WAPDA has completed a digital marketing, freelancing and e-commerce training program for youth from project-affected communities in Upper Kohistan under the Dasu Hydropower Project (DHPP), the authority said. The six-month program ran from July 2025 to January 2026 at the Government Centennial Model High School in Dasu and was implemented in collaboration with the Abdullah Institute of Technology, Abbottabad.

According to a Gwadar Pro's report, It aimed to equip local youth with practical, market-ready digital skills and promote self-employment. The curriculum covered digital marketing strategies, social media marketing, content creation, online advertising, use of freelancing platforms and e-commerce business models, according to the statement.

Participants were trained to build online brands, explore freelancing opportunities and manage e-commerce ventures. A certificate distribution ceremony was held at the school to mark the completion of the training. Officials from NESPAK attended the event, while Deputy Director WAPDA Riaz Ahmed was the chief guest. Certificates were awarded to all 80 participants.

In his closing remarks, Ahmed highlighted the long-term value of such initiatives, saying that “skill-based training programs are a critical need for the future and play a key role in youth empowerment and sustainable development.” The initiative reflects its continued commitment to community development, skill enhancement and the socio-economic uplift of populations affected by major hydropower projects.

Located on the Indus River, DHPP is a major run-of-river scheme that will ultimately generate 4,320 MW in two stages. Stage I, now under construction, will add 2,160 MW through six units of 360 MW each, producing 12,222 GWh annually.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China