Islamabad – 30 July 2018: Jazz has embarked on a journey to further digitalize Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) in partnership with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Technology Board (KPITB) and the World Bank. This will see the mobile operator invest resources in the province’s ‘Durshal’ program and empowerment of youth through employable digital skills under the KPITB ‘Youth Employment Program’.

As per agreement amongst the three entities, Jazz will proliferate the benefits of connectivity and digital enablement across KP under its ‘Make Your Mark’ program by empowering youth through technology and Digital Skills & Literacy.

This agreement to further the benefits of digitalization in KP was signed last year, after which Jazz took on a leading role at this year’s Digital Youth Summit held in Peshawar, KP. Following that, Jazz is now moving ahead with its support of KPITB’s Durshal project by creating synergies between its already establish National Incubation Center in Islamabad and Durshal Community Innovation labs (CIL), along with provision of technical expertise and mentorship, and funding to improve current IT infrastructure available at these centers.

Durshal, meaning “gateway” in Pashto, is KPITB’s project that has been envisaged to anchor KP’s digital transformation by establishing a network of community spaces across the province with the goal of enabling the youth to collaborate, innovate, access training, and launch new businesses. The project has seen the development of Durshal CILs at various places in the province along with Durshal Government Innovation Lab, which aims at introducing digital governance at KP’s government departments.

“Our partnership with KPITB and the World Bank is all about bridging the digital divide and bringing the benefits of this digital age to youth and industries across Pakistan,” said Aamir Ibrahim, CEO – Jazz. “It gives me immense pleasure to take our partnership to the next level by actively participating in the KP government’s programs to enhance digital opportunities for the youth by way of incubation hubs and inculcation of digital skills.”

“Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Technology Board remains focused on KP’s Digital Strategy. One of the core components of KP’s Digital Strategy is to empower and equip the youth of the province with the right skills and resources that are in line with the dynamic global Tech landscape. KPITB’s partnership with one of the leading telcos of the country for this mission will ensure a fast transition into the digital economy,” said Managing Director of KPITB, Shahbaz Khan.

Furthermore, Jazz will build basic knowledge and understanding of the mobile internet amongst youth by partnering with the digital skills training toolkit in KP. The aim is to proliferate the benefits of connectivity and digital enablement to 40,000 youth in three years.