Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is taking big steps to grow its digital and economic strength. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Technology Board (KPITB), led by Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, has announced several new programs.
These programs will help improve digital skills, encourage new business ideas, and create job opportunities across the province.
Launch of the Digital Internship Program
KPITB has started a Digital Internship Program. This program offers 200 internships to young graduates, helping them learn the skills needed in the tech industry. Interns will work with IT companies in Peshawar and Abbottabad, gaining hands-on experience and making them more likely to get jobs. The program is part of the Chief Minister’s plan to boost employment.
Join IT: Connecting Talent with Jobs
A new online platform called Join IT has also been launched. This website connects skilled workers with IT companies that need their expertise. It will help companies find the right people for their jobs and provide more job opportunities for local talent. The Chief Minister introduced this program to bring skilled workers and companies together.
Google Partnership for Digital Skills
KPITB has teamed up with Google through Tech Valley to offer scholarships to 5,000 young people in KP. These scholarships will help students learn in-demand digital skills that companies are looking for. The goal is to help young people get the training they need for modern jobs and grow the economy.
Welcoming the 2024 Startup Group at Durshal
The Chief Minister welcomed the 2024 group of new businesses (startups) at Durshal, KPITB’s main business incubator. This year, 20 new startups from areas like Swabi, Peshawar, Mardan, and Swat have joined the program. Durshal has helped 173 startups since it started, created over 1,600 jobs, and brought in PKR 751 million in revenue.
Government Innovation Fellowship Program
The Government Innovation Fellowship Program has accepted new fellows to work with government departments. These fellows will help solve problems by creating digital solutions. The program aims to bring new ideas to the public sector and make government services more efficient.
At the event, the Chief Minister said, “We want to turn Khyber Pakhtunkhwa into a center of digital excellence. These programs will give our youth the skills they need and create an environment that supports innovation and business growth.”
He added, “Our top priority is to create jobs and earning opportunities for the youth and for KP as a whole.”