PESHAWAR: In a significant move to modernise the provincial education landscape, the Higher Education Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has launched a multi-sectoral initiative aimed at opening new economic avenues for the youth. This landmark development was solidified through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with five prominent national organisations, signaling a strategic shift toward a skill-based curriculum and stronger industry-academia linkages.
The partnership brings together the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa IT Board, TiE, Scale Squad, the Migrant Resource Centre, and Circle Women to create a comprehensive support system for college students. Under the terms of the agreement, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa IT Board will spearhead training sessions focused on digital skills and the burgeoning IT economy, while Scale Squad is set to provide specialised coaching in e-commerce and entrepreneurship.
A major focus of the initiative is the empowerment of female students. Through the “Digitalisation Economic Empowerment for Women” program, TiE will provide opportunities to 6,000 young women, complemented by Circle Women’s efforts to implement digital literacy programs across provincial colleges. Furthermore, the Migrant Resource Centre will work to build the capacity of both students and staff, ensuring they are well-versed in the requirements of safe and informed migration.
Minister for Higher Education and Local Government, Mina Khan Afridi, said that these collaborations are vital for exposing students to the global digital landscape. “Skill-based education is our top priority in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” Afridi stated, noting that the government is utilising every available option to ensure students are prepared for the modern workforce. This initiative, issued from the Office of the Minister, marks a decisive step in transforming the province into a hub for digital innovation and professional excellence.
