STEVTA to upgrade 30 institutes as model training institutes across Sindh


Karachi: Sindh Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (STEVTA) in an important meeting has formally decided to designate five institutions from each of the six divisions in the province as model institutes.



Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Sindh, who is the Chairperson of STEVTA, Junaid Buland, chaired the meeting with senior officials of the authority held at STEVTA’s headquarters here, said a statement on Friday.



Munawar Ali Mithani, Managing Director of STEVTA, Zulfiqar Jatoi, Director of Human Resources, and Yusuf Baloch, Director of Academics and Training also attended the meeting.



Junaid Buland said that the selected institutions will now become part of the Sindh government’s comprehensive strategy to increase technical and vocational training opportunities for the youth of the province.



He said that these institutes will provide vital training to young people in fields such as engineering, IT, and other key areas.



He said that this initiative aims to raise educational standards and meet the growing demand for skilled youth in key industries.



“This step is crucial in equipping our youth with the necessary skills to succeed in today’s job market. The leadership of the Pakistan People’s Party has always strived to improve the economy of Sindh, and it is Bilawal Bhutto’s vision to skill our youth.



He said that we are committed to modernizing these institutions, upgrading their infrastructure, and ensuring that they provide training tailored to industry needs.”



Junaid Buland further mentioned that new courses would also be introduced as part of the initiative to establish 30 model institutes, which would align with the demands of current industries.



“We are not just focusing on the buildings, but also updating teaching methods and resources to ensure these institutes provide high-quality vocational education,” he stated.



He said that this initiative also includes establishing relationships with local industries to create apprenticeship programs and better employment opportunities for graduate students.



In addition to infrastructure development, the transformation of these training institutes into model institutes is expected to have a significant impact on the economic development of youth of Sindh, he said.



Govt taking decisions to increase productivity in every sector: Pervaiz Malik


Islamabad: Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Ali Pervaiz Malik on Friday said that government under the leadership of Shehbaz Sharif, is taking hard decisions to increase productivity in every sector. We are working on energy sector to reduce power tariff so that industrial sector could produce more results in near future, he said while talking to state news channel.



The focus has also been given to control power theft in different parts of the provinces, he said adding that improvement is being made in transmission lines to avoid losses. The government is determined to bring reforms in the expenditure side, he said. Increasing exports and expanding tax-network are also the priorities set by the government, he added.



In reply to a question about privatization, he said participation of the private sector could help speed up the process of privatization. All out efforts are being made to achieve objectives in the privatization sector, he said adding that right sizing of some institutions are also in progress. To a question, he said, political stability is vital to achieve targets set by the government for ‘Orann Pakistan’.



ACP celebrates Nisar Bazmi’s 100th birth anniversary today

Karachi: Arts Council of Pakistan (ACP) Karachi will celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of the legendary musician, Nisar Bazmi. A special event will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 6: 30 PM at the Haseena Moin Hall, 1st Floor, Ahmed Shah Building, where the life and legacy of the maestro will be celebrated, said a press release issued here Friday.

The evening will also feature the book launch of "Kon Yaadon Ko Zanjeer Pehnayega" by Tanveer Ahmed Afridi, which is about Nisar Bazmi's remarkable journey. The event will be graced by the presence of renowned personalities from the music and entertainment industry, including Ikhlaq Bashir, Humaira Channa, Tanveer, Roz Mary, Waheed Khayal, Arusa Ali, Faisal Latif, Shabana Qaiser, Sadaf Muneer, Zubair Yousafi, and Arif Ansari, who will add to the charm of the evening with their performances.

In addition, the event will be attended by President Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, Mohammad Ahmed Shah, and well-known actor Mustafa Qureshi, alongside other notable figures from the film and showbiz industry.

Health minister reviews diagnostic facilities at PIC Lab

Lahore: Punjab Minister for Health Khawaja Salman Rafique visited the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) Lab and Diagnostic Center on Friday to assess the modern diagnostic facilities being provided to patients.

During the visit, the minister reviewed echocardiography and other diagnostic services available at the center. He stated that, along with advanced pathology tests, the lab also offers ECG and echocardiography facilities to cater to patients' needs.

Khawaja Salman Rafique emphasized the importance of maintaining cleanliness at the lab and directed the staff to further enhance echocardiography services.

Medical Superintendent of the Punjab Institute of Cardiology, Dr. Shoaib Aslam, accompanied the minister during the visit.

Pharmacy Council to be fully automated: Khawaja Salman

Lahore: Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique announced the government's plan to fully automate the Punjab Pharmacy Council (PPC) during his visit to the institution on Friday.

Chairing a meeting to review PPC's performance, the minister emphasized the importance of modernizing pharmacy education and training to enhance the capacity of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in the province.

Speaking on the occasion, Khawaja Salman Rafique said, "Modern subjects will be introduced into the curriculum of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in medical colleges and universities across Punjab. Specialized training courses will be launched to improve their skills and capacity." He also highlighted the collaborative efforts of the Punjab and federal governments to strengthen the pharmacy sector.

The minister expressed his determination to enhance the Punjab Pharmacy Council's capacity, enabling it to play a pivotal role in improving healthcare delivery.

During the visit, Secretary Punjab Pharmacy Council, Dr. Zaka-ur-Rehman, briefed the minister on the council's performance and initiatives. Deputy Secretary Technical Department Specialized Health Care and Medical Education, Dr. Abdul Rehman, accompanied the minister, while Registrar Syed Ahmad Nazir Gilani and other officials were present.

Five wanted in triple murder netted

Attock: Police on Friday netted five suspects wanted in killing three persons while injuring two others over land dispute near Gullyal in the limits of Jand Police station on December 19. The dead and injured besides the assassins belong to the same family.

The spokesman of district Police has said that 50 years old Muhammad Mumriaz along with 30 years old Aamir Shahzad and 26 years old Muhammad Kamran was coming back to their village Chapri on their motorcycles when a group of masked men equipped with different weapons hiding behind bushes showered bullets over them resultantly all three received multiple bullet injuries and died on the spot while Jamal and Usman was injured. The Jand Police on the statement of Usman registered a triple murder case against the suspects and launched a haunt to arrest them. Police through human and digital intelligence traced the nominated suspects identified as Shahzad, Nazakat, Zulfiqar, Intisar and Qadeer during successful raids at their hideouts and sent them behind bars.