In a bold move to build a digital future for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the provincial government, led by Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, has launched a series of initiatives aimed at equipping the youth with digital skills, fostering entrepreneurship, and creating job opportunities. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Technology Board (KPITB) is spearheading these efforts to transform KP into a center of digital excellence.

Digital Internship Program Launched for Youth

A significant highlight of these initiatives is the Digital Internship Program, which provides 200 internship opportunities for young graduates. Interns will be placed in IT companies based in Peshawar and Abbottabad, where they will be trained in industry-specific skills. This program is designed to enhance the employability of KP’s youth by offering them practical experience in the tech sector, preparing them for local and international job markets.

‘Join IT’ Portal Connects Talent to Opportunities

The Join IT online portal has been introduced as a new platform to link skilled individuals with IT companies in need of technical expertise. This platform will act as a bridge between talent and industry, providing employment opportunities for skilled professionals while helping businesses find the talent they need to grow. The initiative aims to boost KP’s IT sector by creating jobs and reducing unemployment.

Google Scholarships for 5,000 Youth in KP

In collaboration with Google and Tech Valley, KPITB has launched a program to offer 5,000 digital skills scholarships to youth across the province. These scholarships will allow recipients to earn certifications in high-demand digital skills, equipping them to compete in today’s global digital economy. This partnership aims to fill the skills gap in traditional education and align youth with the needs of the modern workforce, particularly in fields such as software development, data analytics, and cybersecurity.

2024 Startup Cohort at Durshal Incubation Center

Continuing its support for entrepreneurial innovation, the government welcomed the 2024 startup cohort at the Durshal Business Incubation Center. The cohort comprises 20 startups from various districts, including Swabi, Peshawar, Mardan, and Swat. Since its launch, Durshal has incubated 173 startups, generating over 1,600 jobs and PKR 751 million in revenue, marking a significant contribution to the province’s economy.

Government Innovation Fellowship Program to Drive Public Sector Efficiency

The Government Innovation Fellowship Program also took off, with new fellows set to work with different government departments to develop digital solutions for public sector challenges. This program is designed to streamline public services through technological innovation, improving governance and service delivery across the province.

Chief Minister’s Vision for Digital KP

Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur expressed his commitment to making Khyber Pakhtunkhwa a digital leader in Pakistan. He stated, “We are creating an ecosystem that nurtures talent, fosters innovation, and builds an economy based on digital excellence.”

By focusing on digital skills development and entrepreneurship, the KP government aims to ensure the province is well-positioned to thrive in the digital economy of the future. These initiatives not only support job creation but also pave the way for sustained economic growth in KP.

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