LAUNCH CEREMONY AT CM HOUSE
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Technology Board (KP ITB) and Code for Pakistan (CFP) today announced the launch of two significant digital governance initiatives. The 8th cycle of the KP Government Innovation Fellowship Program and the 3rd cycle of the KP Women Civic Digital Internship Program commenced with a ceremony at the Chief Minister’s House, marking a continued commitment to technological advancement in public service delivery.
| KP Government Expands Digital Innovation Programs to Enhance Public Services |  |
These initiatives aim to bridge the gap between citizens and government departments, fostering innovation in public services. The projects have already demonstrated success, with previous participants developing digital solutions that have measurably improved citizen-government interactions like the Pharmaceutical License Digitization Initiative, launched in 2021, revolutionized the pharmacy license creation and renewal process for the Directorate of Health KP, with over 21,000 licenses issued digitally to date.
Additionally, the PSRA E-Registration System, developed for the Private Schools Regulatory Authority (PSRA), has streamlined the online registration of 9,000 private schools across KP, with 5,849 schools successfully renewing their licenses since its launch in 2019.
Developed during the Fellowship Program, the Raabta app, created for the KP Traffic Police Department, empowers citizens by providing real-time traffic updates, information on driving license creation, and the ability to verify licenses and challans. The app has gained significant traction with over 100,000 downloads, further enhancing public access to critical services.
Key Program Features:
– Direct collaboration with government departments on digital challenges
– Professional mentorship from industry experts
– Advanced training in software development, design, and civic technology
– Networking opportunities with policymakers and technology leaders
Founder of Code for Pakistan, Sheba Najmi, shared,
“We are happy to continue our decade-long partnership with the KP IT Board, working together to create digital solutions that enhance public service and foster participatory democracy. I warmly welcome the new cohort of Fellows in our 8th cycle and look forward to the innovative impact they will bring.”
Managing Director (acting) at KP IT Board, Dr Akif Khan, stated,
“These programs represent a strategic investment in both our technological infrastructure and our human capital. By engaging skilled professionals directly in government operations, we are accelerating the digital transformation of our public services.”
The Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mr Ali Amin Gandapur, emphasized the government’s commitment to digital transformation:
“The expansion of these programs underscores our dedication to leveraging technology for better governance. Youth of KP has the talent and these programs will help them compete at a global stage.”
The KP Government Innovation Fellowship Program’s 8th cohort has completed its selection process. The program will commence on September 18, 2024, at Durshal, Peshawar. Applications for the KP Women’s Civic Digital Internship Program will open soon.
For more information on these programs, visit https://codeforpakistan.org.
