challenge. In a political environment often dominated by partisan blame games, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has taken a fresh approach by offering IT training programs and certifications. The party aims to fill skill gaps, tackling unemployment while positioning itself as a champion of youth empowerment.

The political economy of JI’s IT initiatives suggests that these efforts could influence Pakistan’s political discourse, shifting it from mere rhetoric to tangible development. By focusing on digital skills, these initiatives may provide a pathway for re-energizing the economy, influencing voters, and transforming how politics is conducted in the country.

Pakistan’s greatest asset is its youthful population, with over 64% under the age of 30. This massive demographic can drive economic growth if harnessed effectively, especially through information technology. Already, the reports that Pakistan’s software exports are on the rise, reflect the demand for tech-savvy professionals. Yet many young people face barriers such as limited infrastructure, high training costs, and an inconsistent quality of education. Rural areas, in particular, often lack reliable internet and modern curricula needed to build competitive digital skills. Nonetheless, the appetite for learning is evident in the popularity of coding boot camps, freelancing platforms, and tech-based entrepreneurship. Policymakers and private entities both recognize the potential of IT as a catalyst for job creation and global competitiveness. In this context, Jamaat-e-Islami’s IT initiatives directly address a market gap, tapping into the youth-led innovation currently gaining traction across the country.

The party’s IT certification drive, which includes courses on coding, freelancing, and digital marketing, underscores its commitment to bridging the skills gap. Offered at affordable or subsidized rates, these programs operate in cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar. With the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication projecting steady growth in Pakistan’s software export sector, participants see these certifications as a path to online employment. By embracing digital skills training, JI aims to champion a development-focused platform rather than mere slogans—an approach that resonates with youth navigating a tough job market. Through this drive, Jamaat-e-Islami positions itself as a party capable of tackling core national challenges, offering voters tangible benefits beyond conventional political rivalries and inspiring other parties to follow suit.

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Skill development has emerged as a key factor in shaping Pakistan’s socio-economic future, as it directly impacts workforce productivity, employment rates, and overall economic competitiveness. In a country where political parties vie for public support, investing in educational programs—particularly IT trainings—can serve as both a development strategy and a vote-winning tactic.

Jamaat-e-Islami, for instance, demonstrates how a party can leverage skill-building initiatives to gain credibility among youth desperate for job opportunities. By offering concrete solutions instead of mere slogans, political entities can channel resources into sectors that promise tangible returns for both citizens and their own political capital. This approach aligns with broader global trends, where governments and parties invest in technical education to stimulate growth and reduce unemployment.

Ultimately, bridging the skill gap serves not only as a public good but also as a strategic move in a competitive political landscape.

Political scientists often argue that parties seek to “own” specific issues, positioning themselves as the most credible advocates for solving them. In Pakistan, where unemployment is a pressing concern, Jamaat-e-Islami’s emphasis on IT training demonstrates such “issue ownership,” claiming a space that resonates strongly with the youth. Moreover, this strategy aligns with the idea of valence politics, wherein parties focus on goals—like job creation and skill development—that virtually everyone considers beneficial. By tackling unemployment through tangible skills programs, Jamaat-e-Islami projects competence without the divisiveness often associated with purely ideological battles. This move not only differentiates the party from rivals engaged in blame games but also bolsters its image as a practical, problem-solving force. In doing so, Jamaat-e-Islami leverages well-established political science theories to shape its public narrative and connect with a core voter demographic.

Political parties and governments worldwide have leveraged skill-building initiatives to address unemployment and boost economic growth. In the United States, the Obama administration launched the TechHire Initiative to train citizens in in-demand technology skills, illustrating how job creation through tech education can elevate a government’s reputation.

Across Europe, the Digital Skills and Jobs Coalition unites public and private entities to close the digital gap, showcasing how broad collaborations can rapidly upscale competencies. Meanwhile, India’s “Skill India” campaign aims to equip millions of youth with vocational and digital proficiencies, offering another example of skill development transforming into a national priority. Although these programs differ in scope and execution, they underscore the universal appeal of practical, forward-looking initiatives—paralleling Jamaat-e-Islami’s IT training efforts in Pakistan by focusing on tangible outcomes that resonate with the electorate.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s emphasis on IT certifications offers a potentially transformative direction in Pakistan’s political sphere by focusing on tangible, youth-centered development. Whether this strategy fundamentally alters the landscape or becomes another fleeting promise depends on how consistently and effectively these initiatives expand and deliver results. If JI’s programs continue to create genuine economic opportunities and garner broad support, other parties may be compelled to follow suit, shifting the national narrative toward constructive competition. However, if institutional hurdles or political infighting overshadow these efforts, they could fade into history like many past attempts. Political analysts will be closely watching this unfolding story.

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own. They do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of the South Asia Times.

Jawad Jabbar

I am a public policy researcher with experience in governance, policy drafting, and data-driven research. Having worked at the National Assembly of Pakistan and GIZ, I focus on legislative processes, digital transformation, and public policy analysis, integrating data-driven insights to enhance governance and policymaking.