pakistan launch advanced
| | |

Pakistan to launch advanced IT courses to boost di…

ByJustpaste.in

The federal government has announced a nationwide initiative to introduce advanced information technology (IT) courses as part of its broader strategy to strengthen Pakistan’s digital economy and equip young people with globally competitive digital skills.

The decision was announced during a meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, attended by the heads of IT training institutions from across the country. Participants agreed on a national roadmap aimed at accelerating the development of a skilled IT workforce and expanding access to high-quality digital training.

During the meeting, the minister directed all provinces to immediately begin offering advanced IT courses and internationally recognised training programmes. The initiative is intended to prepare Pakistan’s youth for opportunities in the global technology sector, freelancing, and the rapidly growing digital economy.

Shaza Fatima said developing a workforce with modern digital skills remains one of the government’s top priorities. She emphasised that training programmes should align with international industry standards and market requirements, enabling young Pakistanis to compete effectively in global employment markets.

The government believes that expanding access to advanced IT education will not only increase employment opportunities but also help boost Pakistan’s exports of digital services and strengthen the country’s position in the global technology industry.

The meeting also focused on improving coordination among IT training institutions to ensure consistent delivery of quality education and practical skills. Officials discussed measures to enhance the effectiveness of training programmes and ensure they meet the evolving demands of employers and technology companies.

To monitor progress, the federal minister instructed all IT training institutions to submit weekly performance reports to the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication. The reports will help the ministry assess implementation, track outcomes, and identify areas requiring additional support.

Pakistan has been placing greater emphasis on digital transformation in recent years, with increasing attention on technology education, entrepreneurship, freelancing, and software exports. Government officials view investment in digital skills as a key component of long-term economic growth and employment generation.

The planned rollout of advanced IT courses is expected to provide students and professionals with access to updated technical knowledge and practical training in emerging technologies. By expanding the country’s pool of skilled IT professionals, the government aims to support innovation, attract investment, and accelerate the growth of Pakistan’s digital economy while creating new opportunities for young people in domestic and international markets.

Similar Posts

  • |

    ICCI awards in Istanbul highlight new opportunities for Pakistan-Turkiye economic partnership

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has used a series of high-level engagements in Istanbul to promote Pakistan’s private sector, recognise leading entrepreneurs and strengthen commercial ties between Pakistan and Turkiye. The ICCI International Excellence Awards 2026 brought together Turkish government representatives, diplomats, business leaders and members of the Pakistani and Turkish business communities, providing a platform to highlight the contribution of Pakistani entrepreneurs while exploring opportunities for greater bilateral trade and investment. Around 40 Pakistani business leaders representing a range of sectors were honoured at the awards ceremony for their contributions to the country’s economy and private-sector development, according to a press release issued on Saturday. The event also provided an opportunity for business representatives from both countries to discuss the potential for expanded commercial cooperation, investment partnerships and joint ventures. Turkish officials stress stronger business links Addressing the ceremony, Istanbul Deputy Governor Mehmet Sulun said initiatives bringing together business communities from Pakistan and Turkiye could play an important role in expanding people-to-people and business-to-business contacts. He said stronger interaction between entrepreneurs could create fresh opportunities in trade, investment and joint ventures while contributing to deeper ties between the two countries. Sulun observed that business leaders played a role beyond commercial activity, describing them as important contributors to friendship and mutual understanding between the two nations. He expressed confidence that the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Turkiye would continue to develop and remain strong for future generations. Pakistan’s Consul General in Istanbul Khawaja Khurram Naeem also emphasised the importance of expanding direct links between the private sectors of the two countries. He said political and fraternal relations needed to be complemented by stronger commercial engagement if Pakistan and Turkiye were to significantly increase bilateral trade and investment. Naeem assured Pakistani business representatives that Pakistan’s diplomatic mission would continue supporting initiatives aimed at improving commercial cooperation and facilitating interaction between entrepreneurs from both countries. ICCI seeks expansion in trade and investment In his opening remarks, ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood highlighted the longstanding historical, cultural and fraternal relationship between Pakistan and Turkiye. He said the two countries had strong political and people-to-people relations, but the economic relationship had considerable room for further expansion. Mehmood reaffirmed the ICCI’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at increasing bilateral trade and investment in line with the ambitions of the leadership of both countries. He said the chamber was working to establish itself as an international platform connecting Pakistani businesses with global markets and partners. According to Mehmood, the ICCI is focusing on promoting Pakistani exports, attracting investment and developing international business partnerships while coordinating with government departments and other relevant institutions to improve the business environment. He stressed that greater ease of doing business and stronger institutional support would help Pakistani companies compete more effectively in international markets. Turkish chamber backs institutional cooperation Munir Ustun, a member of the Executive Board of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, welcomed efforts to bring the Pakistani and Turkish business communities closer. He stressed the importance of stronger institutional relationships between chambers and private-sector organisations in both countries. Ustun said regular business delegations, business-to-business meetings and joint commercial initiatives could help identify areas where cooperation could be expanded. He noted that significant untapped potential existed in bilateral trade and investment and that closer engagement between businesses could help turn that potential into concrete commercial projects. Faisal Town Group Director Zohair Majeed said the international recognition given to Pakistani entrepreneurs demonstrated the capability and resilience of the country’s private sector. He said Pakistani companies had the potential to compete in international markets and argued that stronger partnerships with Turkish businesses could create opportunities in investment, technology transfer and exports. According to Majeed, greater cooperation between businesses could also contribute to sustainable economic growth and help Pakistani companies gain access to new markets and technologies. Pakistan-Turkiye economic ties discussed at Independence Day event The ICCI delegation also participated in a separate event in Istanbul to mark Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, where Pakistani and Turkish business representatives reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral economic cooperation. Speaking at the gathering, Mehmood said Pakistan’s independence had been achieved after enormous sacrifices by the country’s founding generation. He called on citizens and the business community to contribute to national development by promoting economic growth, investment and entrepreneurship. Mehmood said Pakistan and Turkiye shared decades of historical, cultural and fraternal ties, adding that the longstanding relationship should increasingly be reflected in stronger economic cooperation. He called for greater participation by the private sectors of both countries in trade, investment and joint ventures. The ICCI president said the chamber would continue to provide platforms where Pakistani and Turkish entrepreneurs could meet, explore commercial opportunities and develop long-term partnerships. Turkish business representatives also reiterated their commitment to deepening the relationship with Pakistan, particularly through increased trade, investment and direct business-to-business engagement. Business conference explores investment opportunities The economic engagement was further strengthened through a Business Opportunity Conference in Istanbul, which brought together business leaders from both countries to examine potential areas for cooperation. Participants discussed opportunities for expanding bilateral trade, establishing joint ventures, attracting investment and creating stronger business-to-business connections. Pakistan’s Consul General in Istanbul Khawaja Khurram Naeem participated actively in the discussions, responding to questions from Turkish business representatives and outlining Pakistan’s trade and investment potential. He also highlighted developments in the country’s business and investment environment and encouraged Turkish companies to examine opportunities in Pakistan. A significant number of Turkish companies participated in the conference and expressed interest in exploring commercial and investment prospects in Pakistan. During an interactive session, ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood, along with former ICCI presidents Aamir Waheed Sheikh and Mohammad Ejaz Abbasi, and Dr Adeel Sami, Founder and President of the Pakistan-Turkiye Investment & Development Council, responded to questions from Turkish entrepreneurs. The discussion focused on practical mechanisms for strengthening commercial links and identifying sectors where Pakistani and Turkish companies could work together. Focus shifts from friendship to economic partnership The events in Istanbul underscored a

  • | | |

    Pakistan taps global banks for $2bn bond plan to s…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: The federal government has taken a major step toward raising at least $2 billion from international capital markets during the 2026-27 fiscal year by appointing leading global financial institutions to manage its upcoming sovereign bond issuances. After completing a competitive selection process under the Requests for Proposals (RFPs), the government finalized three separate banking consortiums to advise and arrange conventional Eurobonds, International Sukuk, and Pakistani rupee-denominated, US dollar-settled bonds. The move is part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to diversify external financing sources and strengthen long-term access to global capital markets. For the Eurobond programme, the selected consortium comprises Standard Chartered Bank, Citibank, Deutsche Bank AG, Emirates NBD Capital, and MUFG Securities Asia Limited. The International Sukuk consortium includes Standard Chartered Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank PJSC, Citibank, Emirates NBD Capital, and Mashreq Bank PSC. Meanwhile, Standard Chartered Bank, Citibank, and Deutsche Bank AG will oversee the issuance of PKR-denominated bonds settled in US dollars. Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb formally launched the government’s partnership with the selected institutions during a virtual meeting held from Washington, D.C. The discussions focused on implementing Pakistan’s Global Medium-Term Note (GMTN) Programme and International Sukuk Programme, which are expected to support the country’s future borrowing plans. According to the Finance Ministry, the sovereign capital market programme will include both conventional and Islamic financing instruments. Once all regulatory requirements and documentation are completed, Pakistan plans to make regular international bond issuances whenever financing needs arise, rather than treating the initiative as a one-time exercise. Officials said the strategy is designed to establish a more stable, diversified, and sustainable external financing framework. The inclusion of MUFG Securities Asia Limited and Mashreq Bank in the banking consortiums is also expected to expand Pakistan’s engagement with a wider network of leading international financial institutions, enhancing investor confidence and broadening access to global markets.

  • | |

    Academy mafia behind MDCAT controversy, minister t…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Islamabad: Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal on Tuesday blamed an organised academy mafia for creating controversy over MDCAT, while a Senate panel questioned why thousands of students were being pushed towards expensive coaching centres for medical college admission. During a heated meeting at Parliament House, Senator Anusha Rahman said private medical colleges in Pakistan were ripping off students by charging around Rs18 lakh every year. She compared these charges with medical education in China, where Pakistani students told her they were paying around Rs5 lakh a year and nearly Rs50 lakh for their complete medical degree. Anusha Rahman said she asked a Chinese provincial governor how they provided medical education at such a low cost. She said the governor replied, “We do not penalise the future.” The meeting of the Senate Health Committee Sub Committee was chaired by Senator Anusha Rahman. Senators Agha Shahzaib Durrani and Samina Mumtaz Zehri also attended. Senator Zehri joined the meeting online. Committee members expressed anger over the federal health minister’s late arrival. Senator Agha Shahzaib Durrani said the meeting had already been rescheduled three times at the minister’s request. Anusha Rahman warned that another meeting would be called the next day if the minister failed to attend. After joining the meeting, Mustafa Kamal said the MDCAT system could be improved but claimed that, in his view, the current system was perfect. He said coordinated text messages were being sent to senators to pressure them and delay the medical admission test. “Do not become emotional over these messages. This is the season of messages and there is a mafia behind them,” the minister told the committee. He also claimed that students sometimes demanded delays by citing floods and other emergencies as reasons. The minister said students from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa sometimes called for postponement even before floods reached Balochistan. He said some students later claimed that their books had been washed away in floods. Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri rejected the idea that all complaints were organised. She said the committee was receiving around 50 messages from students every day and asked why their problems had not been addressed. She also raised concerns that FSc, A Level and MDCAT examination dates were overlapping. The minister said the MDCAT would be held around three weeks after the final board examination. He said the last board examination was expected to end on July 20 and MDCAT would be conducted three weeks later. The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council told the committee that around 135,000 students would appear in MDCAT. The test will be conducted in 36 cities, including 35 cities in Pakistan and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. PMDC officials said medical colleges previously conducted separate entry tests, but the system was later changed to a national MDCAT. They said several problems had been reported in earlier years, especially regarding examination papers. To solve these problems, PMDC formed committees and prepared a nationally uniform syllabus. Officials said the syllabus was displayed on different public platforms and around 1,000 people submitted complaints. Anusha Rahman told PMDC officials that students had suffered because of weaknesses in the system. She said FSc students complained that they were asked questions linked to the A Level system, while A Level students were forced to study FSc books. She questioned why students were going to private academies and paying up to Rs1 lakh for MDCAT preparation. “Every year, academies make huge profits from these tests,” she said. She added that students were placed under heavy pressure to complete MDCAT preparation within three months. Senator Agha Shahzaib Durrani said the FSc system mainly focused on detailed knowledge, while the A Level system gave greater importance to analysis and reasoning. PMDC officials said MDCAT had been designed around common learning points included in both systems. They said the aim was to provide a fair test for FSc and A Level students. The health minister agreed to review the issue and asked the committee to send students with genuine complaints directly to the ministry and PMDC. He said officials would sit with the students, listen to their concerns and try to solve their problems. The committee also raised serious concerns about fees charged by private medical colleges. Members said many seats remained vacant because deserving students could not afford the fees. They said Pakistani students were choosing foreign universities because medical education abroad was cheaper. The committee called for a review of the fee structure of private medical colleges to make medical education more affordable. Senator Agha Shahzaib Durrani proposed giving 40 percent weight to MDCAT, 50 percent to academic results and 10 percent to interviews during medical college admissions. PMDC officials warned that reducing MDCAT marks could weaken the importance and credibility of the national test. The committee also recommended conducting MDCAT twice a year so students could get another chance instead of losing a complete academic year. Members appreciated some reforms introduced by PMDC but asked the council to improve public awareness. They recommended issuing brochures and running information campaigns about foreign medical colleges that are not recognised in Pakistan. The committee said students must be warned before spending money on institutions whose medical degrees will not be accepted by Pakistani authorities. It also recommended providing more house job and professional training opportunities to Pakistani medical graduates returning from foreign countries. The minister directed officials to provide complete MDCAT data from the last five years. The information will include the total number of students who appeared in the test and a comparison of FSc and A Level candidates. Committee members also sought details about the members of the MDCAT assessment committee. The health minister promised to provide those details within 24 hours. The committee decided to continue discussions on MDCAT, medical college fees and admission policies in its next meeting.

  • | | |

    Saudi Arabia rolls over $5bn Pakistan deposit

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan’s external financing pressure has eased after Saudi Arabia extended a $5 billion deposit for another three years, State Bank of Pakistan Governor Jameel Ahmad said on Wednesday. The rollover will give Pakistan additional breathing space as it manages its external debt obligations and works to strengthen its foreign exchange position. According to the governor, the Saudi deposit has been extended until December 2028. The development has reduced Pakistan’s gross external financing requirement for the current fiscal year to around $21.5 billion. Pakistan has received a total of $8 billion in deposits from Saudi Arabia. This includes $3 billion received in April this year. The remaining $5 billion had previously been rolled over annually. The latest arrangement provides Pakistan with a longer repayment period and reduces immediate pressure on its external account. Ahmad said lower interest costs on foreign debt had also helped reduce Pakistan’s financing requirements. He estimated the reduction at nearly $500 million. Pakistan continues to rely significantly on external financing to meet debt repayments and cover external account needs. The government is seeking to increase exports, attract investment and improve other sources of foreign exchange. The governor said the International Monetary Fund has projected Pakistan’s external financing requirements at around $30 billion for the next fiscal year. However, he said the estimate could be revised downward if the government succeeds in securing additional longer-term financing and improving external inflows. According to Ahmad, Pakistan’s $21.5 billion financing requirement includes around $7.3 billion in cash deposits and approximately $3.5 billion in foreign commercial loans maturing during the year. Pakistan also owes around $250 million to Kuwait through a long-standing cash deposit arrangement. The governor did not comment on reports concerning Pakistan’s request for a $10 billion credit facility from the United States. He said the federal government would be in a better position to respond to the matter. Pakistan also repaid a $1.3 billion Chinese commercial loan during July. The repayment temporarily reduced the country’s foreign exchange reserves to around $17.3 billion as of July 17. Ahmad said China was expected to refinance the amount, with the funds potentially arriving next month. Of Pakistan’s total external financing needs, around $7.5 billion represents net debt repayments. The country had already repaid approximately $2.2 billion during July, reducing the pressure for the remaining months of the fiscal year. The central bank governor also revealed that the State Bank had purchased around $9 billion from the local foreign exchange market during the previous fiscal year. The purchases were aimed at strengthening the country’s foreign exchange reserves. Over the past three years, the central bank’s total purchases from the market have reached around $28 billion. The State Bank expects workers’ remittances to continue supporting Pakistan’s external position. Remittances are projected to help finance a significant portion of the expected trade deficit. The central bank has also set a target of increasing foreign exchange reserves to $20.20 billion by the end of December 2026. Meanwhile, Ahmad told the Senate Standing Committee on Finance that the federal government had not allocated a subsidy for remittance transfers. He said commercial banks would now bear the cost of transferring workers’ remittances. Overseas Pakistanis sending money home would not be charged additional transfer fees. The committee also reviewed banking charges and services, including SMS alerts and card transactions.

  • | | | |

    ‘Severe anxiety’: What Imran Khan’s report r…

    ByJustpaste.in

    A medical report submitted to the Supreme Court has revealed that former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan is experiencing severe anxiety symptoms. The report was submitted by the superintendent of Adiala Jail. It contains details about Imran Khan’s physical and mental health. The report was submitted after PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja approached the Supreme Court. His petition raised concerns about Imran Khan’s health and restrictions on meetings with him. According to the report, Imran Khan’s anxiety was recorded at “Level 3+”. The condition has been described as severe. A medical board examined Imran Khan on August 10, 2026. The board included specialists in eye diseases, cardiology and general medicine. The report states that Imran Khan is around 73 years old. His blood pressure was recorded at 140/80. His pulse was 54 beats per minute. His ECG was found to be normal. His chest was also clear. Doctors found his heart valves and chambers to be normal. The report says Imran Khan complained of heaviness in his head. He also reported feeling that his heartbeat was faster than usual. However, he did not report chest pain. He also did not complain of chest heaviness or shortness of breath. The medical board recommended medicines to control his blood pressure and anxiety. Doctors also recommended regular physical activity. The board suggested that Imran Khan should walk for one hour every day. It also recommended activities that could provide mental relaxation. The report recommends that he should be provided with magazines, newspapers, television and books. These activities could help reduce mental stress during his imprisonment. The medical board also recommended increasing the duration of meetings with Imran Khan’s family and wife. According to the report, greater family interaction could help control his anxiety and blood pressure. The recommendations come amid repeated demands from PTI leaders for greater access to the former prime minister. Jail authorities said Imran Khan receives regular medical attention. Medical officers reportedly check his food intake and conduct medical examinations three times a day. The report also states that several government doctors have examined him during his imprisonment. Records of these medical examinations have reportedly been maintained. The former prime minister has also received treatment from an eye specialist. According to the jail authorities, one of his eyes has now recovered to an almost normal condition. The report includes a summary of medical examinations conducted by 39 different specialists between November 4, 2023, and August 10, 2026. The jail authorities have asked the Supreme Court to dispose of the petition. They maintain that Imran Khan is receiving regular medical care inside the prison. The report also discusses the issue of meetings with Imran Khan. Jail authorities claimed that some meetings had been used to generate public sentiment against the judiciary, foreign policy and law enforcement institutions. According to the report, Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi meet every Tuesday under jail rules. A total of 84 meetings between them have reportedly taken place so far. The document also states that Imran Khan’s lawyer Salman Safdar met him on February 10 and April 4, 2026. The medical report comes amid renewed political pressure over Imran Khan’s health and access to his family and personal doctors. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi recently announced a protest programme if Imran Khan was not allowed access to his family and personal physicians. The issue of Imran Khan’s health has become a major point of political debate. PTI leaders have repeatedly demanded better medical facilities and greater access to his personal doctors. A psychiatrist cited in the report said that “Level 3+” anxiety indicates a severe state of anxiety and distress. The psychiatrist explained that prolonged isolation and limited social interaction can worsen anxiety. Such conditions may also contribute to hopelessness and depression. He said regular interaction with other people can help reduce anxiety. He also recommended walking and exercise as useful measures for managing symptoms of anxiety and panic. The three-member Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Shahid Waheed will hear the petition. Justice Naeem Afghan and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim are also part of the bench. The court will examine the medical report and the concerns raised over Imran Khan’s health, medical treatment and access to family members and doctors.

  • | |

    West Indies post 344 in first innings as Pakistan …

    ByJustpaste.in

    West Indies were dismissed for 344 runs in their first innings against Pakistan in the second Test match being played in Port of Spain. Pakistan’s off-spinner Sajid Khan delivered an impressive bowling performance, taking four crucial wickets to help restrict the home side. West Indies won the toss and elected to bat first, looking to take advantage of favorable conditions. Their innings was built around important contributions from Justin Greaves and captain Roston Chase, who played responsible knocks to strengthen the team’s total. Greaves scored 73 runs, while Roston Chase added 70 runs to lead the West Indies batting effort. Brandon King contributed 46 runs, while Shai Hope and Amir Jangoo scored 29 and 26 runs respectively as the hosts attempted to build a competitive first-innings score. Pakistan’s bowling attack responded strongly, with Sajid Khan emerging as the standout performer. The experienced off-spinner troubled the West Indies batters with his accuracy and variations, finishing with four wickets. His spell played a key role in preventing the hosts from gaining further momentum. Fast bowlers and other bowling options also supported Sajid Khan effectively. Ubaid Shah, Mohammad Ali, and Ali Usman claimed two wickets each, ensuring that West Indies were unable to extend their innings beyond 344 runs. At the toss, Pakistan captain Babar Azam said that his team would also have preferred to bat first if they had won the toss. He expressed confidence in the squad and said Pakistan aimed to play positive and attacking cricket throughout the match. West Indies captain Roston Chase said his team wanted to make their home conditions a strength and decided to maintain the same playing XI for the second Test. The hosts entered the match with confidence after taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. Pakistan now face the challenge of responding strongly with the bat as they look to level the series. A victory in the second Test is essential for Pakistan to avoid a series defeat, while West Indies will aim to maintain their advantage and secure a historic series win. With both teams fighting for crucial championship points and momentum, the second Test is expected to produce an exciting contest as the match progresses.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *