Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: Minister for Planning, Development and special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has reaffirmed his government' commitment to providing quality modern education for Pakistan's youth, emphasizing the need to bring the country's education system up to par with international standards, allowing students to compete globally.

"We are committed to providing quality education to our youth, enabling them to compete globally and address contemporary challenges," said Ahsan Iqbal while talking to a private news channel.

Pakistan is indeed shifting its focus towards STEM education to equip its youth with skills necessary for the 21st

century, he said, adding, this initiative aims to promote hands-on learning, critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students.

Ahsan Iqbal has reaffirmed that modern education is the key to unlocking Pakistan's global competitiveness and has committed to revamping the country's education system to ensure inclusive and sustainable national development.

He emphasized the importance of skill-based education for the youth, saying it is crucial for them to acquire skills that are in demand in the modern job market, enabling them to compete effectively and secure better employment opportunities.

"Youth are the greatest assets of the nation and investing in their education and skills development is essential for Pakistan's progress and prosperity," Ahsan Iqbal said.

Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the government's initiatives for youth empowerment, including the Youth Loan Scheme, Skill Development Programs and the Laptop Scheme, aimed at providing financial support, skills training and digital access to young Pakistanis, enabling them to unlock their potential and contribute to the country's growth.

Islamabad: Second-hand market popularly known as 'Landa Bazaar' had undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, evolving into a vibrant hub for entrepreneurial activity that brings buyers and sellers together in a dynamic and thriving marketplace.

For small business owners and entrepreneurs, second-hand market had offered a unique opportunity to turn their passions into successful ventures.

As a hub for business ventures, second-hand market was breaking down barriers and creating a level playing field for women and men to pursue their business dreams.

By providing a physical space for buyers and sellers to interact, it had created a dynamic ecosystem that fosters innovation, creativity, and growth.

Kinza , a young and ambitious businesswoman who had been selling vintage clothing and accessories at second-hand market for the past year shared her experience.

She said that"Landa Bazar had been a game-changer for me and not only has it provided me with a platform to showcase my products, but it has also given me the opportunity to connect with customers and get feedback on my business."

She emphasized that starting a business in second-hand market doesn't require a hefty investment; even with a modest amount, one can take the first step towards entrepreneurship.

She said that second-hand market has become a beacon of entrepreneurial spirit, offering a dynamic space for buyers and sellers to converge, innovate, and grow their businesses.

"Whether you were a seasoned business owner or just starting out, second-hand market is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to turn their passions into successful ventures, so come and explore the sights, sounds, and entrepreneurial spirit of Landa Bazaar - you never know what opportunities you might discover, she stated.

Another entrepreneur Talib khan a skilled craftsman shared his experience said that

"Landa Bazar is more than just a marketplace, it's a community,the other sellers and I support and encourage each other, sharing tips and advice on how to grow our businesses."

He told that after struggling to find his footing in previous business ventures, he stumbled upon Landa Bazar, which became the catalyst for his success as an entrepreneur, and he hasn't looked back since.

He encouraged others to take a chance and explore the opportunities available in second-hand market Bazaar, assuring them that it would be a worthwhile endeavor."

\778

Islamabad: Most parts of the country are expected to experience cold and dry weather on Monday, while light rain and snowfall are likely in select northern and western regions, bringing a slight change in conditions for some areas.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), a light rain-thunderstorm accompanied by snowfall over the hills is expected at isolated locations in Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and northwestern Balochistan.

These areas may witness brief but noticeable precipitation, offering temporary relief from the otherwise dry and chilly spell.

In the federal capital, Islamabad, and its surroundings, the weather will remain cold and dry throughout the day, with temperatures likely to drop further at night.

Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will experience similar cold and dry conditions in most districts, with northern parts turning even colder during nighttime. Light rain and snowfall are expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Battagram, and their adjacent areas, making travel in these regions slightly challenging.

In Punjab, cold and dry weather will dominate most districts, though Murree, Galiyat, and their surroundings may experience partly cloudy conditions with chilly temperatures.

Sindh will remain largely dry with occasional patches of clouds scattered across different districts.

Balochistan, known for its biting winter winds, is expected to remain cold and partly cloudy. However, some districts, including Quetta, Ziarat, Qalat, Khuzdar, Qila Abdullah, Chaman, Pashin, and Chaghi, may receive light rain and thunderstorms. The higher altitudes in these regions could also see light snowfall, adding to the wintry landscape.

Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan are set to witness cold and cloudy weather, with isolated places in Gilgit-Baltistan likely to receive light rain and snowfall.

Kashmir, on the other hand, will experience a mix of cold and partly cloudy conditions.

Over the past 24 hours, most parts of the country remained cold and dry, although some areas in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa received light rain and snowfall.

Malam Jabba recorded four millimeters of rainfall, while Pattan received three millimeters. Chitral, Dir, and Mir Khani each recorded one millimeter of rainfall, while Malam Jabba also reported a light snowfall of one inch.

The lowest temperatures recorded across the country highlighted the intensity of the cold wave.

Leh remained the coldest place with a freezing temperature of minus eight degrees Celsius, followed by Gupis and Kalam at minus four.

Bagrote recorded minus three degrees, while Skardu stood at minus two degrees Celsius.

As the cold spell continues, residents in affected areas are advised to brace for chilly conditions and remain prepared for possible rain and snowfall in hilly regions.

Islamabad: Pakistan team bagged a bronze medal in the 22nd Asian Junior Squash Team Championships 2025 at Hong Kong, China.

According to details received here Sunday, Korea grabbed a gold medal in the mega event while Malaysia got silver. Pakistan and India won bronze medals.

The closing ceremony of the 22nd Asian Junior Squash Team Championships 2025 was held and Pakistan achieved a bronze medal in the championship. Now, Pakistan has set sights on the next challenge for even greater success.

Pakistani players are back to their rigorous training regimen.

Islamabad: Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi, visited Pakistan on 12 and 13 February 2025, the Foreign Office spokesperson told on Sunday.

During the visit, DG IAEA called on the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister.

The discussions focused on expanding cooperation between Pakistan and the IAEA, particularly on the peaceful uses of nuclear technology to mitigate climate change.

Director General Grossi held formal talks with the Chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) and the Chairman of the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA). He was briefed on Pakistan's advancements in nuclear science and technology, including its contributions in agriculture, healthcare and energy production.

In Islamabad, the DG IAEA participated in the International Conference organized by the Pakistan-chapter of Women in Nuclear Field (WIN-Pakistan). Mr. Grossi praised the country's efforts in promoting women participation in the nuclear and allied disciplines. He also delivered a key note address at a seminar on the 'Role of Nuclear Science and Technology in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals', organized by the think tank Strategic Vision Institute (SVI).

In Lahore, the DG IAEA visited the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Oncology Lahore (INMOL). He inaugurated a new radio pharmaceutical laboratory and announced technical assistance under the IAEA's 'Rays of Hope' initiative.

The DG IAEA also visited under construction Chashma Power Plant unit 5 (C-5). He termed Pakistan's nuclear power generation program as one of the most successful program in the world. Grossi also inaugurated a radioactive waste incinerator at Chashma.

Director General Grossi last visited Pakistan in 2023. Pakistan is a founding member of the IAEA and enjoys a robust cooperation program with the agency. Pakistan actively contributes to the IAEA's decision-making process as a member of its Board of Governors. IAEA is recognized globally as the Specialized United Nations Agency for cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear technology.

Islamabad: Experts at a recent webinar emphasized the necessity of integrating technology into education, stating that those who fail to adapt will be left behind. They called for the modernization of teaching materials, advanced teacher training, and the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in academia.

The webinar, organized by Alliance Pakistan on Sunday, brought together university professors, school and college educators, IT specialists, and policymakers to discuss the opportunities and challenges posed by technological advancements in education.

Addressing the Webinar, Dr. Asad Munir from Allama Iqbal Open University remarked that while AI has brought a revolution, it remains a "half-cooked recipe," with many aspects still in the experimental phase. In Pakistan, students are largely misusing AI for plagiarized assignments rather than productive learning.

He announced that Allama Iqbal Open University is developing a system to prevent the submission of copied assignments. He also noted that high-quality AI tools are expensive and inaccessible to many, while most AI technologies available in Pakistan come with built-in cultural and ideological biases from their countries of origin. 'Until we develop our own AI tools, we will remain dependent on external technology,' he said.

Early Childhood Education Expert at the Ministry of Education, Dr. Shahida Kiani, noted that AI has eased the burden of non-teaching tasks for educators, allowing them to focus more on teaching. However, she emphasized the importance of training teachers and students to use AI responsibly.

Education specialist Dr. Sher Ali highlighted the unintended consequences of technological advancements, such as climate change and a decline in students' and teachers' ability to work hard. 'Technology has made learning easier, but it has also reduced the effort students and teachers put into academic work,' he said.

IT specialist Muhammad Kashif expressed concern over how technology is shaping society. "We were supposed to use technology, but unfortunately, technology is using us," he remarked. He pointed out that many students and teachers lack access to essential gadgets for online learning. He also urged parents to monitor their children's use of AI tools, cautioning against giving them unrestricted access.

Another education expert Mazhar Malik stressed the need to extend technological advancements to underprivileged regions. He acknowledged that challenges related to AI integration will be resolved over time but urged policymakers to ensure equitable access to digital resources.

Concluding the session, Dr. Tariq Khan, Convener of Alliance Pakistan, thanked the participants and remarked that the world is currently witnessing an era of 'Techno-Feudalism and Techno-Capitalism.' He stated that global competition is increasingly driven by technological advancements.

"Pakistan must integrate technology into education at the grassroots level," he asserted. "Our curriculum, teaching methods, and grading systems must align with modern technology to ensure global competitiveness.

Educationist Saima Awan, journalists Shabbir Hussain and Husna Khattak also addressed the webinar.