The Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) has launched the Chief Minister’s IT Internship Program (CMITIP).
The initiative aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry. It will create career opportunities for young IT graduates.
PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf formally inaugurated the program at Arfa Software Technology Park. Director General (DG) e-Governance Sajid Latif, Director Skills Development Ahmed Islam, representatives from industry and academia attended.
The CMITIP will offer 2,000 paid internships to IT graduates across Punjab. It will enable them to gain hands-on experience in the private sector. The five-month-long internship, spread across four batches. It includes a monthly stipend of PKR 50,000 for each intern. Onboarded companies will also receive PKR 12,500 per candidate as administrative support to mentor and train interns.
Chairman PITB Faisal Yousaf:
Speaking at the launch, Faisal Yousaf said: “The Chief Minister’s IT Internship Program is a major step toward preparing our youth for the global digital economy. Punjab produces nearly 45,000 IT graduates every year. The internship initiative ensures they don’t just hold degrees but also gain the skills. Their exposure and confidence will thrive in the tech industry.”
Eligible companies registered with the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) and having physical offices in Punjab can register on the program’s portal to host interns. Applicants must have 16 years of education in an IT-related discipline and have graduated within the last four years.
The selection process includes an online pre-assessment test and company-led interviews. During the training, monthly progress evaluations verified by supervisors will be submitted by interns. Stipends will be directly transferred to interns’ bank accounts, ensuring transparency and efficiency at every stage.
With 64% of Pakistan’s IT companies based in Punjab and national IT exports crossing $3.8 billion in FY 2024–25, the CMITIP represents a strategic push to strengthen the province’s contribution to the digital economy and meet the national target of $10–18 billion IT exports by 2028.
