Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Tuesday congratulated the Institute of Management Sciences (IMSciences) on securing the top position in the provincial universities’ ranking, describing the launch of the provincial ranking system as a major milestone in strengthening higher education.
Addressing a Digital Media Meetup and interactive session with digital media representatives at IMSciences, the CM said the provincial government was committed to equipping young people with modern technology and digital skills to ensure sustainable development and economic growth. He announced that the KP government was establishing an Artificial Intelligence Authority to create new opportunities for the youth in emerging technologies and innovation.
Highlighting youth-focused initiatives, Afridi said interest-free loans were being provided under the Ehsaas Naujawan Programme, with dedicated allocations for women and religious minorities to promote inclusive economic participation. He said the government had earmarked Rs5 billion in the current fiscal year to bring out-of-school children back into classrooms, adding that education remained a top priority of the provincial administration.
The CM expressed confidence that the current fiscal year would prove to be a year of peace, development and prosperity. He stressed that empowering the country’s young population with digital and technical skills was essential for national progress.
Referring to the backwardness of merged districts, Afridi urged the federal government to address the economic challenges facing the region.
The CM maintained that KP’s constitutional share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award should exceed 18 percent, but the province was receiving only 14.6 percent of national resources.
Afridi also announced the phased provision of free Wi-Fi services in Peshawar and all divisional headquarters, adding that the initiative would later be extended to the merged districts. Commending the role of women from the merged districts, he said they were setting inspiring examples of success through their talent and hard work, bringing pride to the entire nation.