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PESHAWAR, Jul 24 (APP):In the bustling alleyways of Mohallah Jehangai near Qissa Khawani Bazaar, Muhammad Musawair, a 25-year-old designer, clicks rapidly on his computer, crafting green and white badges and stickers ahead of Jashn-e-Azadi celebrations of Pakistan.
As orders pour in from government departments, NGOs, educational institutions, and individuals, his small digital setup is thriving, which is a reflection of how young Pakistanis are tapping into digital tools for livelihood and creativity besides expressing their love for homeland created after a lot of sacrifices by Muslims of South Asia on August 14, 1947.
“Designing Azadi stickers, Eid and wedding cards has become my full time work since graduation,” Musawair said. “It helps support my family in present skyrocketing prices in Khyber Pakthunkhwa where demand of green and white badges and stickers is increasing with each passing day.”
Musawair represented a growing generation of tech-savvy youth embracing Pakistan’s digital transformation. As the federal government has launched a range of digital initiatives, experts believe a fast-track approach to digital adoption is no longer optional but imperative for national economic prosperity.
The upcoming inauguration of Pakistan’s first dedicated IT Park in Islamabad on August 14 followed by another in Karachi marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to modernize its digital ecosystem. These parks will host startups, freelancers, and export-focused tech companies, creating thousands of jobs for Pakistan’s youth.
Ikhtair Wali Khan, Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Information, highlighted that the federal government was digitizing business registration in Islamabad, launching a Smart Islamabad pilot project, and planning a ‘super app’ for public service integration.
Talking to APP, he said these steps aim to simplify governance, improve service delivery, and attract international investors. Pakistan will also co-host a Digital Foreign Investment Summit with Saudi Arabia on April 28-29, focusing on drawing foreign capital into the country’s growing tech sector which is a great opportunity expected to benefit regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
Despite national strides, experts warned that KP risks falling behind in term of development if it does not urgently embrace digital reforms. “Punjab has already digitized its education system to reach low-income students, but KP continues to lag behind,” said Dr. Naeem Khattak, former Chairman of the Economics Department at the University of Peshawar. “Our schools lack basic infrastructure, and digital education spending remains minimal in KP.”
The consequences of poor spending on digital technology are far-reaching. In KP’s rural districts including Chitral, Kohistan, Shangla, and the merged tribal areas, girls still face cultural taboos preventing them from attending colleges and universities. However, online education platforms could allow them to study from home, breaking socio-cultural barriers through digital technology.
Furthermore, Dr. Naeem emphasizes the importance of upgrading outdated sectors. “Marble, granite, and gemstone sectors in districts like Mohmand and Buner suffer due to obsolete mining practices. With modern digital tools, we can reduce waste and increase productivity.”
Dr. Naeem pointed out another critical area ie gender inclusion in Khyber Pakthunkhwa were women’s economic participation remains low over the years. But digital access gives them a chance to market their handmade goods or offer freelance services online, especially in remote areas and contribute towards their family’s income.”
Agriculture and livestock which is the backbone of KP’s economy can also benefit significantly. Mobile-based agribusiness portals can provide farmers real-time information on weather, flood warnings, market prices, and irrigation needs, helping mitigate climate change risks and increasing crop yields.
While smartphones are now widely accessible, gaps in digital infrastructure and awareness persist. Most of KP’s administrative services still operate through manual, paper-based systems. From obtaining land records to driver’s licenses, citizens often travel long distances and wait for hours in queues.
“Digitizing these services will improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability,” said Dr. Naeem. “And digital banking can increase tax documentation and financial inclusion.”
With 250 employment centres being developed nationwide and vacant government buildings being converted into IT parks, the federal government aims to fast-track digital job creation. But time is of the essence.
“Every dollar invested in Pakistan’s tech sector returns $49,” said Ikhtair Wali Khan. “We have set an ambitious target of $25 billion in IT exports. Technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing are the future. If KP doesn’t keep up, it will be left behind in the development race further.”
Khyber Pakthunkhwa stands at a digital crossroads. With visionary policies, tech infrastructure, and an energetic youth population, the province can leapfrog into a new era of prosperity.
As digital badges light up Musawair’s screen in the heart of Peshawar, they symbolize more than just patriotic celebration— they reflect the digital dreams and determination of a new Pakistan.