pakistan launch advanced
| | |

Pakistan to launch advanced IT courses to boost di…

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

  • |

    North Korea fires missile ahead of US-South Korea drills

    SEOUL: North Korea launched a suspected ballistic missile into waters off the Korean Peninsula’s eastern coast on Wednesday, raising tensions just days before major military exercises between South Korea and the United States. South Korean and Japanese authorities detected the launch from the Wonsan area on North Korea’s east coast at around 6am local time. The missile travelled approximately 700 kilometres before falling into the sea, according to South Korean and Japanese defence officials. The launch came only days before the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, scheduled to begin on August 17 and continue through August 27. The drills are designed to strengthen the allies’ ability to respond to security threats from North Korea. Pyongyang has repeatedly criticised the exercises, describing them as preparations for a potential attack. Seoul and Washington maintain that the drills are defensive and necessary to improve their combined military readiness. South Korean officials said Wednesday’s launch was the latest in a series of weapons tests conducted by North Korea this year. It was assessed as the country’s 11th suspected ballistic missile test of 2026. North Korea had also launched a missile from the Wonsan region on August 6. Pyongyang did not publicly acknowledge that test. Analysts said the latest launch could have been part of North Korea’s ongoing weapons development programme. However, its timing may also have been intended to send a political and military message ahead of the upcoming US-South Korean exercises. South Korean authorities have not yet confirmed the exact type of missile involved. Officials said a detailed analysis was under way to determine its specifications. The missile’s reported range and launch location have prompted speculation that it could have been a hypersonic weapon or another advanced missile system. Officials have not confirmed those assessments. Seoul and Tokyo condemn launch South Korea and Japan strongly criticised the missile test. South Korean authorities convened an emergency security meeting and called on Pyongyang to stop activities that violate United Nations Security Council resolutions. South Korea’s military said it remained fully prepared to respond to any further provocation and would maintain its combined defence posture with the United States. Japan also lodged a formal protest through diplomatic channels. Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi condemned the launch and said Tokyo was closely monitoring developments. The latest test follows growing tensions over North Korea’s expanding weapons programme and Japan’s plans to strengthen its defence capabilities. North Korean state media had criticised Japan’s latest defence policy document a day earlier, accusing Tokyo of using the North Korean threat to justify an increase in military spending and capabilities. The US Indo-Pacific Command said it was coordinating closely with South Korea and Japan. Its initial assessment was that the missile launch did not pose an immediate threat to US territory, American personnel or its allies.

  • | |

    Shawn Mendes stars in Gucci’s new Primavera campaign

    Shawn Mendes has stepped into a new fashion chapter as one of the faces of Gucci’s latest campaign, “Primavera,” unveiled by the Italian luxury house on August 25. The campaign introduces the collection created for Gucci by creative director Demna and brings together an eclectic group of personalities from music, sport, film and fashion. Photographed by Michal Chelbin, the campaign features Mendes alongside Tom Brady, BTS member Jin, aespa’s NINGNING, Xiao Zhan, Alex Consani, Rico Nasty, EsDeeKid, Lee Young Ae and Tarzzan. Rather than presenting the stars in a conventional fashion-shoot setting, Chelbin’s portraits draw inspiration from the composition and grandeur of classical Renaissance paintings, while maintaining a distinctly contemporary atmosphere. For Mendes, the campaign marks another prominent appearance with Gucci. The singer is photographed in a fitted black top and leather glove, showcasing a more striking and fashion-forward side of his image. His appearance arrives as Gucci continues to establish the visual identity of Demna’s first collection for the house. The Primavera collection introduces a new vocabulary of silhouettes, textures and materials, combining Gucci’s established heritage with Demna’s contemporary approach. For menswear, the collection includes body-conscious silhouettes, fluid fabrics, statement outerwear and leather pieces, alongside recognizable Gucci details and accessories. The campaign’s concept extends beyond clothing. “Primavera,” meaning spring, is presented by Gucci as a symbol of rebirth and renewal, with love and human connection at the heart of the campaign. Alongside the portraits, director Johan Renck has created a short film starring Kate Moss. Set to Chris Isaak’s baritone rendition of “Wicked Game,” the film follows a group of strangers as they awaken, encounter one another and eventually fall in love on a dance floor. The combination of established stars and emerging cultural figures reflects Gucci’s attempt to present a broad vision of its new era. Mendes’ inclusion places the singer within a cast spanning several generations and creative industries, further strengthening his growing presence in the fashion world. With its intimate photography, Renaissance-inspired imagery and diverse cast, Gucci’s Primavera campaign presents Demna’s debut collection through a story of individuality, attraction and renewal while giving Shawn Mendes another opportunity to explore a bolder side of his style. https://www.instagram.com/p/DcdKcZPgkFX/?igsi=a2lqdXg2ZXR4OTJl

  • |

    Niall and Harry were too nervous for zero-gravity shoot, reveals Louis

    Louis Tomlinson has shared a fun, previously untold detail about the making of One Direction’s Drag Me Down music video. A clip of the singer has resurfaced online. In it, he looks back at the time the band filmed at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. One Direction remains the only band to ever shoot a music video at the facility. According to Tomlinson, the original concept was even bigger than what fans finally saw. The band had planned to film a segment in actual zero-gravity conditions. But the plan never made it to the screen. The reason, Tomlinson revealed, was simple. Niall Horan got nervous about the idea. “And he will not be too happy about me telling this but we didn’t do it cause Niall was too scared,” Tomlinson said in the clip. The host then pushed back, asking if it was really just Niall who refused. Tomlinson didn’t let Harry Styles off the hook either. “To be fair, it was Niall and Harry to be fair,” he said, laughing. Fans have long loved Drag Me Down for its space-age visuals. Now it turns out the video could have looked even more dramatic, had the full zero-gravity plan gone ahead. Drag Me Down was released in 2015. It served as the lead single from One Direction’s fifth and final studio album, Made in the A.M. The music video saw all four remaining members, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Liam Payne, suited up in real spacesuits. They filmed around training jets on location at the space center. The song went on to become one of the band’s biggest global hits. It broke streaming records within hours of release. It also topped charts in multiple countries. The track later won Best Music Video at the BRIT Awards in 2016. More than a decade later, One Direction’s fans are still discovering new layers to their favourite era. This latest story, straight from Tomlinson himself, has only added to the nostalgia surrounding the band’s space-themed video. For many longtime fans, hearing these old memories resurface feels like a small gift. It’s a reminder of just how much creative risk-taking went into the band’s biggest moments, even the ones that never made the final cut.

  • | | |

    Pakistan warns India against Kashmir ‘adventuris…

    Pakistan has strongly condemned recent remarks by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh about Jammu and Kashmir. Islamabad warned New Delhi against any move that could increase tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. The Foreign Office said Singh’s comments were provocative and irresponsible. It said the remarks misrepresented the internationally recognised position on the Kashmir dispute. Pakistan maintained that the Jammu and Kashmir issue remains on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council. Islamabad said relevant UN resolutions remain an important part of the international framework surrounding the dispute. The Foreign Office said India could not change the disputed status of Kashmir through political statements. It also rejected what it described as attempts to present the issue as settled through unilateral claims. Pakistan warned India not to underestimate the resolve of its government and people. The Foreign Office said Islamabad was determined to protect the country’s interests and respond to any attempt at military adventurism. The statement also called on the international community to take notice of India’s policies. Pakistan specifically urged the United Nations to pay attention to what it described as India’s failure to comply with relevant Security Council resolutions. Islamabad said the Indian minister’s comments appeared to divert attention from other issues. The Foreign Office referred to Pakistan’s allegations concerning the situation in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. The statement also accused India of contributing to regional instability. Pakistan said threatening rhetoric could have wider consequences for peace and security in South Asia. The latest response came a day after Defence Minister Khawaja Asif rejected Singh’s remarks. Asif said political statements from New Delhi could not alter the internationally recognised nature of the Kashmir dispute. Asif also criticised what he called intimidation and threatening rhetoric. He said Pakistan would not accept attempts to change established positions through unilateral declarations. Relations between Pakistan and India have remained tense for decades, with Kashmir continuing to be a major source of disagreement. Both countries claim the disputed region, while controlling separate parts of it. Pakistan has consistently called for the Kashmir issue to be resolved through the relevant international framework. Islamabad has also stressed the right of the Kashmiri people to determine their political future. The latest exchange of statements has further highlighted the deep differences between the two countries. Pakistan has urged India to avoid actions and statements that could worsen the regional security situation. Islamabad’s warning comes as both sides remain highly sensitive to developments involving Kashmir. Pakistani officials have repeatedly said that peace in South Asia requires dialogue and respect for international commitments.

  • | |

    Pakistan Post issues high alert for mail bound for…

    Pakistan Post has issued a high alert for international mail destined for the United States and ordered tighter security measures for all such consignments. The postal service has directed officials and staff to strictly comply with the security and electronic information requirements set by the United States Postal Service. According to a circular issued by Pakistan Post headquarters, all relevant officers and employees have been instructed to exercise extra caution while handling mail destined for the US. The instructions cover all stages of the process, including the acceptance, preparation, processing and dispatch of international mail. Officials have been directed to ensure that the required security procedures and electronic information are completed accurately before consignments are dispatched. Pakistan Post has also stressed the need for vigilance during the handling of US-bound mail to prevent any security or compliance-related issues. The latest instructions are aimed at strengthening the screening and handling process for international postal items and ensuring that mail sent to the United States meets the required security standards.

  • |

    Pakistan’s trade deficit surges 25% to nearly $4 billion in July 

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s trade deficit expanded sharply during the first month of the new fiscal year, reaching nearly $4 billion in July, as a strong rise in imports continued to outpace export growth, highlighting persistent weaknesses in the country’s external sector despite a series of incentives announced for exporters. According to the latest figures released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the country’s trade deficit widened to $3.95 billion in July 2026, compared to $3.16 billion recorded during the same month last year. The deficit increased by approximately $794 million, representing an annual rise of 25.2%. The widening gap was primarily driven by a substantial increase in imports, which climbed to $6.9 billion from $5.8 billion in July 2025. This reflects an increase of more than $1 billion, or 18% year-on-year, indicating stronger demand for imported goods and raw materials. Exports Show Growth but Remain Below Key Milestone While Pakistan’s exports registered positive growth, they once again failed to cross the important $3 billion monthly mark. Exports reached $2.94 billion, falling short of the milestone by around $61 million. On an annual basis, exports increased by 9.5%, adding nearly $256 million compared to July last year. Although the improvement reflects steady recovery in overseas shipments, analysts believe the pace remains insufficient to counter the rapid expansion in imports. Exports had crossed the $3 billion threshold in January 2026, touching approximately $3.05 billion, but the country has been unable to maintain that level in the months that followed. Tariff Reforms Under Scrutiny The latest trade figures have renewed debate over Pakistan’s tariff liberalisation policy, introduced under broader economic reforms supported by international financial institutions, including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The government has gradually lowered tariff barriers to increase competition and integrate Pakistan more closely into global markets. However, economists argue that the economy was opened before domestic industries were provided with sufficient support to compete effectively. Business leaders have repeatedly pointed out that exporters continue to face high energy prices, elevated financing costs, tax-related uncertainties and exchange rate volatility, all of which reduce their competitiveness in international markets. Earlier projections by the World Bank had suggested that tariff reforms would increase exports by 14% while limiting import growth to around 7%. However, the latest figures suggest imports have grown much faster than anticipated, while export gains have remained comparatively modest. Government Rolls Out Fresh Export Incentives To strengthen export performance, the federal government has announced a series of financial support measures during the current fiscal year. In the federal budget, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reduced the minimum and advance tax on exporters to 1.25% and abolished the 10% super tax on export earnings in an effort to improve liquidity and encourage investment in export-oriented industries. More recently, the government approved a Rs98 billion export support package aimed at improving competitiveness and increasing foreign exchange earnings. Under the revised Export Finance Scheme (E-EFS), exporters will be able to obtain six-month working capital loans at an interest rate of 8.5%, with the government absorbing 5 percentage points of the financing cost. The subsidy for this component alone is estimated at Rs58 billion during the current fiscal year. ECC Approves New Financing Facilities The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has also expanded access to concessional financing by increasing the ceiling of the existing short-term financing portfolio from Rs1 trillion to Rs1.5 trillion. In addition, the committee approved the launch of a new Long-Term Growth Financing Facility, allowing exporters to access loans at an interest rate of 2% for the first two years, followed by a fixed 5% rate for the subsequent eight years. The government has also introduced a performance-based rebate scheme, effective from July 1, 2026, with an estimated annual allocation of Rs15 billion. Under the programme, exporters recording annual export growth of up to 10% over the previous year will receive a rebate equal to 1% of the incremental export value, while exporters achieving growth exceeding 10% will qualify for a 2% rebate on additional exports. Long-Term Challenges Persist Despite successive incentive packages introduced over several decades, Pakistan continues to struggle with achieving sustained export-led growth. Industry observers note that no single Pakistani exporter has generated $1 billion in annual export earnings, underscoring the structural challenges facing the country’s export sector. These challenges include limited product diversification, low industrial productivity, rising production costs, inconsistent policy implementation and insufficient value addition. Monthly Performance Offers Some Relief On a month-on-month basis, the trade data presented a more encouraging picture. Exports increased by 31% in July compared to June, rising by approximately $697 million, while imports remained largely unchanged at around $6.9 billion. As a result, the monthly trade deficit narrowed by nearly 15%, or around $709 million, compared with the previous month.

Leave a Reply

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