Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Supervising Minister for Amalgamation, Technical Education and Industry and Crafts, Dr. Amir Abdullah, has directed the utilization of technical education institutions’ resources to provide various skills and vocational training under the Accelerated Skill Development Program. This initiative, specifically targeted at youth in the amalgamated districts, aims to enhance employable skills and promote self-employment.

According to Directorate General Information and PRs – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the minister’s directive came during a briefing on the program’s progress and objectives.

Dr. Abdullah emphasized the inclusion of relevant training courses like olive plantation for the areas of Orakzai, Bajaur, and Waziristan. The program focuses on trades related to key sectors such as mining, textile, manufacturing, construction, tourism, livestock, agriculture, engineering, IT, and telecom, aligning with market requirements. The program’s first phase successfully trained 302 individuals, with 445 currently undergoing training in the second phase.

The minister stressed the need for a formal agreement with the Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TUTTA) to leverage existing facilities in Hayatabad’s Institute of Technical Education. Additionally, he directed utilizing local technical education colleges’ infrastructure for applicable trades and obtaining fee details from private institutions involved in the program.

Dr. Abdullah also instructed the Small Industries Development Board to provide microfinance loan scheme details to trained individuals through Akhot Foundation and the Bank of Khyber. This step aims to facilitate graduates in starting dignified employment immediately after their training. The Accelerated Skill Development Program represents a significant effort by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to empower youth in merged districts with essential skills and promote economic growth.