KARACHI: Jazz has embarked on a journey to digitalise Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), in partnership with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Technology Board (KPITB) and the World Bank, with an aim to invest its resources in the ‘Durshal’ project and empower youths with digital and entrepreneurial skills under ‘Youth Employment Programme’. The ‘Durshal’, which means gateway in Pashto, is officially the first government innovation lab in Peshawar, envisioned to bring the digital transformation of the province by focusing on the emerging businesses, access training and innovation processes, digital governance, and active participation of the youths in IT sector. As per agreement amongst the three entities (Jazz, KPITB and World Bank), Jazz will multiply the benefits of connectivity and digital enablement across KP under its ‘Make Your Mark’ program in exchange of empowering youths with digital and technological skills. The agreement was signed last year, followed by the Jazz’s Digital Youth Summit this year in Peshawar. Meanwhile, Jazz has initiated to create synergies between its already establish National Incubation Center in Islamabad and Durshal Community Innovation labs (CIL), along with the provision of technical expertise and mentorship, and funding to improve current IT infrastructure available at these centers. “Our partnership with KPITB and the World Bank is all about bridging the digital divide and empowering youths and industries with modern technology across Pakistan,” said Aamir Ibrahim, the chief executive officer of 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 youths,” he said. “KPITB would constantly focus on the KP’s digital strategy and one of the core components of KP’s Digital Strategy is to empower and equip the youths of the province with effective skills and resources that are in line with the dynamic global Tech landscape. KPITB’s partnership with one of the leading telecommunications company in Pakistan will ensure a fast transition into the digital economy,” said Shahbaz Khan, the managing director of KPITB. Furthermore, Jazz will develop understanding of the mobile internet amongst 40,000 youths in three years by partnering with the digital skills training toolkit in KP with an aim to enhance the benefits of connectivity and digital enablement. Published in Daily Times, July 31st 2018.