HYDERABAD
Gypsy children enjoy playing (Gilli danda) game at tando yousuf
HYDERABAD
Labourers busy in construction work of water filtration plant with the help of crane at Latifabad
HYDERABAD
A vendor displaying the blankets to attract the customers on the footpath at bacha khan chowk
HYDERABAD
A view of sewerage water accumulated on the road at Hali road area
HYDERABAD
Labourers busy in spreading rice for drying purpose
FAISALABAD
Balochistan govt decides to establish Skills Development Fund
QUETTA, Dec 19 (APP): Balochistan Caretaker Chief Minister Mir Ali Mardan Khan Domki on Tuesday said the provincial government has decided to establish ‘Balochistan Skills Development Fund’ under the supervision of Planning and Development Department to provide technical education and training to the youth of the province.
He expressed his views while addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Prime Minister’s Youth Skills Development Program here.
The chief minister said that the existing infrastructure of the Labor and Manpower department would be utilized where the youth will be trained in artificial intelligence, hoteling, tourism, health care, nursing, fashion designing, film making in order to produce quality technical human resource.
He said that the objective of the program is to provide skills in various fields of technology to the youth of Balochistan to secure employment opportunities worldwide upon completion of their training.
Domki said that the purpose of providing the training program was to equip them with much-needed valuable skills that will enable them to contribute to the economic development of the province and send remittances to family.
He said that on the direction of Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, the youth of Balochistan are being provided with skill training in various fields so that they can support their families and work abroad.
Caretaker chief minister said that more than 60 percent of the total population of the country consists of youth which are a valuable asset of any country and society. There was a need to guide the youth in a better direction and provide opportunities to utilize their abilities.
He said that with the support of the federal government, the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) is taking efforts to provide technical training to the youth of Balochistan in various fields.
The chief minister said that an effective strategy has been formulated at provincial level for the promotion of technical training and adequate funds have been allocated for BTEVTA.
He said that the government was also working to strengthen the technical and vocational education system in the province to fulfil the current day’s requirements.
China has shown interest in providing a grant of 60 million dollars for Balochistan to strengthen the basic structure of technical centres, he said, adding that fifty percent of this total grant should be allocated for youth skills development.
He said that the government has also focusing on establishing centers to impart Korean, German, Chinese, Japanese and other languages to the youth of Balochistan so that our youth can get employment opportunities in respective countries.
These programs to be introduced in Balochistan will help in imparting technical education to the youth as well as guiding them towards economic self-reliance, he added.
Domki said that in order to provide employment to the youth, it is necessary to provide them with modern technical education and training along with traditional education.
He said the Balochistan government has decided to initiate international standards education programs, naming Middle Teach, Metric Teach, and Inter Teach to equip the youth with modern skills.
He said the federal government will continue its cooperation for the construction and development of Balochistan.
Swedish ambassador calls on FM Jilani
ISLAMABAD, Dec 19 (APP): Swedish Ambassador in Islamabad Henrik Persson on Tuesday called on Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani here.
In the meeting, they agreed to further enhance bilateral cooperation in all areas including politics, trade and economy.
They also discussed the regional and global developments.
Pakistan exports first shipment of dried Chillies to China: Minister
ISLAMABAD, Dec 19 (APP): Minister of Commerce and Industries Dr Gohar Ejaz, on Tuesday, announced a significant breakthrough in Pakistan’s agricultural exports to China with the inaugural shipment of dried chillies.
This momentous achievement, made possible through the outstanding efforts of Litong Food Co. Ltd., marks the beginning of a new era in the trade relationship between Pakistan and China, said a press release issued here.
The minister extended best wishes to Litong Food Co. Ltd. for their extraordinary feat and expressed sincere appreciation for the unwavering support of the Chinese government in creating a substantial market for Pakistani goods within China.
“I am delighted to announce that the first-ever consignment of dried chillies is on its way to China. This achievement not only showcases the capabilities of our exporters but also highlights the potential for further collaboration between Pakistani and Chinese businesses,” the minister stated.
He emphasised that the exports of Pakistan’s products to China have the potential to exceed $20 billion in the coming years.
However, achieving this ambitious goal requires concerted efforts from Pakistani agricultural exporters.
Dr. Gohar Ejaz encouraged the exporters to uphold high-quality standards, increase productivity, and implement effective marketing strategies to meet the expectations of the Chinese market.
Acknowledging the crucial role of the Chinese companies in the process, the minister expressed optimism about the prospects of collaboration. “If our companies can meet the standards set by the Chinese authorities, our exports can soar.
I congratulate the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, and our Mission in China for their dedicated work in finalising protocols and completing compliance formalities in just four months,” he added.
Benefiting from the Pakistan-China Free Trade Agreement, Pakistan enjoys a competitive edge with zero tariffs, giving it a unique position in the region.
The minister highlighted the immense potential for growth in the Chinese market, especially in the agricultural sector and urged the adoption of new technologies such as hybrid seeds and openness to corporate farming.
The minister expressed gratitude to the Chinese counterparts for their warm reception during his recent visit to China. “Our Chinese brothers have opened their doors for us, be it the Ministry of Commerce, the Agriculture Ministry, COFCO—the largest agricultural goods importer with $100 billion worth of imports—or the mayors of the cities we visited.
The enduring Pak-China relationship has withstood the test of time, and this dried chilli export will pave the way for Pakistani agricultural goods to reach new markets in China,” the minister concluded.
Paracha resigns as MD of PBM to participate in elections
ISLAMABAD, Dec 19 (APP): Aamir Fida Paracha has stepped down as the Managing Director of Pakistan Baitul-Mal, to contest the elections as a candidate from Rawalpindi following Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s directive.
He expressed gratitude to Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for placing their trust in him. The PPP, committed to public service, has diligently served the people without discrimination.
Speaking at the farewell function, he expressed profound satisfaction from serving the public both spiritually and emotionally during his term as MD of PBM. He extended his gratitude to all directors and employees who participated in the farewell event to bid him farewell.
Aamir Fida Paracha added that Pakistan Baitul-Mal is an institution where serving God’s creation without discrimination brings satisfaction and spiritual peace, pleasing Allah.
Pakistan’s envoy to EU calls on Czech counterpart
BRUSSELS, Dec 19 (APP): Ambassador of Pakistan to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union Amna Baloch on Tuesday called on the Permanent Representative of Czech Republic to the EU Edita Hrda.
In the meeting, they discussed the issues of mutual interest and agreed to strengthen diplomatic ties for deeper collaboration.