PESHAWAR: Alkhidmat Foundation is set to launch the second phase of its Bano Qabil program in April, starting in Malakand Division.

The announcement was made by the program Patron-in-Chief, Inayatullah Khan and President Alkhidmat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Khalid Waqas during a press conference at Peshawar Press Club.

Under the program, students will receive IT training and online business courses to equip them with digital marketing skills, leading them toward economic self-sufficiency. Currently, over 10,000 students are enrolled in 20 IT centers across the province, undergoing four-month training programs.

To accommodate students who couldn't attend the first entry test in Peshawar due to travel constraints, an additional entry test will be held in Chakdara for candidates from various districts of Malakand Division.

Inayatullah Khan highlighted Alkhidmat Foundation’s commitment to community welfare, stating that the organization provides extensive support in education, healthcare, disaster management, orphan care, and clean water supply. He also emphasized the foundation’s humanitarian efforts beyond Pakistan, including aid for Gaza, Palestine, and last year’s earthquake relief in Turkey.

Launched in 2022 in Karachi, Bano Qabil has rapidly expanded to Lahore, Islamabad, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, becoming Pakistan’s largest free IT skills program. Over 165,000 students registered online, with 30,000 participating in the province’s largest-ever entry test last August. Currently, 10,000 students are enrolled in 16 IT courses across 20 campuses.

Alkhidmat’s Bano Qabil initiative has gained significant government and public support, with institutions like KP IT Board, NCHD, Peshawar BRT, IM Sciences, Qurtaba University, and others partnering to provide IT labs and campuses.

“Our goal is to train one million students across Pakistan and 300,000 in KP over the next five years, paving the way for an economic revolution,” said Inayatullah Khan. The second phase will introduce new courses, including digital marketing, e-commerce, graphic designing, freelancing, mobile app development, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.

Additionally, scholarships will be provided for students from marginalized communities, including street children and transgender individuals, ensuring inclusive access to digital education.