Digital education vital for youth empowerment: Senator Anusha Rahman

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Apr, 2026) Senior Advisor to the Chief Minister Punjab, Senator Anusha Rahman has said the government is moving towards integrating technical skills, digital education and social protection initiatives to equip youth with market-relevant capabilities and ensure inclusive development.

She stated this while holding a series of meetings on education, health, digital skills, IT development, human rights and minority affairs here on Thursday.

In a meeting with Chairperson Parliamentary Committee on Literacy and Non-Formal Basic Education Maria Talal and Member National Assembly Shumaila Rana, it was discussed to equip children enrolled in basic education programmes with technical and vocational skills. It was emphasised that, in line with the vision of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, children should not be limited to basic education alone but also be empowered with modern, market-relevant skills to secure dignified employment. The meeting noted that special budgetary allocations have been made to benefit millions of children, while both sides agreed to further strengthen non-formal and basic education programmes by integrating skill-based training with early education.

Later, the advisor met former MPA Saira Iftikhar and discussed maternal and child health, nutrition and overall well-being. It was agreed that effective measures are being implemented under the Chief Minister’s vision to ensure quality healthcare, balanced nutrition and improved care for mothers and children. Early childhood nutrition and timely medical care were termed essential for building a healthy society, while ongoing and proposed nutritional support initiatives were also reviewed.

In another meeting with Provincial Minister for school Education Rana Sikandar Hayat, Senator Rahman deliberated on promoting digital skills among youth, particularly girls.

Both sides stressed the importance of ensuring access to modern digital skills so that young people can align with global demands and agreed to develop a comprehensive strategy to promote digital education, freelancing and skill development.

The senator also met Member Provincial Assembly Rana Shehryar to discuss proposed IT development projects in Faisalabad. The discussion focused on the use of digital technology for urban development and the creation of employment opportunities in the IT sector. She said that under the “Digital Punjab Vision” of the Chief Minister, work is underway on establishing five Nawaz Sharif IT Cities, including a proposed IT City in Faisalabad, along with modern incubation centres aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and advanced skills training. Emphasis was also laid on improving digital infrastructure, promoting IT education, supporting startups and empowering women in the digital economy.

Furthermore, the senator met Member Provincial Assembly and Chairperson Standing Committee on Human Rights and Minority Affairs Philobus Christopher and reviewed ongoing and proposed initiatives related to minority rights and welfare. She reiterated that ensuring equal rights and opportunities for minorities remains a top priority of the government.

Senator Anusha Rahman appreciated the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and reaffirmed her commitment to further strengthen initiatives in education, health, digital development, human rights and social welfare to build an inclusive and prosperous society.