shehbaz orders stronger
| |

PM Shehbaz orders stronger push to create youth jo…

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the government to take coordinated and effective steps to expand employment opportunities for young Pakistanis under the National Youth Employment Policy.

Chairing a meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday to review progress on the policy, the prime minister said providing decent jobs to the country’s skilled and talented youth remained a key priority of the government.

He called for a comprehensive strategy involving relevant ministries and institutions to ensure the policy delivers practical employment opportunities. He also stressed the need to focus on skills development, particularly for young women, so they can compete for emerging jobs in both Pakistan and international markets.

The prime minister directed authorities to give special attention to employment opportunities for young people in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

Officials briefed the meeting on reforms introduced in the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA). The reforms are aimed at connecting Pakistan’s skilled workforce with the changing requirements of local industries and international employers.

NAVTTC is working to help Pakistani workers obtain internationally recognised certifications and improve their language skills for overseas employment. Training programmes are also being aligned with market demand to increase the chances of young people securing jobs abroad.

The meeting was informed that the Digital Youth Hub is providing information about employment opportunities in Pakistan and overseas through a single platform. Youth Development Cells are also being established in educational institutions to offer career counselling, guidance and information about skills and employment opportunities.

Shehbaz Sharif ordered the launch of an awareness campaign so that young people can better understand the benefits and opportunities available under the National Youth Employment Policy.

Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashhood briefed the meeting on progress made under the government’s directives. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik, IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja and other senior officials also attended.

The government has recently increased its focus on preparing young Pakistanis for a changing labour market through technical education, information technology, artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship.

The prime minister has also stressed greater access to quality education and skills training, particularly for disadvantaged youth. Under the youth employment policy, the government has set a target for women to make up 35 per cent of the labour force, while at least 10 per cent of the allocation is intended for startups.

Similar Posts

  • |

    Hasan Mahmud joins Wasim Akram in elite Australian Test list

    Bangladesh fast bowler Hasan Mahmud has entered an elite group featuring Pakistan legend Wasim Akram after producing a match-winning performance in his maiden Test appearance in Australia. The 26-year-old claimed nine wickets as Bangladesh stunned Australia by nine wickets at Marrara Stadium on Sunday, helping the Tigers secure a historic Test victory on Australian soil. Hasan was particularly destructive in Australia’s first innings, ripping through the hosts’ batting order with a six-wicket haul. His spell helped Bangladesh dismiss Australia for just 198 on the opening day. The right-arm pacer continued his impressive work in the second innings, taking another three wickets and finishing the match with nine wickets overall. His performance earned him the third-best Test match figures by a visiting bowler in a maiden Test in Australia, placing his name alongside some of the game’s greatest fast bowlers. Bangladesh’s historic victory was built around outstanding contributions from Hasan and all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Mehidy scored a crucial half-century in the first innings before producing a five-wicket haul in the second. Together, the pair dismantled Australia’s batting resistance and played central roles in one of Bangladesh cricket’s most memorable victories. For Hasan, the achievement marks a remarkable arrival on the Test stage in Australia and puts him in distinguished company with legendary pacers, including Wasim Akram. The result not only gave Bangladesh a historic win but also announced Hasan Mahmud as a fast bowler capable of making a major impact on the biggest stages. Best Figures by a visiting bowler in their first Test in Australia Pakistan – Wasim Akram, 11-160 in 1990 England – Maurica Tate, 11-128 in 1924 Bangladesh – Hasan Mahmud, 9-111 in 2026

  • | |

    Rashid Latif urges PCB chairman to utilize Younis …

    Former Pakistan Test captain and wicketkeeper-batter Rashid Latif has called on Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to make better use of former captain Younis Khan’s expertise for the growth and development of cricket in the country. Latif believes that experienced former players like Younis Khan can play a significant role in nurturing young talent and strengthening Pakistan’s cricket structure. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Younis Khan Cricket Academy at KHA Legend Arena in Karachi’s Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Rashid Latif stressed the need to put Pakistan cricket on the right path by involving accomplished cricketers in the development process. He said Younis Khan’s vast experience and commitment to the game make him one of the best individuals to guide the next generation of players. Latif also reflected on Karachi’s rich cricketing history, noting that there was a time when the Pakistan national team featured a large number of players from the city. However, he said the situation has changed over the years, and Karachi no longer contributes players at the same level as it once did. Highlighting the importance of Karachi’s Malir district, Rashid Latif said the area has produced several outstanding cricketers, including Saeed Anwar, Khurram Manzoor, Asim Kamal, Younis Khan, and himself. According to him, the region has long been a breeding ground for cricketing talent and deserves continued investment in player development. The former captain also pointed out that while many of Younis Khan’s contemporaries are seeking positions within the Pakistan Cricket Board, Younis has remained focused on serving the game by working directly with aspiring cricketers. Latif praised this dedication, saying it reflects Younis Khan’s genuine passion for Pakistan cricket. Rashid Latif expressed confidence that the Younis Khan Cricket Academy will help revive grassroots cricket in Karachi by providing young players with quality coaching and professional guidance. He emphasized that similar initiatives can strengthen the country’s cricketing future if supported by the PCB and other stakeholders. Concluding his remarks, Latif paid tribute to Younis Khan’s remarkable achievements, describing his record of more than 10,000 Test runs and 34 Test centuries as an extraordinary milestone. He said cricketers of Younis Khan’s caliber are produced only once in a generation, making it essential for Pakistan cricket to benefit from his experience and leadership.

  • |

    Taylor Swift breaks silence after marrying Travis Kelce

    Taylor Swift has returned to social media with her first post since marrying NFL star Travis Kelce, although the pop superstar has yet to publicly share wedding photos from their highly anticipated celebration. The 14-time Grammy winner took to Instagram Stories on Monday, August 17, to share her latest musical obsession. Swift posted a promotional image for fellow singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers’ newly released album, Lost Weekend, and admitted that she had been unable to stop listening to the record. The heartfelt message also served as a birthday tribute to Bridgers, who recently turned 32. Swift praised both the album and her fellow artist for the emotional depth of the project, particularly its approach to grief and personal experiences. In her Instagram message, Swift described Bridgers’ ability to write about grief with vulnerability and detail as an “absolute triumph,” while praising the trust she places in listeners by sharing such honest and deeply personal emotions through her music. Swift’s social media update comes shortly after she made a surprise appearance at the United Kingdom wedding of her longtime recording engineers Laura Sisk and Oli Jacobs. The private celebration took place on August 16 at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios in Gloucestershire. Swift’s unexpected appearance quickly generated excitement among fans after photos and glimpses from the event began circulating online. Swifties paid close attention to her appearance, with many commenting on her hairstyle as well as the large wedding ring visible on her hand. The singer attended the celebration without Kelce, who remained in Kansas City, marking one of the first public occasions since their wedding that the newlyweds have been seen apart. Their temporary time apart has also prompted interest in how Swift and Kelce are managing their relationship while balancing demanding schedules and commitments in different locations. According to an insider quoted by Rob Shuter, the couple is determined not to allow physical distance to create problems in their marriage. The source explained that Swift and Kelce understand how easily busy schedules can affect communication between couples. They are reportedly making a conscious effort to stay connected rather than allowing their professional responsibilities to push their relationship into the background. The insider also emphasized that the couple understands the importance of small gestures in maintaining a strong marriage. Even a brief phone call, the source suggested, can make a meaningful difference when both partners are occupied with their own responsibilities. Swift and Kelce are now experiencing their first period of time apart since their reported wedding at Madison Square Garden in New York on July 3, 2026. Despite the distance, the couple appears focused on keeping their relationship strong while continuing to navigate their busy lives. Swift’s latest Instagram post may have focused on music rather than her personal life, but it still marked a significant moment for fans eagerly waiting for a glimpse into her life as a newlywed.

  • | |

    Woman booked over alleged airport misconduct

    A case has been registered against a female passenger over alleged misconduct and resistance towards immigration officials at Islamabad International Airport. The case was registered against the passenger, identified as Rabia, following a complaint filed by the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) immigration authorities. According to police, the woman was scheduled to travel to the United Arab Emirates on a private airline under a family visit visa. She was stopped during the immigration process for further verification of her travel documents. Officials said the passenger was travelling on a paper-based visa, for which the airline was required to obtain an OK-to-Board (OKTB) verification before allowing her to travel. The airline staff reportedly took her boarding pass for the required verification process. According to the First Information Report (FIR), the passenger allegedly misbehaved with immigration officials and resisted their instructions during the process. The FIR further alleges that she attempted to take back her passport and other documents from the immigration staff and issued threats to officials. The incident was also reportedly recorded on video, which was later uploaded to social media. Police said the passenger was offloaded from the flight because of her alleged non-cooperation and resistance during the immigration procedure. Following the incident, she was taken to the police station at Islamabad International Airport for further legal proceedings. Authorities also took several items into custody, including her passport, mobile phone, Rs17,000 in cash, handbag and trolley bag. Police said further investigation into the incident was under way and the allegations would be examined as part of the legal process.

  • |

    Ali Ansari reveals what really makes romantic scenes hard to shoot

    Pakistani actor Ali Ansari has opened up about the challenges of performing romantic scenes on screen. He shared his thoughts during a recent appearance on a YouTube show, where he spoke candidly about what makes these scenes difficult to shoot. According to Ansari, the real challenge does not come from the romantic content itself, but from how naturally the dialogue is written. When asked whether he ever feels hesitant while filming romantic moments, he explained that well-written scenes do not cause him any discomfort when working alongside his co-stars. The trouble begins, he said, when the dialogue feels forced or does not fit the situation being portrayed. He noted that sometimes the problem becomes clear even before filming starts, simply by reading through the script. There are moments when a particular line or scene doesn’t feel essential to the story, and that becomes apparent early on. Ansari also spoke about his respect for writers, acknowledging that they include such scenes with the broader narrative and continuity of the story in mind. Still, he admitted that during actual filming, there are times when a scene feels like it’s gone a bit too far or doesn’t sit right with the flow of the story. In such situations, Ansari said he and the team make small adjustments to the dialogue, tweaking the wording slightly. He explained that these minor changes usually help the scene come across more naturally once it’s filmed. The actor’s comments echo a broader conversation happening within Pakistan’s entertainment industry about how romantic and bold scenes are written and portrayed on screen. Similar concerns have been raised recently by other industry figures, including actress and host Mishi Khan, who has spoken about the growing trend of bold scenes in Pakistani dramas. Ansari’s remarks suggest a thoughtful approach to his craft, balancing respect for scriptwriters with his own instincts about what feels authentic in the moment. Rather than dismissing scenes outright, he appears to favor small collaborative fixes that keep both the story’s intent and the performance’s believability intact. His comments come at a time when Pakistani television and film are increasingly under scrutiny for how they handle romantic and intimate content, with audiences and industry insiders alike weighing in on where the line should be drawn between authentic storytelling and content that feels unnecessary or forced.

  • |

    Foreign nationals seek asylum in Canada following world cup

    A total of 175 foreign visitors who travelled to Canada during the FIFA World Cup have formally requested asylum, triggering legal reviews under the country’s refugee protection laws. Canada issued approximately 26,000 visas for the tournament, which saw 13 matches staged across Toronto and Vancouver. While thousands of football fans globally applied for visitor visas to attend the fixtures, strict screening measures resulted in over 50 per cent of those applications being rejected. Immigration officials have not disclosed whether any athletes or team members are among the claimants. However, initial breakdown data indicates that 25 applicants are citizens of Ghana, while Egypt and Colombia account for 15 claims each, with total figures expected to climb further. Canadian authorities had issued warnings prior to the tournament clarifying that temporary visas obtained for the World Cup would not serve as an avenue to bypass immigration standards, remain beyond authorised stays or claim political asylum.

Leave a Reply

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