Pakistan, google sign “historic” MOU

  HARIPUR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has honoured Ammad Ali, founder and Chief Executive Officer of RankingGrow, with the Youth Excellence Award for his contributions to youth development, digital skills training and efforts to create greater opportunities for young people, particularly those living in underserved areas of the province. The award was presented by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Taj Muhammad Khan Tarand during a ceremony organised by the Directorate of Youth Affairs to mark International Youth Day. Ali founded RankingGrow, a digital marketing and IT services company that has been involved in initiatives aimed at equipping young people with practical digital skills and improving their access to professional training and employment opportunities. Through RankingGrow and other youth-focused initiatives, Ali has supported training programmes, workshops and community-based activities in different parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These programmes have particularly targeted areas where young people have fewer opportunities to access modern technology, professional education, career guidance and exposure to the digital industry. The training initiatives have focused on practical and market-oriented skills that can help young people become financially independent and participate in the growing digital economy. Areas covered by these programmes include digital marketing, search engine optimisation, social media marketing, graphic design, video editing, web development, artificial intelligence, freelancing and entrepreneurship. The programmes aim to bridge the gap between traditional education and the skills increasingly demanded by employers and clients in the digital marketplace. By providing young people with relevant technical and professional skills, the initiatives seek to help participants explore employment opportunities, start freelancing careers or establish their own businesses. Ali has also received recognition for his work on other occasions. He was previously awarded the Pride of Pakistan Award under the patronage of the President of Pakistan in acknowledgement of his services and contributions. In addition, he has received other recognitions for his efforts in youth empowerment, digital skills development and community-oriented initiatives. Speaking at the award ceremony, Ali said the recognition would encourage him and his team to expand their efforts to provide young people with skills that are relevant to the changing job market. He expressed his commitment to continuing initiatives that can help young people gain access to professional opportunities and participate more effectively in the digital economy. Ali emphasised the importance of ensuring that young people from smaller cities and underserved communities are not left behind as digital technology continues to transform the employment landscape. According to him, access to digital skills and professional opportunities should not be limited to young people living in major urban centres. The Youth Excellence Award also highlights the growing importance of cooperation between government institutions, private-sector organisations and community-led initiatives in addressing challenges related to youth employment, entrepreneurship and skills development. With Khyber Pakhtunkhwa having a large and growing youth population, initiatives focused on digital education and employable skills can provide young people with alternative pathways to employment and entrepreneurship. The recognition of Ali’s work reflects the contribution of such initiatives towards creating opportunities for young people and strengthening their participation in the province’s economic and social development.

  The Irrigation Department has reported a significant increase in the water flow of the Chenab River, raising concerns about flooding in nearby riverine areas. According to officials, the rising water level has already affected several low-lying settlements, forcing floodwater into residential and agricultural areas and creating difficulties for local communities. The department stated that the increase in the river’s discharge has caused water to spread into nearby villages located along the banks of the Chenab River. As a result, a protective embankment known as the Zamindara Bund in Jalalpur Pirwala Tehsil has been breached. The collapse of the embankment has allowed floodwater to move more rapidly into surrounding areas, increasing the risk to people, homes, livestock, and crops. According to the Irrigation Department, at least five villages have been submerged due to the rising floodwaters. Among the affected settlements are Basti Khuda Bakhsh, Basti Allah Rakha, and Basti Bakhsha, along with two other nearby villages. Residents in these areas are facing severe challenges as water continues to enter homes, farmland, and local roads. Many families are concerned about the safety of their property and the possibility of further flooding if water levels continue to rise. Officials have also reported that water levels have increased in the surroundings of Head Muhammad Wala Road and near Qasim Bela. These areas are being closely monitored as authorities assess the situation and evaluate the potential for additional flooding. The rise in water has affected transportation routes, making travel difficult for residents and increasing the need for precautionary measures. The Irrigation Department is keeping a close watch on the river’s flow and is expected to continue monitoring the situation in coordination with local administration and disaster management authorities. Residents living in vulnerable riverine areas have been advised to remain alert and follow official instructions. If water levels continue to increase, further evacuations and emergency measures may become necessary to ensure public safety. Flooding in the Chenab River region is a recurring challenge during the monsoon season, particularly when heavy rainfall upstream leads to a sudden increase in river discharge. Breaches in protective embankments can significantly worsen the situation by allowing water to spread rapidly into populated areas. Such incidents often result in damage to homes, agricultural land, and infrastructure, while also disrupting daily life and economic activities. Local authorities are expected to assess the extent of the damage once water levels stabilize. Relief efforts may include providing temporary shelter, food, clean drinking water, and medical assistance to affected families. The government and emergency response agencies are likely to continue monitoring weather conditions and river flows to reduce further risks. The situation remains under observation, and officials have urged residents in flood-prone areas to stay informed through official updates and cooperate with emergency responders. Authorities are working to minimize the impact of the flooding and ensure the safety of communities living along the Chenab River.