Month: July 2026

Islamabad: The Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (ICT-PEIRA) organized a distribution ceremony for appreciation certificates to honour private educational institutions that achieved 100% compliance with the authority’s key educational initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive, equitable, and quality education across the Islamabad Capital Territory.

The ceremony recognized schools that fully implemented ICT-PEIRA’s flagship initiatives, including the provision of 10% need-based scholarships under the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2012, free-of-cost education for deserving communities, and the enrollment of Out-of-School Children (OOSC) referred by ICT-PEIRA, said a press release.

The event was attended by the Chairman, ICT-PEIRA, Dr Ghulam Ali Mallah, Chairman, Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE), Professor Dr Ikram Ali Malik, senior officers of ICT-PEIRA, representatives of private educational institutions, recipients of appreciation certificates, and other distinguished guests.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman ICT-PEIRA, Dr Ghulam Ali Mallah, congratulated the recipient institutions for their exemplary commitment to educational excellence and social responsibility.

He stated that the remarkable response of private schools demonstrates their dedication to ensuring that every deserving child, regardless of financial background, has access to quality education.

He emphasized that the partnership between ICT-PEIRA and the private education sector has significantly strengthened the implementation of the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2012, expanded educational opportunities for underprivileged children, and supported the national mission of bringing Out-of-School Children into classrooms.

Dr Mallah further expressed his sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training for its continuous guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support in advancing educational reforms and promoting inclusive education in the Islamabad Capital Territory.

He reaffirmed ICT-PEIRA’s commitment to working closely with private educational institutions to further strengthen access, equity, and quality in education.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman FBISE, Professor Dr Ikram Ali Malik, appreciated the invaluable role played by private educational institutions in the development of Pakistan’s education sector.

He paid tribute to teachers serving in private schools who continue to educate and nurture future generations with dedication despite working under limited financial resources and comparatively modest salaries.

He also commended ICT-PEIRA for acknowledging and encouraging institutions that have gone beyond regulatory compliance to make meaningful contributions towards social welfare and educational inclusion.

During the ceremony, appreciation certificates were presented to the participating institutions in recognition of their outstanding performance, commitment to public service, and active support for ICT-PEIRA’s educational initiatives.

The ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment by ICT-PEIRA and the private education sector to continue working together for the promotion of inclusive, equitable, and quality education, ensuring that no child is deprived of the opportunity to learn and succeed.

Islamabad: The government is planning to launch a Rs 2.8 billion Leather Sector Skills Development Programme under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) to modernise training infrastructure, enhance workforce productivity, and strengthen export competitiveness.

According to documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the proposed initiative will be implemented by the Ministry of Industries and Production through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), in collaboration with the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) and provincial Technical Education and Vocational Training Authorities (TEVTAs).

The programme targets Pakistan’s leather, garments, footwear, and leather goods value chain, which currently employs around 400,000 workers across nearly 2,000 firms. Through the programme, the government plans to upgrade training facilities at the Institute of Leather Technology, Karachi, and a technical training facility in Gujranwala. The project aims to align workforce skills with modern industry requirements, increasing the sector’s capacity to attract investment and meet international compliance standards.

Key components of the initiative include a comprehensive skills gap assessment, the development of industry-aligned curricula, the rehabilitation and expansion of technical institutes, the installation of modern machinery and equipment, workforce certification programmes, and trainer capacity building through partnerships with national and international institutions.

The programme is expected to create a more productive and internationally competitive workforce, improve quality compliance, reduce production defects, and enhance buyer confidence in Pakistani leather products.

The project is also linked to the government’s broader export growth strategy, with planners aiming to help the leather sector achieve $2.5 billion in exports by 2039.

Under the proposed funding plan, Rs560 million will be allocated during FY2026-27, while Rs2.24 billion will be spent in FY2027-28. The project has no foreign-exchange component and is expected to be completed within two years.

The document states that public investment is essential because private firms alone cannot modernise the sector’s training ecosystem at the scale required. It adds that the initiative will help reduce compliance costs for SMEs and support Pakistan’s transition toward higher-value exports in global leather markets.

Islamabad: The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has recommended that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) evolve a formal administrative protocol to ensure that the implementation of the Ombudsman’s recommendations and the exercise of statutory powers under tax laws proceed in a coordinated manner, reinforcing rather than frustrating the taxpayer grievance redressal process.

The recommendation was made while disposing of implementation proceedings in a refund-related complaint, a news release said on Saturday.

During the hearing, the department informed the FTO that an amended assessment order under Section 122 of the Income Tax Ordinance had been passed after the Ombudsman’s recommendations were issued.

The FTO clarified that the legality of the assessment order falls within the exclusive jurisdiction of the statutory appellate fora and, therefore, refrained from expressing any opinion on its merits.

The Ombudsman, however, observed that once recommendations are issued, they should be implemented faithfully and in their true letter and spirit.

While recognising the department’s statutory authority to initiate proceedings under the Income Tax Ordinance wherever legally justified, the FTO emphasised that such powers should be exercised in a manner consistent with the implementation process before the Ombudsman.

The order observed that good administration requires harmonisation of statutory tax powers with the implementation of the Ombudsman’s recommendations, as the two processes are intended to complement, not defeat each other.

The FTO recommended that the FBR issue administrative instructions to all field formations for the faithful implementation of the Ombudsman’s recommendations and develop a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for cases where statutory proceedings become necessary after such recommendations have been issued.

The Ombudsman observed that the effectiveness of Pakistan’s tax grievance redressal system depends not merely on the acceptance of the Ombudsman’s recommendations but on their timely, faithful and meaningful implementation.

It reaffirmed that statutory tax powers and the Ombudsman’s recommendations are intended to operate in aid of good administration rather than at cross-purposes.

Islamabad: President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Sardar Tahir Mehmood, said that Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) have become a globally recognized instrument for accelerating economic growth, infrastructure development and sustainable investment.

Addressing a presentation organized under the ICCI Sister Cities Initiative, he observed that Pakistan requires significant investment in transport, energy, urban infrastructure, healthcare, education, housing and municipal services, adding that the PPP model offers an effective mechanism to mobilize private capital, enhance efficiency and support long-term development objectives.

Mohammad Awais, Deputy Head Policy, Public Private Partnership Authority (P3A) highlighted the evolving PPP landscape in the country and briefed participants on the general concepts of PPPs, regulatory framework, institutional mechanisms and the development cycle of PPP projects.

He emphasized that P3A is committed to creating an enabling environment that promotes private sector participation, strengthens investor confidence and facilitates the implementation of viable and sustainable infrastructure initiatives.

Sardar Tahir Mehmood reiterated that ICCI remains steadfast in its efforts to build stronger synergies between the public and private sectors through dialogue, knowledge-sharing platforms and investment-focused initiatives.

He noted that the ICCI Sister Cities Initiative serves as an important avenue for fostering institutional cooperation, promoting innovation and facilitating the exchange of expertise for economic advancement.

Sajid Iqbal, Convener ICCI Sister Cities Initiative, said that creating awareness about innovative financing mechanisms and investment models is essential for unlocking Pakistan’s development potential.

The session was attended by members of the ICCI Executive Committee, investors, developers, representatives of financial institutions, consultants and business leaders.

Islamabad: Rwanda celebrates its national day with great enthusiasm and patriotic spirit, commemorating the country’s journey toward peace, unity, and national renewal.

The occasion is marked by vibrant cultural performances, official ceremonies, community gatherings, and messages highlighting Rwanda’s remarkable progress in economic development, good governance, and social transformation.

Rwanda’s National Day holds profound historical significance. It marks the end of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi and the beginning of a new chapter focused on reconciliation, stability, and nation-building.

Over the past three decades, the East African nation has emerged as a symbol of resilience, demonstrating how determined leadership and national unity can overcome even the darkest periods of history.

Today, Rwanda is widely recognized as one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies. Through strategic investments in infrastructure, technology, tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing, the country has achieved impressive economic growth.

Kigali, the nation’s capital, has earned international recognition for its cleanliness, safety, and modern urban planning, while Rwanda has become an attractive destination for foreign investment and international conferences.

Politically, Rwanda has emphasized accountable governance, institutional reforms, and public service delivery.

The government has pursued policies aimed at strengthening national unity, promoting security, expanding healthcare, and improving access to quality education.

Rwanda has also gained international recognition for advancing women’s participation in politics, with women holding one of the highest proportions of parliamentary seats in the world.

Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage remains a cornerstone of its national identity. Traditional dance, music, poetry, handicrafts, and cultural festivals continue to preserve the country’s customs while fostering social cohesion.

The iconic Intore dancers, traditional drumming, and vibrant artistic expressions reflect the pride and diversity of Rwandan society.

The country’s breathtaking natural attractions, including mountain gorillas, national parks, and scenic landscapes, have further strengthened its global tourism appeal.

On the international stage, Rwanda has become an active contributor to regional peace, diplomacy, and sustainable development.

The country maintains constructive relations with nations across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas while actively participating in global efforts to address climate change, peacekeeping, and economic cooperation.

As Rwanda celebrates another National Day with zeal and zest, the occasion serves as a tribute to the resilience of its people and the country’s extraordinary transformation.

It also offers an opportunity to reflect on the values of unity, reconciliation, innovation, and inclusive development that continue to shape Rwanda’s future. The celebration stands not only as a national milestone but also as an inspiring example of how determination, visionary leadership, and collective effort can build a peaceful, prosperous, and forward-looking nation.

Meanwhile local business leaders have extended their heartfelt congratulations to the government and people of Rwanda on the occasion of the country’s National Day, describing Rwanda as one of Africa’s most promising and rapidly emerging economies.

Speaking to reporter on Saturday, Senior Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Zaki Aijaz, congratulated the Rwandan nation and praised the country’s remarkable economic transformation.

Senior business leader said Rwanda has emerged as a high-potential economy, maintaining an impressive average GDP growth rate of around 9 percent over the past 25 years.

He noted that Rwanda’s commitment to economic reforms, good governance, investment-friendly policies, and sustainable development has made it a model of progress in Africa.

On the occasion, President of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr.Usman Shauka, also conveyed his warm congratulations to the people of Rwanda on their National Day.

President RCCI said Rwanda’s impressive economic growth and political stability have created immense opportunities for international trade and investment.

He emphasized that Rwanda is an emerging economic hub in Africa, offering significant prospects for Pakistan’s business community in sectors such as trade, agriculture, manufacturing, information technology, tourism, and services.

He expressed hope that stronger economic and trade ties between Pakistan and Rwanda would contribute to increased bilateral trade, investment, and mutually beneficial economic cooperation in the years ahead.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Energy (Power Division) Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari on Saturday said Pakistan had undertaken far-reaching structural reforms in its power sector, reducing distribution inefficiencies by more than 45 percent over the last two years.

Addressing Turkish investors at the Pakistan-Turkiye Business Conference, the minister said the government had restructured power distribution companies and prepared them for privatization as part of a comprehensive reform agenda aimed at improving efficiency, transparency and service delivery.

He said the reforms had yielded significant results, with inefficiencies in the distribution sector declining by over 45 percent in just two years.

Leghari said Pakistan was fully committed to privatization and had enacted legislation barring the government from establishing or purchasing any new electricity generation companies in the future.

He said competitive electricity markets had been introduced, while an Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO) had been established to ensure transparent and efficient dispatch of electricity across the national grid.

The minister said the National Grid company had been restructured and split into two parts and it’s operating in a much more efficient manner than we had seen anytime in the country in the past.

Highlighting investment opportunities, he said the government planned to modernize and digitize electricity metering systems to improve transparency, facilitate future planning and curb power losses and electricity theft in distribution companies.

He said metering systems alone offered investment opportunities exceeding US $1.7 billion over the next two to three years.

Leghari said the transmission lines, which have a very high utilization factor presented another $830 million investment opportunity over the next four years.

He said five electricity distribution companies that would not be privatized during the first phase were being prepared for large-scale investments in advanced metering systems, with individual project sizes ranging between US$100 million and US$150 million.

On the transmission side, he said the government had identified two investment clusters worth US$518 million and US$312 million.

The minister said the first cluster, consisting of four transmission lines, was scheduled for completion by 2029, while the second cluster of three transmission lines would be completed by 2030.

He said investors would have the flexibility to participate in individual transmission line projects.

Leghari said techno-economic feasibility studies for the transmission projects had already been completed, while environmental assessments were underway. He added that bankable feasibility studies would be finalized by August.

The minister also highlighted Pakistan’s growing focus on battery energy storage systems, saying such technologies were essential for ensuring grid stability and supporting the country’s transition towards a modern, efficient and reliable power sector.