KARACHI:

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh, has launched a free computer training centre for women in Keamari and surrounding areas, hosted at the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) Industrial Home. This initiative is part of a broader effort to empower women and provide them with vocational training, enabling them to thrive in today’s digital economy.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, where he served as the chief guest, the minister highlighted the importance of such initiatives. He said that facilities like these are crucial for equipping women with the skills necessary to contribute to the nation’s progress, just as men do. He also shared plans for similar opportunities across social, educational, and economic domains to further empower women and create more platforms for their advancement.

The Karachi Port Trust, in line with its commitment to corporate social responsibility, has set a practical example by employing women in more than 13% of its posts. The minister commended KPT’s efforts to harness the intellectual and physical potential of youth, according to a press statement on Monday.

Shaikh expressed his vision for empowering women, particularly those residing in Keamari and nearby areas. He stressed the importance of equipping them with the digital tools necessary to succeed in today’s world. The inauguration of this computer centre marks a significant step forward in the efforts to empower women in the region.

During the event, the minister was briefed on KPT’s various corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities, spanning health, education, environment, communication, services, and sports. KPT Chairman Syedain Raza Zaidi underscored the organisation’s belief in the importance of women’s empowerment for societal development. He stated that the establishment of the computer centre aims to equip women with IT skills to enhance their employability, open doors to new opportunities, and ultimately increase their income potential.

Zaidi highlighted that this initiative reflects KPT’s dedication to social responsibility and community development.