By Shamsul Haq
The remarkable response to Alkhidmat Foundation’s Bano Qabil aptitude test at the Mardan Sports Complex has once again demonstrated that sincere and selfless public service rarely goes unnoticed. On June 13, Mardan witnessed an extraordinary spectacle as thousands of young men and women from Mardan, Swabi and Nowshera converged on the venue in pursuit of educational and professional opportunities.
By afternoon, roads leading to the sports complex were crowded with vehicles, motorcycles and pedestrians. Many travellers along the Mardan-Nowshera Road were visibly surprised by the unusually heavy traffic and inquired about the activity drawing such large crowds. The answer was simple: the Bano Qabil programme was conducting its aptitude test. Equally noteworthy was the significant participation of female students, reflecting a growing awareness among young women about the importance of acquiring modern skills and securing a better future.
The overwhelming interest shown by the youth was not only a vote of confidence in Alkhidmat Foundation and Jamaat-i-Islami but also an indication of the desire among young Pakistanis for practical opportunities that can help them navigate an increasingly competitive job market. In an environment where concerns about the effectiveness of public-sector initiatives often dominate discussions, the promise of free training in Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence has clearly resonated with aspiring students.
According to Jamaat-i-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, who also serves as patron-in-chief of Alkhidmat Foundation, Mardan was the 66th city to host the Bano Qabil programme. He claimed that the turnout surpassed all previous records set by the initiative across the country. If reports suggesting the participation of nearly 30,000 students are accurate, the event represents far more than an impressive statistic; it highlights the immense demand among Pakistan’s youth for quality skills development and employment-oriented education.
Another notable aspect of the event was its organisation and discipline. Volunteers of Alkhidmat Foundation and Jamaat-i-Islami managed the large gathering efficiently, with support from the police and local administration. Despite the presence of thousands of participants, including a substantial number of women, the programme concluded without any untoward incident — an encouraging example of how large public events can be conducted successfully through effective planning and coordination.
Parents and guardians attending the event also viewed the programme positively. Many pointed out that similar IT and technology courses often require substantial fees at private institutions, placing them beyond the reach of many families. Against this backdrop, the availability of free training opportunities in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence and Information Technology has been widely welcomed.
Pakistan is home to one of the world’s largest youth populations. Equipping this generation with market-relevant skills is no longer a choice but a necessity. Initiatives such as Bano Qabil seek to address this challenge by providing access to modern education and professional training. The unprecedented response in Mardan suggests that young people are eager to learn, innovate and contribute to national development when given the opportunity.
The true measure of the programme’s success, however, will depend on its ability to translate public enthusiasm into tangible outcomes. If the thousands of students who participated in the aptitude test are provided with quality training and pathways to employment, Bano Qabil could emerge not merely as an educational initiative but as a meaningful model for youth empowerment and socioeconomic progress in Pakistan.
Note. The writer is senior Journalist and former Director of Information Department Khybar Pakhtunkhwa.
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