Nokia Siemens Networks

New lab gives hope to Pakistani youth

Initiative builds on innovative vocational partnership between Nokia Siemens Networks, Telenor and Pakistani Government

A new telecommunications laboratory at the Government College of Technology, Lahore, brings the promise of an exciting future to young Pakistanis interested in ICT, and signals the strengthening of the "Telecoms Futures" partnership between industry and technical education.

During a ceremony at the Institute, Vegar ul Islam, Nokia Siemens Networks Country Director for Pakistan & Afghanistan, Irfan Wahab Khan, Executive Vice President Telenor Pakistan and Muhammad Arshad Bhatti, Secretary Technical & Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) cut the ribbon to inaugurate the program’s first telecommunications lab.

The Telecom Futures program, initiated by Telenor Pakistan in partnership with Nokia Siemens Networks and TEVTA provides a 2-year higher national diploma based on an advanced curriculum, scholarships, hands-on-training and internship opportunities to students.

It is the first Pakistani collaboration between industry and academia in ICT aimed at developing human resources from deprived backgrounds.

Providing opportunity and hope

At the launch, Veqar ul Islam said, "The Telecom Futures program is an exemplary industry-academia partnership in the telecommunications sector that is helping to create real opportunities for Pakistani youth. This year the telecoms industry in Pakistan has taken significant steps forward in terms of technology investments as well as contributing towards the community in the country."

Telenor Pakistan’s Irfan Wahab Khan added: "Telenor Pakistan realizes that technical and vocational training institutes are critical to harnessing and developing the talents of people from all backgrounds, not least because we recognize there is a huge potential in this area."

Telenor Pakistan, Nokia Siemens Networks and TEVTA first launched Telecom Futures in Lahore in June, 2006.