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n the heart of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a powerful change is under way. This time, it’s not politics or conflict but the youth. The province is focusing on equipping its young people, who constitute around 65 percent of the population, with modern skills to succeed in today’s fast-changing world.
From urban centres like Peshawar to the farthest merged districts, the provincial government, alongside national and international partners, is rolling out a dynamic programme aimed at creating a skilled and self-reliant workforce. Initiatives like the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Skills Development Programme; Empowering Futures; Accelerated Skills Development for Merged Areas; and the Prime Minister’s Youth Skill Development Programme are at the forefront of this revolution.
The KPSDP alone offers over 40 courses from full-stack web development (MERN), cybersecurity and digital marketing to Adobe After Effects and more. With only 50,000 slots available, the demand is high.
“The idea is to equip every young person with globally competitive skills,” says Ahmad Khan, a digital trainer in a government institute. “Previous governments didn’t prioritise youth development. Now, we have a roadmap aligned with international standards.”
The Empowering Futures initiative goes a step further by focusing on entrepreneurship. Courses in Game Development, IoT (Internet of Things) and career counselling to help students think beyond job hunting, encouraging them to become job creators.
For the youth in the merged districts, the Accelerated Skills Development Programme is a beacon of hope. With 2.2 million youth aged 18-35 in these newly integrated areas, the urgency is clear.
“This programme is about dignity and inclusion,” says youth mentor Roshad Khan. “It aims to curb migration by creating opportunities where people live.”
Aligned with SDGs 4 (education), 8 (decent work) and 9 (innovation), the ASDP also links students with microfinance institutions, internships and job placement opportunities, giving them more than just training.
Through the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, the Virtual University of Pakistan is delivering three-month certifications in cloud computing (Google, Microsoft, AWS), artificial intelligence and advanced web development.
“These skills aren’t optional anymore,” says Liaba Firdos, a student from Swat who is learning AI. “We are being trained by professionals… the hands-on learning that prepares us for global opportunities.”
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s skill revolution isn’t just about training; it’s also about financial empowerment. Programmes like the Ehsaas Hunar Programme with a funding of Rs 4 billion, offer interest-free loans up to Rs 500,000 through Akhuwat Microfinance, benefiting over 35,000 youth.
Similarly, the Rural Economic Transformation Project, supported by the IFAD and the EU with Rs 11.4 billion, provides free training to 60,000 youth and startup grants to 42,000 skilled individuals. Under the On-Job Training Programme (Rs 177 million), more than 3,000 youth gain paid industry placements and experience. In partnership with GIZ and the EU, government technical colleges in Nowshera and Abbottabad are being upgraded to Centers of Excellence by modernising labs, curricula and faculty training.
“These aren’t scattered efforts,” says Yasmin Khan, a youth policy researcher. “This is a comprehensive ecosystem targeting education, employment and empowerment.”
Beyond government initiatives, private institutions are making significant contributions. DYNIMAX Intermedia, founded by Akifullah Khan, stands out as a leader in digital media training. A registered company with the SECP and the PSEB, it has delivered end-to-end multimedia services globally and now focuses on local talent through its DYNIMAX School of Skills.
“When I started DYNIMAX in 2012, digital media was non-existent in local institutes,” recalls Akifullah Khan. “In 2021, I launched our school. Today, 80 percent of our graduates are employed, freelancing or running their own businesses.”
The school offers training in graphic design, 2D/ 3D animation, videography, branding and more. With industry-experienced trainers and a strong mentorship model, DYNIMAX is bridging the gap between learning and earning.
Students complete market-ready projects and publish their work on freelancing platforms. Six months of mentorship are offered for job applications, freelancing and networking. The school offers flexibility such as online classes, weekend batches and female-only cohorts to remove cultural barriers that hinder women participation. The school says that last year, 85 percent of its trainees made an income within two months of graduation.
Usman Khan, a graphic design graduate, says, “I didn’t expect much initially. But the hands-on experience and career support helped me land a job right after training.”
Ayesha Orakzai say that the platform gave her the confidence to grow and shape her future. “The focus on skill and personal development is amazing.”
Wajiha Haris from Charsadda found not just learning, but also comfort, “The atmosphere here is supportive. I’ve learned so much and feel truly welcomed.”
Saba Noor, a YouTube video editor, says that after she completed her FSC, she wanted economic independence. “The school gave me that and much more.”
Sufia Mukhtiar, now a lead designer at DYNIMAX, says she learned more at the school in three months than she did in her four years at university.
While momentum is strong, challenges remain. Internet access, especially in rural and tribal areas, remains a barrier. Societal restrictions still hinder girls’ participation. Mentorship and career counselling need to be scaled across the province.
Ahmad Khan recommends mobile training units, e-learning platforms and female focused programmes to bridge the gaps. “Let’s take the training to the students,” he says, “not wait for them to come to us.”
This year’s provincial budget increases human development funding significantly. With a 44 percent revenue boost and a shift from roads to skills, the province is betting big on its future.
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, at a recent skills development ceremony, said: “Our youth are not a burden; they are our strength. With skills, certifications and confidence, they will lead the province to a brighter future.”
As economic pathways emerge despite an unsettled political and security environment, what stands clear is that the youth are ready. Trained, mentored and empowered, they can rewrite the story of a province long known for resilience, with skills that build not just careers, but also hope.
“We are not just learning to code or design. We are learning to believe in our future,” says Liaba Firdos.
The writer is a freelance journalist based in Peshawar.