Haripur's youth sparks digital uplift

A young tech leader from Haripur is spearheading a grassroots revolution in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, empowering thousands of young Pakistanis through education, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

At only 25, Hassan Nisar has emerged as one of the most prominent youth voices in Pakistan's digital transformation.

Hailing from the scenic town of Khanpur in Haripur district, Hassan is the founder of Metrix Pakistan - a non-profit organisation that has rapidly grown into a major catalyst for tech education and economic inclusion across K-P's underserved areas.

Having completed his early education in Abbottabad and earned a degree in Economics from the University of Haripur, Hassan's journey reflects both a personal and professional commitment to his roots.

"There's immense potential in K-P's youth - we just needed to unlock it," he shared.

Launched in 2022, Metrix Pakistan was born out of a desire to bridge the digital divide.

In less than three years, the initiative has brought practical training in digital skills, freelancing, and entrepreneurship to thousands of students across the province - many from remote or marginalised communities.

"Our goal wasn't just to educate, but to prepare students for real-world opportunities," Hassan said.

"We've trained young people to develop portfolios, work on live projects, and land internships or jobs in Pakistan and beyond."

Crucially, the organisation has focused on regions often overlooked by mainstream initiatives.

From Lower Dir to Mansehra, Metrix Pakistan has hosted summits and workshops in districts that rarely see such activity, creating local access to global knowledge.

But Hassan's efforts extend beyond education. He's brought major global tech players into the fold, with companies like Binance, Bitget, CoinEx, and even Microsoft participating in Metrix Pakistan-led events and mentorship programmes.

These collaborations have introduced emerging fields like blockchain and Web3 to youth in K-P - industries previously inaccessible to most in the region.

"There was a time when the idea of global companies engaging in K-P was unthinkable. Now, they're not just participating - they're investing," Hassan said.

Dozens of students trained under Metrix Pakistan have already entered the blockchain workforce, secured freelance contracts, or launched early-stage ventures. "We've shown that with the right platform, youth in K-P can compete at the global level," he added.

Outside the digital sphere, Hassan has also led environmental and health initiatives.

His discovery of hidden waterfalls in Haripur turned into a sustainable tourism push, generating local jobs and boosting the economy. Additionally, his team has conducted free health camps in rural K-P, addressing basic healthcare gaps in neglected areas.

Recognising his contributions, various civil society organisations and government departments have honoured him with accolades including the Fakhre Hazara Award and a regional recognition award for youth empowerment.

More recently, Hassan launched the Metrix Pakistan Climate Change Summit series, engaging young people in climate activism.

"The climate crisis is real, and our youth want to be part of the solution," he emphasised.

Hassan has also advised provincial and federal authorities on youth engagement, digital empowerment, and social platforms, working closely with departments in both Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.

A key part of his advocacy has focused on combating misinformation and digital harassment.

Through strategic partnerships and platform outreach, Hassan has helped numerous women in Pakistan report and remove fake accounts used for impersonation or harassment.