Day: July 19, 2026

Islamabad: IRM has hosted the ‘Alumni Success Stories Showcase: The Power of Possibility’ under the IRM Smart STEP (Social Transformation and Empowerment Programme) and Southern Punjab Poverty Alleviation Project (SPPAP), bringing together development leaders, partners especially IFAD, and stakeholders to celebrate the remarkable achievements of young entrepreneurs from across Pakistan.

The event recognized young women and men graduates who successfully completed specialized training in Technical and Vocational Skills, Digital Marketing, and E-Commerce and have gone on to establish thriving businesses, secure sustainable livelihoods, and contribute actively to Pakistan’s evolving economy.

Many of these successful entrepreneurs hailed from remote and underserved areas, demonstrating that access to quality skills training and opportunities can unlock extraordinary potential regardless of geography, said a press release issued here on Saturday.

The showcase featured inspiring stories of resilience, determination, and innovation, highlighting how young men and women have transformed their lives through market-relevant skills and entrepreneurship.

Participants shared their journeys of overcoming challenges, building enterprises, generating income, and creating opportunities for others within their communities.

IRM was honored to welcome distinguished guests and representatives from leading development and partner organizations, including Dr. Roomi S. Hayat – CEO IRM, Dr. Rashid Bajwa – CEO National Rural Support Program (NRSP), Dr. Allah Nawaz – CEO Thardeep Rural Development Program (TRDP), Sahibzada G. Mohyuddin – CEO Trust For Voluntary Organizations (TVO), Robeela Bangash – CEO Human Resource Development Network (HRDN), Asghar Nassar – Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority (SMEDA), Ayesha Quresh from International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Rabia Razzaque from International Labour Organization (ILO), Najaf Khan from Asian Development Bank (ADB), Farva Minhas from The Asia Foundation (TAF), Jarahmeel Jalal and Solomon Cornelius from Tearfund, Sarmad Iqbal from Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), Adnan Imran from the State Bank of Pakistan, Khurram Shehzad from Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) and representatives from Kindernothilfe (KNH) and others.

Their presence reflected a collective commitment to youth empowerment, skills development, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic growth.

The audience, comprising development practitioners, partners, stakeholders, and community representatives, expressed great appreciation for the accomplishments of the alumni. Many attendees shared that the success stories were both inspiring and encouraging, demonstrating the transformative impact of skills development programmes in creating sustainable livelihoods, particularly in remote and marginalized regions of the country.

Speaking on the occasion, IRM’s CEO, Dr. Roomi S. Hayat reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to empowering youth through demand-driven skills development and entrepreneurship initiatives. Through these initiatives and projects, IRM continues to equip young people with the technical, vocational, and digital competencies needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven economy.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment from partners and stakeholders to continue supporting initiatives that create pathways for economic empowerment, social inclusion, and sustainable development. The achievements of the alumni stand as a powerful reminder that with the right opportunities, training, and support, young people can transform not only their own futures but also the future of their communities.

Islamabad: Speaker of National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Saturday said the day symbolizes the Kashmiri people’s deep-rooted bond with Pakistan, reflecting their shared history, religion, culture and civilization, as well as their unwavering commitment to achieving their internationally recognized right to self-determination.

In his message on the occasion of ‘Accession to Pakistan Day, he said that the Pakistani nation will always stand shoulder to shoulder with its Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their just struggle and will continue to extend wholehearted support to their legitimate aspirations.

Ayaz Sadiq said that on July 19, 1947, through a resolution passed at the historic session of the All-Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference in Srinagar, the resolve to accede to Pakistan was formally expressed, and it is in commemoration of this momentous occasion that ‘Accession to Pakistan Day’ is observed every year.

He said that this historic resolution was a true reflection of the collective sentiments of the Muslims of the subcontinent, the Two-Nation Theory, and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, and it came to occupy the status of a landmark milestone in the history of the Kashmir cause.

Ayaz Sadiq said that the dispute of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir is a longstanding issue inextricably linked to lasting peace and stability in South Asia, whose just and durable resolution in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people is an absolute necessity.

He said that the international community must take effective cognizance of the grave human rights violations in IIOJK and play its due role in ensuring that the Kashmiri people are accorded their fundamental right to self-determination.

Ayaz Sadiq said that the Parliament of Pakistan has always stood united in its support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.

In this context, the Parliament has passed several unanimous resolutions against human rights violations in IIOJK, drawing the attention of the international community to this longstanding dispute, and will continue to raise the Kashmiri people’s voice effectively on every national, regional and international forum.

He said that the Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir is playing an active role in highlighting the Kashmir issue effectively at national and international levels and conveying the voice of the Kashmiri people to the global community.

Ayaz Sadiq reiterated the resolve that Pakistan will continue its political, diplomatic, and moral support for the Kashmiri people at every level. He said that the sacrifices rendered by the Kashmiri people for freedom, justice, and the right to self-determination will never go in vain.

On this occasion, Deputy Speaker National Assembly, Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah said that ‘Accession to Pakistan Day’ is a symbol of the strong historical bonds, mutual trust and shared values between the Kashmiri people and the Pakistani nation.

He said that the Kashmiri people have rendered unparalleled sacrifices for freedom and the right to self-determination over the past several decades, and the entire nation salutes them.

He said that the Parliament of Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with the Kashmiri people and will continue its political, diplomatic and moral support until the attainment of their just rights.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Syed Mustafa Kamal on Saturday lauded the success of “Pakistan-China Pharmaceutical and Healthcare B2B Investment Conference 2026”, expecting around $850 million in agreements, including 16 agreements and 80 Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) in the conference.

While talking to media on second day of the conference, he expressed confidence to revolutionize Pakistan pharma and health sector by million dollars’ investment that would not only promote local production but also create new job opportunities.

He attributed the success of conference to the visionary and patriotic leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, calling the effects of the conference beneficial for future generations.

“Everything was made possible due to the leadership skills and vision of Shehbaz Sharif. Now a new era has begun between Pakistan and China; its results will go down to generations,” he added.

He said the conference focused on increasing the local production, including vaccines, preparation of raw materials and medical devices that would help to reduce the import bill and enhance the foreign reserves.

At present, Pakistan imports 90 percent of the raw materials for medicines, he said.

“The cost of vaccine imports could reach $1.2 billion by 2030,” he said, adding, “to remove Pakistan from import dependence, the production of local vaccine is imperative.”

Pakistan’s first vaccine policy has been prepared and approved by the cabinet, which would pave the way to produce the vaccine locally, he said, adding that local production of raw materials will reduce the prices of medicines.

Regarding research and development in the pharma sector, he said, clinical research in the pharma sector Trials and vocational training agreements have also been signed, helping the sector to boost research and open new avenues in developing techniques, procedures and medicines to facilitate the public in controlling diseases.

Several reforms have been initiated in the health sector, he said, underscoring that 80 percent operations of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) made digital, enabling users to obtain their drug licenses by applying online from home.

“The license is issued via email within 20 days of registration on the DRAP portal,” he said.

He expressed confidence that Pakistan is gaining global recognition in pharma regulation, adding that Pakistan exports medicines to 52 countries at WHO Maturity Level 2 (ML2).

He maintained that DRAP would achieve WHO Maturity Level 3 (ML3) accreditation by April 2027, after which it would open the way for exports to 100 more countries.

Signing of the agreements in the pharma sector is proof of Pakistan’s business potential, highlighted by the participation of a large number of Chinese companies, the minister said.

While concluding, he expressed satisfaction over the achievement of goals in the conference and urged stakeholders to capitalise on new investment opportunities, so that the benefits of new investments and business agreements would reach the people.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for national health services, regulations and coordination Syed Mustafa Kamal on Saturday stated that Pakistan offered significant investment opportunities in the pharmaceutical sector, urging Chinese companies to strengthen partnerships with Pakistani firms through the B2B investment platform.

He said these views while addressing the “Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference 2026”, adding that Pakistan’s geographical location and investment environment offered attractive opportunities for investors.

The Minister underscored that the pharmaceutical industry was directly linked to public health and would continue to remain a priority sector for the country.

He said that the investment in Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry would provide access not only to the domestic market but also to regional and international markets.

Kamal expressed confidence that the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) would achieve the WHO Maturity Level 3 (ML3) accreditation by April 2027 after completing the required regulatory benchmarks.

He said the milestone would significantly enhance Pakistan’s pharmaceutical regulatory system, enabling the country to export pharmaceutical products to more than 100 additional international markets.

Referring to the memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and agreements signed during the conference, Mustafa Kamal said the government’s priority was to ensure their effective implementation.

The minister assured local and Chinese investors that the government and the Ministry of National Health Services would provide all possible facilitation, like cutting red tape, to help investment projects materialise.

Concluding his address,Kamal thanked the Chinese delegates for participating in the conference and expressed confidence that the two-day event would further strengthen Pakistan-China cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector and open new avenues for trade and investmen.

Islamabad: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi chaired an important meeting with Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Security Rana Umar Farooq to review the overall security situation in the federal capital and measures for safeguarding sensitive installations.

An official told reporter on Saturday that the meeting discussed the prevailing security environment, protective arrangements at key and sensitive locations, emerging security challenges and the ongoing measures being taken to ensure the safety of citizens and their property.

The IGP Rizvi reviewed the operational preparedness of the Security Division and directed the officers to further strengthen security arrangements through enhanced vigilance, intelligence-based coordination and effective deployment of personnel.

Rizvi emphasized that ensuring foolproof security at sensitive installations and maintaining public safety remained the top priority of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police.

He instructed the officers to remain fully alert, respond promptly to any security threat and continue proactive policing to maintain peace and law and order across the federal capital.

Islamabad: Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to sustainable, resilient and inclusive urban development at the United Nations High Level Meeting on the Midterm Review of the New Urban Agenda in New York, calling for climate resilient cities and greater youth empowerment to drive shared prosperity, according to a press release received here on Saturday.

Addressing the high level meeting, Rana Mashhood described the Midterm Review as a timely opportunity to assess global progress and renew the international community’s commitment to implementing the New Urban Agenda.

He said Pakistan, like many developing countries, is experiencing rapid urbanization that is placing increasing pressure on housing, transport, public safety and environmental sustainability, making urgent and coordinated action imperative.

Highlighting Pakistan’s response to climate challenges, he said the country is working with UN Habitat to develop a National Urban Strategy that places climate resilience at the centre of urban planning and development following the devastating urban and riverine floods of 2025 that claimed more than 1,000 lives.

He said Pakistan has reconstructed more than 400,000 homes for displaced families as part of its post flood recovery efforts and remains committed to embedding sustainable and resilient planning standards in national housing policies.

Rana Mashhood said the government is expanding affordable and low emission public transport systems to build cleaner, greener and more accessible cities across the country.

On social protection, Chief PMYP highlighted the continued expansion of the Benazir Income Support Programme, which now serves more than nine million families, while additional support is being extended to low income households in rapidly growing urban areas.

He said Safe City Authorities across Pakistan’s provinces are strengthening public safety through real time surveillance systems and integrated command and control centres.

Emphasising the central role of youth in national development, Rana Mashhood said nearly 67 per cent of Pakistan’s population comprises young people, making investment in education, skills development, employment and entrepreneurship essential for transforming urbanisation into a driver of economic growth and shared prosperity.

He highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, in collaboration with its partners, has launched Uraan Pakistan to connect young people with opportunities for skills development, employment and entrepreneurship.

Concluding his remarks, Rana Mashhood reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to work closely with all United Nations member states, share its experiences in managing rapid urbanisation and contribute to practical and lasting outcomes through the Midterm Review process for the benefit of present and future generations.