Peshawar: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Muhammad Sohail Afridi has launched the landmark Insaf Female Education Card initiative of the provincial government which is a transformative programme aimed at expanding access to higher education for young women across the province. Addressing the inauguration ceremony held at the Frontier Women College, Peshawar on Tuesday, the Chief Minister said the scheme would provide free higher education to over 55,000 female and orphaned students at the intermediate level, in public sector colleges, marking a major stride toward gender equality and educational empowerment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The chief minister described the initiative as a vital step toward empowering women through education which is one of the foremost priorities of his government. He stressed that educated women build the foundation of a strong, prosperous, and enlightened society, adding that this vision reflects the core philosophy of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s policies.
The Chief Minister also announced free higher education for orphaned students who have passed the MDCAT examination, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting underprivileged yet talented youth. He said that no capable student should be deprived of education due to financial constraints, and that the provincial government was taking comprehensive and sustainable measures to ensure equal educational opportunities for all.
Sohail Afridi termed the Insaf Female Education Card a symbol of gender equality, social justice, and women’s right to education, calling it not just an educational initiative but the beginning of a social transformation that would position Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a model province for promoting women’s higher education. “This card represents hope, confidence, and dignity for the daughters of our province,” he said.
Highlighting ongoing reforms initiatives in the education sector, the Chief Minister stated that the PTI-led government had introduced transparent, merit-based, and result-oriented changes whose long-term impact would strengthen the province’s education system. He reiterated that ensuring equal opportunities for women in every field of life was central to his government’s vision, as educated women not only contribute to their families but also play a pivotal role in national development.
He lauded the achievements of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s female students, noting their growing excellence across diverse fields, and assured continued government support for their academic and professional growth. He directed the relevant authorities to launch an internship programme for bachelor’s and master’s degree holders without delay to provide young graduates with practical training and improved employment opportunities. He further announced that additional funds would be allocated in the next provincial budget to promote women’s education and ensure their equitable participation in all spheres of development.
The Chief Minister informed that 3,086 new teaching positions had already been approved against which recruitments will be initiated soon. Referring to other welfare initiatives, Sohail Afridi said the provincial government would continue strengthening the Ehsaas programmes initiated under the vision of Imran Khan to uplift the underprivileged segments of society. He urged students to pursue excellence in their chosen fields with dedication and perseverance, assuring them that “success always follows effort.”
Ie are determined to improve governance, enhance service delivery, and ensure the welfare of the common man. Our government will prove itself to be a truly welfare-oriented administration in line with Imran Khan’s vision,” the Chief Minister concluded.
