PM Imran Khan congratulates Ignite on creating startups ecosystem in Pakistan

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday urged youth to pursue independent ideas fearlessly, saying that success and failure came from God rather than human beings. He made these remarks while addressing “Demonstration by NIC Program Startups of Ignite” ceremony held at Prime Minister House on 12 February 2020. The event was organized by Ministry of IT & Telecom and Ignite.

“People become successful only after getting through testing times … those who dare to burn bridges and learn from past experiences come out dominating the world,” said Prime Minister of Pakistan/.

The PTI government has outlined a vision of accelerated digitization and transformation of Pakistan into a knowledge-based economy to spur economic growth through innovation and entrepreneurship.

Keeping in view the critical role played by startups in economic growth, job creation, financial inclusion, reducing the income divide, and building a knowledge economy, Ignite, under the auspices of Ministry of IT and Telecom, launched a program to build a network of National Incubation Centers in the federal capital and all provincial capitals.

Prime Minister in today’s address, stressed that the fear of failure makes people weaker and cowardly. “Those who fear have never done anything praiseworthy … only modern thinking and free mind carve out new paths,” he added.

Prime Minister Imran has recently launched the ‘Digital Pakistan’ initiative aimed at introducing modern technology for public welfare.

The key objective of startups program is to facilitate talented entrepreneurs and provide them all necessary support for transformation of their innovative ideas into a sustainable business.

National Incubation Centers facilitate and provide all key support required by startups to succeed including mentorship and networking by leading entrepreneurs, top professionals, investors and meet-ups.

Under the Ministry of IT & Telecommunication, 10 best startups were shortlisted for demonstration to the prime minister today to showcase the Pakistani technology entrepreneurial talent, highlight the impact and achievement of Government funded National Incubation Centers, discuss the key issues and problems of Pakistani entrepreneurial ecosystem, and highlight the challenges faced by Pakistani startups for development of Startup friendly policies aimed at bridging the gap between Pakistani ecosystem and global world best ecosystems including Silicon Valley, Europe, South East Asia for sharing of resources, best practices, knowledge and expertise through the development of effective Public Policies for growth, establishment of National Incubation Centers in second tiers cities, establishment of Vertical Specialty Incubation Centers/Innovation Centers and establishment of local VC Funds, said an official statement.