MANSEHRA: A record number of female candidates turned up for a written test organised by the Al-Khidmat Foundation under its Bano Qabil programme aimed at providing free computer education and training in freelancing and self-employment.
“A record number of youngsters have appeared twice in the written tests organised for qualification in the free computer education programme,” Abdul Razzaq Abbasi, the divisional emir of Jamaat-i-Islami, told reporters here on Sunday.
The tests were held at Thakra Stadium, where an unprecedented number of female candidates in segregation appeared to secure admission in various computer courses.
“We have never witnessed such a large number of applicants before. Even though seating arrangements were made for around 20,000 candidates in the first session, thousands were unable to take the test due to capacity issues,” Abbasi said.
He added that, in response, a second session was arranged where an equally large number of male and female candidates appeared again.
“One encouraging sign in both sessions was the overwhelming participation of female candidates. The Bano Qabil programme is designed to ensure equal opportunities for them,” he remarked.
Ghazan Iqbal, the divisional president of Al-Khidmat Foundation, said that one million male and female candidates were being selected through written tests nationwide, with Hazara also included in the programme.