Daily Balochistan Times

Islamabad:In a landmark achievement for technical and vocational education in Pakistan, the National Skills University Islamabad (NSU) has received candidacy for the prestigious 'Committed to Excellence' certificate and badge from the International Self-Assessment Tool for Centres of Vocational Excellence (ISATCOVE).

This recognition, supported by the European Commission and implemented by the European Training Foundation (ETF), places NSU among an elite group of institutions striving for global standards in vocational education.

A letter addressed to NSU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar congratulated the university for successfully completing the ISATCOVE self-assessment process and lauded the institution's commitment to enhancing vocational excellence.

The letter stated, 'The Committed to Excellence certificate and badge will recognize your school's effort in actively engaging in ISATCOVE self-assessment to enhance your level of vocational excellence.

This recognition is designed to encourage a culture of continuous improvement, helping institutions identify areas that need development and take meaningful steps toward achieving excellence in vocational education.'

ISATCOVE, an initiative to elevate vocational education and training (VET) standards globally, was piloted in 2023.

By 2024-25, the organization has extended it to a select group of VET providers. The program offers comprehensive training, guidance, and mentoring, from planning and execution to interpreting results and formulating actionable improvement plans.

Prof. Dr. Mukhtar expressed his gratitude and congratulated NSU faculty members, specifically Prof. Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmad and Ms. Spogmai Shahab, along with the entire team, for their unwavering dedication over the past six months.

'This achievement underscores NSU's commitment to fostering technical and vocational education excellence. It is not just a recognition but a call to continue our efforts toward setting global benchmarks,' Dr. Mukhtar said.

NSU's recognition under ISATCOVE comes as the university expands its international collaborations.

As a member of the UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, NSU actively fosters innovation, shares best practices, and strengthens global vocational education networks.

This milestone not only marks a significant achievement for NSU but also signals a promising future for vocational education in Pakistan, reinforcing NSU's role as a pioneer in developing skills for a dynamic, globally connected workforce.

Islamabad:The price of 24 karat per tola gold increased by Rs 4,250 and was sold at Rs 287,450 on Wednesday against its sale at Rs 283,200 on a previous trading day, All Sindh Sarafa Jewellers Association reported.

The price of 10 grams of 24 karat gold also increased by Rs 3,642 to Rs 246,440 from Rs 242,798 whereas that of 10 gram 22 karat also went up to Rs 225,911 from Rs 222,565.

The prices of per tola silver increased by Rs.59.40 to Rs.3,431 whereas that of ten gram silver went up by Rs.51.50 to Rs 51.50 and Rs 2,941 respectively.

The price of gold in the international market increased by $40 to $2,751 from $2,711, the Association reported.

Islamabad:A high-level parliamentary delegation from the Transitional Legislative Assembly of South Sudan, led by Deputy Speaker Rt. Mr. Korneli Kon Ngu Akuck, met today with President of the Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF), Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, MNA, and members of the YPF Board, including MNA Muhammad Mobeen Arif and Nawabzada Mir Jamal Khan Raisani, MNA.

The meeting marked a significant step toward fostering parliamentary diplomacy and strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan and South Sudan.

Syeda Nosheen warmly welcomed the South Sudanese delegation, emphasizing the importance of youth engagement in governance and international collaboration.

'It is an honor and a privilege to host this esteemed delegation in Pakistan. This meeting provides a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue about the future, particularly concerning the empowerment of our youth. With young people comprising 75% of South Sudan's population, there is immense potential for transformative change,' she remarked.

Jamal Raisani delivered an insightful presentation on the objectives, vision, and operational framework of the Young Parliamentarians Forum.

He highlighted the Forum's initiatives, including capacity-building seminars and conferences for young parliamentarians and provincial assembly members, a pioneering effort in Pakistan.

Mobeen Arif underscored the importance of collaborative programs, advocating for youth empowerment through education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship initiatives. He further emphasized the potential of cultural and parliamentary exchange programs between the two nations.

The meeting explored avenues for enhanced cooperation, including the possibility of establishing a youth exchange program to foster mutual understanding, collaborative sports activities, lifelong partnerships, and shared learning. Proposals for joint cultural initiatives and forums on governance, sustainability, and peace building were also discussed.

The YPF reaffirmed its commitment to sustained engagement with South Sudan and other international counterparts to empower young voices in democratic processes.

The session concluded with a shared vision to build a brighter future for both nations by strengthening parliamentary ties and uplifting youth leadership.