PESHAWAR — The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced a Rs40 million development scheme to train local youth in handicrafts and wood carving in Kaghan, aiming to preserve traditional skills while creating new livelihood and entrepreneurship opportunities.
The scheme was announced during a visit by Adviser to the Chief Minister for Industries, Commerce and Technical Education Hamayun Khan to the Small Industries Development Board’s (SIDB) Handicraft Development Centre (HDC) in Jareed, Kaghan.
During the visit, the adviser reviewed development opportunities at the centre and held discussions with local stakeholders on measures to strengthen the handicraft sector.
Under the Annual Development Programme (ADP), Rs40 million will be allocated for training local young people in handicrafts and wood carving, providing them with skills that could help generate employment and support small businesses in the region.
Officials also discussed plans to establish a display centre where locally produced handicrafts could be showcased and promoted. The proposed facility is expected to provide artisans with greater visibility and help improve market access for products made in the area.
Discussions also covered sustainable measures to strengthen the operational capacity of HDC Jareed and expand its role in skills development and support for local artisans.
Hamayun Khan briefed participants on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s tiered financial support model for small, medium and large-scale projects, designed to encourage entrepreneurship and stimulate local economic activity.
Officials said strengthening traditional crafts alongside technical and business support could help create sustainable livelihood opportunities, particularly for young people in areas where employment options remain limited.
SIDB said it remained committed to preserving traditional craftsmanship, empowering young people through skills development and creating sustainable income opportunities across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
SIDB Managing Director Abdul Hameed Khan and Deputy Managing Director Noman Fayaz were also present during the visit.