PROVINCE REPORT
PESHAWAR: The University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Mardan has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Technology Board (KPITB) to strengthen collaboration in the fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital skills development, and digital governance.
The MoU was signed by Prof. Dr. Gul Muhammad Khan, Vice Chancellor, UET Mardan, and Dr. Akif Khan, Managing Director, KPITB, in the presence of Mr. Meena Khan Afridi, Minister for Higher Education, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Under the agreement, both institutions will jointly work on three flagship initiatives aimed at accelerating technological advancement and digital transformation in the province. These include Agentic AI, focusing on next-generation research and innovation in artificial intelligence; EDSIY, a digital skills development initiative designed to equip more than 27,000 youth with future-ready competencies; and Digital Governance, which seeks to support and enhance digital transformation efforts across government institutions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials and distinguished guests, including Dr. Ambar Ali Khan, Secretary Higher Education Department (HED) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Dr. Usman Ghani, Director IMSciences, and Mr. Shoaib Yousafzai, Project Manager EDSIY. Representing UET Mardan were Prof. Dr. Sadaqat Jan, Dean Faculty of Engineering and Computing, and Prof. Dr. Usman, Director ORIC.
Speaking on the occasion, participants highlighted the importance of strong collaboration among academia, industry, and government to promote innovation, enhance digital capabilities, and prepare the youth for emerging technological opportunities.
The partnership marks a significant milestone in UET Mardan’s efforts to contribute to Pakistan’s digital future and reinforces its role as a leading institution in advancing artificial intelligence, research, innovation, and technology-driven development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
