Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: Institute of Rural Management (IRM), in collaboration with the Human Resource Development Network (HRDN), hosted a high-level national seminar titled “Closing the Skills Gap: Women, Work and Sustainable Economic Growth” to discuss practical strategies for strengthening women’s participation in Pakistan’s workforce through skills development and inclusive economic policies.

The event brought together senior government officials, development practitioners, academicians, civil society representatives, private sector leaders, media professionals and development partners, said a press release issued here.

Barrister Nabeel Ahmad Awan, Secretary, Establishment Division, Government of Pakistan, attended the event as the chief guest.

Addressing the seminar, he said women’s economic participation is a national priority and emphasized that Pakistan’s inclusive and sustainable growth depends on equipping women with market-driven skills, digital literacy, entrepreneurship opportunities, financial inclusion, and stronger linkages to employment and markets.

He also appreciated IRM for organizing a timely platform that fostered collaboration among the government, academia, development partners and the private sector to translate dialogue into practical action.

Earlier, IRM Chief Executive Officer Dr Roomi S. Hayat welcomed the participants and reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to strengthening human capital development across Pakistan. He said skills development goes beyond employment by creating opportunities, empowering communities and contributing to national prosperity.

Dr Hayat stressed the need for stronger partnerships among the government, educational institutions, industry and development partners to bridge the gap between education, skills and labour market demands while promoting women’s economic participation.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr Noor Fatima, Director of HRDN and Head of the Department of International Relations and Political Science at the International Islamic University Islamabad. Speaking on the theme “Women, Skills and Sustainable Economic Growth in Pakistan,” she highlighted the importance of investing in women’s education, future-ready skills and policy reforms to unlock Pakistan’s economic potential and achieve inclusive development.

During the strategic reflections session, former Federal Secretary Fareena Mazhar said women’s skills development should be viewed as an economic growth agenda rather than a welfare initiative. She emphasized the need to move beyond certificate-based training towards outcome-oriented programmes that lead to employment, entrepreneurship, income generation and greater market access.

She further stressed the importance of equipping women with digital skills, financial literacy, e-commerce capabilities and climate-smart livelihood opportunities while strengthening partnerships among the government, the private sector, training institutions and civil society.

The seminar also featured a moderated discussion, enabling participants from government institutions, academia, development organizations and the private sector to exchange ideas and share recommendations on strengthening Pakistan’s skills ecosystem and expanding economic opportunities for women.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Israr Mohammad Khan, Director General of the Akhtar Hameed Khan National Centre for Rural Development (AHKNCRD).

He appreciated the contributions of the chief guest, speakers, participants and the IRM team for organizing a meaningful forum.

During his remarks, he proposed that, considering IRM’s institutional experience and nationwide outreach, the organization be considered for recognition as a Centre of Excellence for Skills Development, Women’s Economic Empowerment and Rural Capacity Building through the appropriate official process.

Souvenirs were presented to the distinguished guests, followed by a group photograph and a networking session, reaffirming the shared commitment of all stakeholders to advancing women’s skills, inclusive employment and sustainable economic growth in Pakistan.

It is to mention here that for more than 30 years, IRM has remained at the forefront of human resource development and institutional capacity building in Pakistan. Through its nationwide programmes, the institute has trained more than 1.5 million individuals, empowering women, youth, professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to drive sustainable development and economic progress.

As a leading national network dedicated to human resource development, HRDN contributed to the seminar by bringing together its extensive network of development practitioners, policymakers and professionals, enriching the dialogue on workforce development, gender inclusion and policy innovation.

Islamabad: The Pakistan Museum of Natural History (PMNH) has opened registration for its Biodiversity Challenge Badge 2026, a month-long educational programme aimed at engaging young students in biodiversity conservation through interactive learning and hands-on activities.

According to the PMNH, the programme has been designed for students aged 11 to 15 years and will consist of four weekly sessions, beginning from July 15, at the museum premises.

The programme will introduce participants to land, air and water biodiversity, as well as the biodiversity of Pakistan, through a series of educational activities including nature walks, food chain exercises, leaf printing art, bird beak adaptation games, tree biodiversity hunts, air pollution experiments, water ecosystem exploration, water pollution activities, ocean biodiversity gallery exploration, clay modelling of native animals and conservation pledge activities.

The initiative aims to enhance environmental awareness among young learners by providing practical exposure to Pakistan’s diverse ecosystems, wildlife and conservation efforts.

The participants who complete the programme will receive a Biodiversity Challenge Badge, a participation certificate, hands-on learning experience and environmental awareness skills. The participation fee has been fixed at Rs4,000 per participant for the complete programme.

The interested students and parents can register online at: https: //docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSduoPGNto7_i-Zmf9nZu9nbkwrGhZ-X7Ov-VWBPX1_HLxzlZg/viewform?usp=sharing and ouid=118007981006038800584.

The registration will remain open until the available seats are filled, urging interested participants to apply at their earliest.

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Islamabad: Deputy Chairman Senate Syedal Khan Nasar Sunday paid glowing tribute to Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed (Nishan-e-Haider) on the occasion of his 27th martyrdom anniversary, describing him as a symbol of extraordinary courage, unwavering patriotism, and supreme sacrifice for the defence of Pakistan.

He said that Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed displayed exceptional bravery and exemplary leadership during the Kargil conflict, setting a timeless example of devotion to duty that continues to inspire future generations.

He added that the sacrifices of Pakistan’s martyrs remain the foundation of the country’s security, sovereignty, and national resilience.

The Deputy Chairman Senate said that the nation will always remember its martyrs with profound respect and gratitude, as their sacrifices have strengthened the spirit of unity and patriotism.

He prayed for the elevation of the martyr’s ranks and for lasting peace, stability, and prosperity for Pakistan.

Islamabad: Political leaders, eminent religious scholars and people from all walks of life paid glowing tribute to Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed (Nishan-e-Haider) on his 27th martyrdom anniversary, while social media echoed with heartfelt tributes, sharing his inspiring life and immortal legacy.

Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed, who was born in District Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 1970, embraced martyrdom during the Kargil conflict of 1999 while displaying exceptional bravery and leadership in the defence of the motherland.

He was later awarded the country’s highest military honour, Nishan-e-Haider, for his supreme sacrifice and outstanding gallantry. On his martyrdom anniversary, media reports and social media posts widely paid tribute to the national hero, highlighting his courage, devotion and enduring legacy of valor and sacrifice.

Religious scholars paid heartfelt and rich tribute to Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed (Nishan-e-Haider) on his anniversary, describing him as a shining symbol of unmatched courage, unwavering faith and supreme sacrifice for the homeland.

They said the martyrs of Pakistan have written history with their blood, and their sacrifices continue to illuminate the path of the nation, adding, Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed’ s legacy stands as an eternal reminder of valor, unity and the unbreakable spirit of defending the motherland.

Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, in his remarks, said Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed wrote history with his blood through unmatched bravery and unwavering commitment to duty.

He added that the sacrifices of Pakistan’s martyrs are the nation’s greatest pride and an everlasting beacon of honour, resilience, and devotion to the country.

PPP leader and Senator Sherry Rehman also paid tribute, saying that Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed is remembered as a national hero whose courage and sacrifice represent the highest traditions of valour.

She said the nation remains united in honoring its martyrs, whose sacrifices continue to uphold Pakistan’s dignity, security and sovereignty.

PPP leader Sharmila Farooqui also paid tribute, saying that Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed is remembered as a national hero whose courage and sacrifice reflect the highest ideals of patriotism and valour. She said the nation stands united in honoring its martyrs, whose sacrifices continue to safeguard the country’s dignity, peace and sovereignty.

Citizens also paid tribute to Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed (Nishan-e-Haider), saying his courage and sacrifice remain a source of national pride. They said his legacy continues to inspire love for the homeland and respect for the armed forces.

They added that the martyrs of Pakistan are the true heroes of the nation, whose sacrifices will always be remembered with honour and gratitude.

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari, Saturday, extended felicitations to the President of the United States of America Donald Trump and the American people on the momentous occasion of the United States’ 250 years since the Declaration of Independence.

In his letter to the US President, he said that the United States continued to build upon its enduring legacy of strength, innovation and commitment to the ideals of freedom, democracy and opportunity.

He noted that the remarkable achievements of the American people over the past two and a half centuries have contributed significantly to global progress and prosperity, President Secretariat Media Wing said in a press release

President Zardari said that Pakistan and the United States shared a long-standing relationship based on mutual respect, shared interests and a common commitment to advancing peace, security and prosperity.

He emphasised that these enduring ties have been further strengthened by the vibrant Pakistani-American community, whose achievements and contributions continue to enrich both societies while serving as a lasting bridge of friendship and understanding.

‘Describing the bilateral relationship as being on an ascendant trajectory, characterised by renewed engagement and a shared determination to build a stronger, future-oriented partnership, the President stressed the importance of sustaining this momentum through structured engagement in energy security, trade and investment, defence and counter-terrorism, and other areas of mutual interest,’ it was added.

Underscoring that a strong Pakistan-US partnership directly contributes to regional peace and security, the president noted that its inherent value was validated last year in May, when President Trump led the successful brokering of a ceasefire between the two nuclear-armed states.

He further said that with an evolving global landscape, this partnership strengthens, expressing appreciation for the trust and confidence placed by the US in Pakistan’s mediatory role for negotiations with Iran.

The president expressed his firm conviction that a sustainable solution could only be achieved through dialogue, diplomacy and de-escalation.

President Zardari conveyed that the people of Pakistan would be honoured to host President Trump in Islamabad at his earliest convenience.

Islamabad: In drawing rooms across Pakistan, and much of South Asia, the conversation often ends before it truly begins. All it takes is one question: “Log kya kahen gy” or “What will people say?” Positive choices, difficult conversations, and even deeply personal decisions are often left unspoken or abandoned for fear of crossing social norms. It is rarely argued with. It is simply repeated from generation to generation until it stops sounding like a question and starts sounding like a verdict, one that often leaves a lasting psychological toll.

A 2022 study published in the Journal of Pakistan Psychiatric Society found that fear of social judgment was among the top three stressors reported by young adults seeking therapy. It ranked close behind financial pressure and family conflict and often overlapped with both.

“In our culture, the self is never just an individual. It’s an extension of the family,” said Dr. Hamza Siraj, Clinical Psychologist at Pak Medical Center, Kahuta, talking to reporter .

“When a client tells me they’re depressed, I don’t just ask what’s wrong with them. I ask what they’ve given up to keep other people comfortable.”

That sacrifice plays out in ordinary lives, not headlines.

Ayesha Tariq, a 29-year-old graphic designer from Kahuta, turned down a fully funded scholarship abroad after her in-laws raised concerns about “what people would say” regarding a married woman living alone overseas.

“I told myself it was my own choice,” she says. “But really, I was just tired of being the topic of conversation at every gathering before I’d even left the country, she expressed herself talking to this news agency.”

For others, the pressure shapes decisions that last decades.

Bilal Ahmed, 34, from Faisalabad, stayed in an unhappy marriage for nine years.

“My mother said if I left her, no one would marry my sisters,” he recalled talking to this news agency. “So I stopped being a husband and became a sacrifice instead.”

Sociologists say this fear is not entirely irrational. In tightly knit communities, one family member’s choices can genuinely affect siblings’ marriage prospects and social standing. That is exactly what gives “log kya kahen gy” its grip.

Ayesha Farooq, a Sociologist who studies family structures in Punjab in response to an reporter query said, “The sad part is that most of the fears people carry exist more in their minds than in reality.”

“The tragedy is that the people most afraid of judgment are rarely judged as harshly as they imagine. They’ve simply been trained to expect the worst.”

Shayan Ahmed, 24, from Rawalpindi, left an engineering degree to pursue music professionally.

“Relatives still introduce me as ‘the one who wasted his degree,'” he said talking to this scribe.

“Nobody asks if I’m happy. They ask if I’ve ‘settled down’ yet. As if happiness is a side effect and stability is the only real goal.”

Women often face more judgement.

“Mothers delay leaving abusive marriages, young women turn down promotions that involve travel and brides diet aggressively before weddings. All shaped by an audience that’s mostly imaginary,” said Ayesha Farooq.

“But psychologically, it functions like a very real law.”

Parents feel caught in the system too.

“I want my daughter to choose her own path,” says Nadia Hussain, a schoolteacher and mother in Kahuta.

“But the moment she does something different, I’m the one fielding questions from relatives for months. It wears you down, even as a parent.”

Employers and educators are beginning to notice the toll this takes on confidence and decision-making in younger employees.

“Fresh graduates often hesitate to take career risks, not because they lack skill but because they’re terrified of how failure will look to their family,” said Uzair Alvi, a career counsellor at Comsats University responding to an reporter query.

“We end up coaching people out of fear before we coach them into the job.”

Pakistan’s mental health infrastructure remains thin relative to need.

The World Health Organization has repeatedly flagged the country’s psychiatrist-to-population ratio as among the lowest in the region. This leaves many people who internalize this pressure with little structured support to process it.

Experts say breaking the grip of “log kya kahen gy” does not require rejecting family or community. It requires renegotiating the terms.

Dr. Hamza Siraj recommends therapy that addresses collective shame directly rather than treating it as a side issue. He also encourages family conversations that separate love from control.

“Healthy families ask if you’re okay,” he says. “Unhealthy ones ask what the neighbours will think.”

As Ayesha puts it while looking back at the scholarship she didn’t take:

“I used to think that was the dream I lost. Now I think the real loss was believing strangers’ opinions mattered more than my own life.”