DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Local youth have called on both the provincial and federal governments to invest in modern digital skills and IT education in the region.
With limited access to quality tech education and digital infrastructure, students and young professionals argue that they are being left behind in Pakistan’s growing digital economy.
As the upcoming budget is being finalised, they urge policymakers to allocate substantial resources toward digital empowerment initiatives, ensuring their inclusion in the nation’s technological advancement.
In the absence of dedicated IT centres, skilled trainers, and digital resources, many talented individuals say they are unable to explore the vast opportunities that the tech sector offers.
Also asked to introduce tech education in schools
The demand for government-backed digital skill programmes, vocational IT training, and school-level tech education has intensified in recent months.
Talking to Dawn, Wajahat Ali Zaidi, BS computer science student, said that everywhere in Pakistan digital skills were opening doors to freelance work, jobs, and entrepreneurship. “But here in Dera Ismail Khan, we have no proper IT labs or support. We are urging the government to help us catch up.”
Ansha Noor, a grade 12 student, added: “Girls especially face double challenges – social and infrastructural. If the government invests in IT education here, it can empower young women to work from home and become financially independent.”
Nasir Ali, an unemployed graduate, said: “I graduated two years ago but couldn’t find a job. Had I been trained in digital marketing or web development, I could have worked online. It’s time the government seriously looks at this gap.”
Students also criticised the outdated systems in local schools. “Tech is the future, but our district is still behind. Even schools lack internet,” said Rida Bibi, a student. “We need smart classrooms, coding workshops, and digital literacy programmes.”
Freelancer Junaid Mehsud said: “I learned graphic design through free YouTube tutorials, but it was tough without mentorship. A local IT centre with proper training would help so many others like me to earn and grow.”
Intezar Ali, an aspiring entrepreneur, said: “There are thousands of youth in Dera who are talented but lack exposure. With digital skills, we can start our own businesses or work for global clients. The government must support us.”
Civil society members and teachers backed the youth’s demands, urging immediate government intervention.
“Dera is full of untapped potential,” said software engineer Shabihul Hasan. “Government-backed digital academies, boot-camps, and career counselling can truly transform the region.”
IT trainer and consultant Nouman Khan added: “We need to stop treating IT education as an elite privilege. It should be a basic part of the curriculum from school level in districts like DI Khan.”
The youth also pointed out that Dera had the potential to become a digital hub for southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa if properly invested in. They emphasised that digital empowerment would not only reduce unemployment but also migration to larger cities.
Published in Dawn, May 20th, 2025
