Amir Saeed

The Tech Fellow programme equips the Gilgit-Baltistan youth with advanced STEM skills, fostering innovation and economic growth through cutting-edge technology education.

Talking to WealthPK, Dr Idrees Ahmed, Director of Innovation & Reforms at Performance Management & Reforms Unit (PMRU), Gilgit-Baltistan, highlighted that the Tech Fellow initiative is a groundbreaking move that has the potential to redefine the region’s educational landscape and significantly contribute to Pakistan’s digital skill development.

“This programme addresses a critical gap by providing youth in one of the country’s most remote areas with access to cutting-edge knowledge in artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced computing,” he noted.

He emphasised that the programme’s focus on STEM education — Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics — is particularly transformative. “By integrating these disciplines at an unprecedented scale in Gilgit-Baltistan’s government schools, the initiative is setting a new benchmark for public education in the country.”

“The use of modern technology, including Chromebooks, smart TVs, and 3D printers, combined with a blended learning model, is praised for fostering creativity, critical thinking, and practical skills among students,” he said.

Ahmed also noted that the programme’s success in boosting student confidence and performance in complex subjects such as coding and AI, even among children from far-flung mountain communities. “This shift is seen as a vital step toward preparing the region’s youth for future employment and innovation in technology-driven sectors.”

He added that the programme’s partnerships with leading institutions and the involvement of expert trainers ensure that students receive high-quality instruction aligned with international standards. “This approach is expected to equip students with the skills necessary to compete in the global digital economy, thereby opening new avenues for economic development in Gilgit-Baltistan.”

“The Tech Fellow programme can serve as a model for other underdeveloped regions in the country. If the programme’s current momentum is sustained, Gilgit-Baltistan has the potential to become a centre of excellence in education and technology. This progress would significantly reduce regional disparities and foster inclusive growth,” Ahmed noted.

“More than just an educational initiative, the programme acts as a catalyst for long-term socio-economic development. By bridging the digital divide and nurturing a new generation of tech-savvy innovators, it promises to transform Gilgit-Baltistan and inspire similar transformative efforts across the country,” he said.

Credit: INP-WealthPk