Sindh CM Launches PITP-2 & Google Journalism Scholarships 2025. The Government of Sindh has announced two powerful initiatives to strengthen digital skills and modern journalism in the province. Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has officially launched the People’s Information Technology Program Phase 2 (PITP-2) and the Google Digital Journalism Scholarships Program, aiming to train 35,000 students and media professionals in the latest digital skills.
This major announcement was made during a high-level ceremony at the Chief Minister’s House in Karachi on September 3, where provincial ministers, university heads, senior journalists, and international partners participated.
These projects reflect Sindh’s commitment to youth empowerment, digital literacy, and truth-based journalism in a rapidly changing digital world.
PITP-2 and Google Journalism Scholarships
Both programs have been designed to equip young people and journalists with cutting-edge IT skills, digital tools, and new-age reporting techniques.
The main goals include:
- Training 35,000 youth in advanced IT courses
- Offering 1,000 journalism scholarships in collaboration with Google
- Making Sindh a leader in modern digital education
- Protecting the province from misinformation and fake news
PITP-1: A Strong Foundation for Digital Education
Before launching PITP-2, CM Murad Ali Shah highlighted the success of PITP Phase 1, which created a strong foundation for digital learning in Sindh.
- 13,565 students trained in various IT skills
- 4,300+ graduates employed after completing training
- 300 Google Chromebooks distributed to top performers
- Strong participation from female students and rural areas
- Increased digital literacy among underserved communities
The achievements of PITP-1 proved that Sindh’s youth is eager to learn, grow, and contribute to Pakistan’s digital future. This success inspired the government to expand the program with even bigger goals.
PITP-2: A Bigger and Bolder Vision for Sindh Youth
PITP-2 is the next major step toward transforming Sindh into a digital-ready province. The Sindh government has allocated Rs 1.4 billion in the 2025–26 budget to support the program.
This new phase aims to train 35,000 students in 12 advanced technologies, including AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and software development.
Key Highlights of PITP-2
1. Collaboration With Top Universities
Training will be offered through leading institutions:
- NED University of Engineering and Technology
- Mehran University of Engineering and Technology
- IBA University, Sukkur
2. Expanded Eligibility for Youth
More students will be able to join PITP-2, including:
- Matric pass students
- Intermediate students
- University graduates
- Age limit increased to 28 years
3. Financial Support & Rewards
To motivate students, the government will award:
- 1,750 Chromebooks to the top 5% high-performing learners
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said the initiative is not just a training scheme but “a revolutionary step toward building a digitally empowered Sindh.”
Google Digital Journalism Scholarships
Along with PITP-2, CM Murad Ali Shah also launched the Google Digital Journalism Scholarships in partnership with Tech Valley and the Google News Initiative.
This project focuses on ethical journalism, digital reporting, and AI-guided fact-checking, helping media workers fight misinformation and maintain journalistic credibility.
Goals of the Journalism Program
In the first phase:
- 500+ faculty members and media students trained in:
- Digital reporting
- AI-based journalism
- News verification & fact-checking
In the new phase:
1,000 scholarships will be awarded equally to:
- Working journalists
- Government spokespersons
- Media students in public universities
The CM stressed that strong journalism is essential to protect democracy, saying:
“This is not just about technology — it is about truth, accountability, and public trust.”
High-Level Participation and Strong Institutional Support
The launch ceremony was attended by key government and academic leaders, showing the importance of this initiative.
Notable attendees included:
- Sharjeel Inam Memon — Minister of Information
- Prof. Tariq Rafi — Chairman, HEC Sindh
- Vice Chancellors of:
- NED University
- Mehran University
- IBA Sukkur
- Karachi University
- Shah Latif University
- Umar Farooq — CEO, Tech Valley
- Paul Hutchings — Head of Google Asia
- Senior journalists and government spokespersons
The Sindh Cabinet has already approved PITP-2 under SPPRA’s Special Provision 2009, allowing direct collaboration with universities.
Ministerial Remarks: A Strong Fight Against Fake News
Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon praised the initiative and said the Google Digital Journalism Scholarships will help:
- Promote responsible and ethical journalism
- Reduce misinformation and fake news
- Strengthen Sindh’s media landscape
- Support journalists with modern digital tools
He emphasized that trained journalists will play a key role in promoting transparency and public trust in information.
Conclusion
The launch of PITP-2 and the Google Digital Journalism Scholarships marks a major milestone in Sindh’s digital journey. With training opportunities for 35,000 youth and 1,000 journalists, these programs will:
- Boost employment
- Strengthen digital literacy
- Improve journalism standards
- Combat fake news
- Empower rural and urban youth equally
The Sindh government’s commitment to digital development is a strong signal that the province is ready to compete in the global digital economy.
FAQs – PITP-2 & Google Journalism Scholarships 2025
1. What is PITP-2?
PITP-2 is the second phase of the People’s IT Program, designed to train 35,000 students in advanced digital skills.
2. Who can apply for PITP-2?
Students with Matric, Intermediate, or Graduation qualifications, up to the age of 28, are eligible.
3. What technologies will be taught under PITP-2?
Courses include AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, software development, and other modern skills.
4. What is the purpose of the Google Digital Journalism Scholarships?
The program aims to train journalists in digital reporting, fact-checking, and AI-based media tools.
5. How many scholarships will be awarded?
A total of 1,000 scholarships will be provided to journalists, spokespersons, and media students.
