Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: The Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC) under the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (MOPHRD) here on Friday hosted a landmark event celebrating the launch of the IT and Japanese Language Internship Program in collaboration with Plus W Inc., Japan.

The event marked a significant step forward in OEC's mission to promote emigration opportunities and facilitate workforce placements in global markets, said a press release.

The program, themed 'Bridging Cultures and Careers - Empowering IT Graduates through Japanese Language and Advanced IT Training Opportunities in Japan,' aims to align Pakistan's youth with international employment demands.

The initiative focuses on equipping IT graduates with advanced skills in data science and cloud technologies while also preparing them in Japanese language proficiency (JLPT N5 and N4) for seamless integration into the Japanese workforce.

Federal Minister, MOPHRD Chaudhry Salik Hussain emphasized the importance of such initiatives in showcasing Pakistan's IT potential to the global market. He remarked that the IT sector is the backbone of modern economies and that Pakistan, with its talented youth, is well-positioned to contribute globally.

The minister also highlighted the critical role of Japanese language skills in bridging cultural and linguistic barriers, enabling Pakistani professionals to excel in international markets. He lauded the collaboration with Plus W as a beacon of mutual progress, reiterating the Ministry's commitment for increasing foreign employment opportunities for Pakistanis to bolster remittances and strengthen the national economy.

Managing Director, OEC Naseer Khan Kashani expressed pride in OEC's efforts to integrate general education graduates into structured migration streams. Highlighting the collaboration with 15 universities, he emphasized that this inaugural batch of 54 IT professionals represents the beginning of a journey that will expand to 4,000 professionals within the next year. He underscored OEC's strategic focus on bridging gaps in talent alignment and fostering international collaboration for sustainable workforce development.

Federal Secretary, MOPHRD, Dr. Arshad Mahmood detailed the Ministry's broader vision to enable Pakistan's workforce to compete on the global stage. He acknowledged the transformative potential of this program, which aligns seamlessly with the Ministry's goals of enhancing skill development, streamlining migration processes, and fostering bilateral partnerships. He highlighted the strategic alignment between stakeholders, including universities, foreign employers, and training partners, as key in addressing global workforce needs.

Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan Shuichi Akamatsu emphasized the historical ties between Pakistan and Japan, tracing them back to the 1950s when Pakistan supported Japan's postwar recovery. He noted that Japan's aging population and declining workforce present an opportunity for Pakistan to export its IT talent, creating a win-win situation for both nations. He reaffirmed Japan's commitment in deepening bilateral collaboration through such programs, which reflect a long-standing spirit of mutual support.

Founder and CEO, Plus W Inc. Japan, Wakako Sakurai highlighted Plus W's dedication in bridging the gap between Pakistani IT talent and Japanese organizations. She expressed optimism that this program would equip Pakistani professionals with the technical and linguistic skills needed to excel in Japan's workforce, strengthening ties between the two nations and addressing Japan's skilled labor shortage.

Executive Vice President and COO, Plus W Inc. Japan, Takashi Horiuchi provided an overview of the program, which will train IT students from top Pakistani universities in advanced IT skills and Japanese language proficiency. He emphasized the focus on practical, real-world IT development projects and IT-specific Japanese language training to prepare participants for impactful roles in Japanese companies.

The event concluded on a high note, with all speakers acknowledging the immense potential of this initiative to transform Pakistan's workforce and contribute to Japan's economic needs. This program exemplifies OEC's efforts in emigration promotion, opening new avenues for skilled workers and fostering bilateral partnerships. As a pioneering project, it sets the stage for many such initiatives that will not only enhance employment opportunities for Pakistanis but also strengthen economic ties with partner countries.

Islamabad: Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA), Muhammad Ali Randhawa, was informed on Friday that both underpasses on the Srinagar Highway would be opened for traffic later this month.

The CDA chairman along with senior officers, visited key development projects, including Constitution Avenue, Margalla Avenue, and the Serena Chowk Interchange.

He also reviewed the progress of construction on the Margalla Road section from the Secretariat to Bari Imam.

Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa directed the MPO Directorate to expedite and complete construction work at the earliest.

He emphasized the development of green belts and median strips with flower plantations and attractive landscaping along the roads.

Additionally, he instructed the installation of modern lane markings and aesthetically pleasing lights on the Margalla Road from Secretariat to Bari Imam.

During his visit to Constitution Avenue, Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa issued directives to prioritize its beautification and uplift.

He called for the accelerated installation of decorative lights on a permanent basis, emphasizing that this would not only eliminate rental costs but also enhance CDA's assets on permanent basis while reducing operational expenses.

Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa inspected the ongoing beautification and horticulture work in the surrounding areas and commended the progress.

Chairman CDA, Muhammad Ali Randhawa also reviewed construction activities at the Jinnah Avenue Interchange project.

He was briefed that the structural work on the flyover is nearing completion.

Chairman CDA directed the preparation of a high-quality landscaping design for the surrounding area and emphasized its timely completion.

Randhawa instructed consultants and resident engineers to ensure strict adherence to quality standards and to maintain a fast pace of construction activities at all project sites.

Islamabad: Coordinator to Prime Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Shabir Ahmed Usmani on Friday presided over the meeting and reviewed the preparations regarding February 5, Kashmir Solidarity Day.

Federal Secretary Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan Ali Tahir, Additional Secretary Kashmir Affairs and GB Kamran Rehman Khan, Joint Secretary Hamid Khan, Joint Secretary Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council Ali Akbar Khattak and Joint Secretary Gilgit Baltistan Council Sudheer Khattak attended the meeting, said a press release.

The meeting was also attended by Convener All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) Ghulam Muhammad Safi.

The meeting discussed and reviewed the comprehensive plan for the upcoming events to be held on February 5 Kashmir Solidarity Day.

Speaking on the occasion, Coordinator to Prime Minister Shabir Ahmed Usmani said that the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan and other relevant ministries and departments have started preparations for Kashmir Solidarity Day, to be observed on February 5.

He said that the entire nation will observe Kashmir Solidarity Day with a renewed commitment to support the just struggle of Kashmiris for their inalienable right to self-determination, as enshrined in the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

The meeting, held in AJ and K Council, brought together senior officials and focal persons from various ministries and departments, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Information and Broadcasting, Interior, Information Technology and Telecom and Aviation. Representatives from Islamabad Police, Capital Development Authority (CDA), Ministry of Education, National Heritage and Culture Division, and the Cantonment Board, along with district managements of Islamabad and Rawalpindi also participated.

Focal persons from all four provincial governments, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan joined the meeting to provide their input on planning nationwide activities to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day.

Islamabad: Special Secretary of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani Friday unveiled plans for a groundbreaking international conference on girls' education from January 11 in Islamabad, aiming to converge global experts, harness collective expertise and foster collaborative efforts to address the existing challenges hindering girls' education, unlocking opportunities for empowerment and growth.

Islamabad is set to host a historic conference on girls' education, aiming to empower Muslim girls worldwide, Secretary education said in an exclusive talk with a private news channel.

According to Secretary Education, this landmark event will bring together over 150 international dignitaries, including ministers, ambassadors, scholars and representatives from 40 Muslim and friendly countries.

He expressed his admiration that Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, a global symbol and champion of girls' education, will be attending the conference, underscoring the government's commitment to prioritizing girls' education.

The conference will focus on key themes, including Exploring the Islamic perspective on women' s education and its importance in Islamic teachings, examining how Islamic consensus aligns with international charters advocating for girls' education, Identifying challenges and discussing practical solutions to ensure girls have equal access to quality education, exploring the Islamic perspective on women' s education and its importance in Islamic teachings, he mentioned.

The event will conclude with the signing of the Islamabad Declaration, outlining the shared commitment of Muslim communities to empower girls through education, he mentioned.

He stated that the government is taking concrete measures to bring out-of-school children into the education system and specifically increase girls' enrollment in schools.

The PML-N led government under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is indeed prioritizing equal and quality education for all.

To achieve this goal, the government has launched several initiatives, such as establishing Daanish Schools to provide quality education to underprivileged children in remote areas.

They have also declared an education emergency to improve literacy rates, rebuild schools, and ensure quality education for all children, he added.

Additionally, the government is working to enroll millions of out-of-school children through targeted campaigns and incentives for families to send their children to school.

Nutrition programs have also been introduced in public schools to support children' s physical and cognitive development, he added.

Islamabad: Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has taken strict action against over 47,000 drivers in the last two weeks for violating traffic rules, as part of ongoing efforts to maintain discipline on the roads and ensure the safety of citizens.

A public relation officer told reporter on Friday that the ITP's Education Wing and Special Squads have been continuously working to raise awareness and enforce traffic laws.

He said during the last two weeks, the ITP took legal action against over 47,000 drivers involved in traffic law violations. Additionally, 1,041 vehicles and motorcycles involved in serious traffic violations were impounded at various police stations.

Furthermore, 11,922 citizens were educated about traffic rule violations, and 5,982 citizens were issued warnings. A total of 59 cases were registered against drivers involved in serious violations, he added.

The ITP Smart Response Unit and other special units are responsible for maintaining the flow of traffic on highways, improving traffic flow during rush hours, solving parking problems in commercial areas and preventing violations of traffic rules in Islamabad.

ITP also organized 58 other activities, including a flower and candy campaign, a Clean and Green Islamabad awareness walk and a Friends of Police badge initiative to promote community policing and raise awareness of traffic rules.

These activities saw full participation from traffic police officers, members of civil society and other departments. The Islamabad Police Education Wing also educated over 97,000 citizens about traffic rules.

Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Islamabad Muhammad Sarfraz Virk said that the ITP is taking legal action against drivers who obstruct the flow of traffic and disrupt traffic discipline in the federal capital, aiming to reduce violations of traffic laws.

CTO further emphasized that Islamabad police officers are also raising awareness about traffic rules through various activities, social media platforms and FM 92.4. Ensuring compliance with traffic rules is key to guaranteeing safe lives, he added.

Islamabad: The 100-Index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) turned around to bullish trend on Friday, gaining losing 609.03 points, a positive change of 0.54 percent, closing at 113,247.29 points as compared to 112,638.26 points on the last trading day.

A total of 499,846,692 shares were traded during the day as compared to 695,142,411 shares the previous trading day, whereas the price of shares stood at Rs 24.142 billion against Rs.24.293 billion on the last trading day.

As many as 450 companies transacted their shares in the stock market, 177 of them recorded gains and 218 sustained losses, whereas the share price of 55 companies remained unchanged.

The three top trading companies were WorldCall Telecom with 68,828,791 shares at Rs 1.75 per share, Fauji Foods Limited with 31,850,296 shares at Rs.17.09 per share and Cnergyico PK with 31,582,736 shares at Rs.6.68 per share.

Nestle Pakistan Limited witnessed a maximum increase of Rs.351.39 per share price, closing at Rs 7,502.60, whereas the runner-up was Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited with Rs 89.00 rise in its per share price to Rs.20,900.01.

PIA Holding Company Limited B witnessed a maximum decrease of Rs 67.82 per share closing at Rs 844.57 followed by Service Industries Limited with Rs 28.58 decline to close at Rs.1,416.18.