Employee engagement hinges on meaning, skills, not presence: Connex 2025

Sat, 20 Dec 2025, 6:47 PM

ISLAMABAD, Dec 20 (APP):At Connex 2025, Jazz Chief Strategy Officer Ali Naseer cautioned that the “Great Detachment” is transforming workplaces, emphasizing that employee engagement now depends on meaning, relevance, and skills rather than mere presence.

The leadership segment highlighted this growing challenge, marked by declining engagement and a weakening bond between employees and organizational purpose in the post-COVID era.

Ali Naseer, Chief Strategy Officer at Jazz, emphasized that workplace detachment today is less about location and more about the depth of employees’ connection to their roles, professional growth, and the wider mission of the organization.

He noted that as workplaces become increasingly digital, sustaining engagement requires a sharper focus on relevance, skills, and meaning at work.

Bringing a data-led perspective to the discussion, Ali shared insights from Jazz’s internal people metrics between 2023 and 2025.

He noted that employee churn across the organization has declined over this period, while engagement scores have remained stable, an outcome he attributed to deliberate organizational choices rather than chance.

According to Ali, a key driver of this stability has been Jazz’s sustained investment in learning and capability development. Over the past two years, total learning hours across the organization have surged from 541 to more than 20,000, underscoring a decisive shift toward continuous development and long-term skill relevance.

He added that participation in AI-focused learning programs has expanded significantly, growing from approximately 300 employees to more than 2,600.

This focus on future-ready skills, Ali noted, has helped reinforce employee confidence and alignment at a time when many professionals are navigating uncertainty around how technology will reshape their roles.

Addressing generational change more broadly, Ali cautioned against oversimplified narratives around disengagement. He emphasized that different cohorts have entered the workforce under very different conditions, particularly during and after COVID-19, and that leadership responses must be grounded in empathy, adaptability, and an understanding of evolving expectations.

Technology and artificial intelligence featured prominently in his reflections. Ali described AI as “augmented intelligence,” reinforcing the idea that technology is most powerful when it enhances human capability rather than replacing it.

Drawing parallels with previous waves of innovation, from the industrial age to the internet, he noted that while AI represents a more complex shift, its long-term impact will depend on how effectively organizations equip people to work alongside it.

Perspectives from other panelists reinforced that the Great Detachment is a multifaceted issue shaped by culture, leadership styles, generational dynamics, and how technology is integrated into daily work. While experiences vary across sectors, there was broad agreement that purpose, values, and meaningful connection remain central to sustaining engagement.

The session closed with a clear takeaway: overcoming workplace detachment requires more than technology or structural reforms. Speakers stressed that investing in people, aligning skills with purpose, and combining digital tools with thoughtful leadership are essential to rebuilding connections and fostering engaged, future-ready workplaces.

ANF seizes over 1,467 kg of drugs in nationwide crackdown

Zaka Ullah Ch

Sat, 20 Dec 2025, 6:41 PM

RAWALPINDI, Dec 20 (APP):Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) has intensified its crackdown against drug traffickers, conducting seven operations across the country, including areas around educational institutions and major cities.

During the operations, ANF arrested four drug suppliers and recovered 1,467.455 kilograms of narcotics worth more than Rs 403 million.

According to ANF spokesperson on Saturday, special attention is given to drug interdiction near educational institutions.

During an operation near a university in Jamshoro, the ANF recovered four kilograms of hashish from the possession of drug pusher.

During interrogation, the supplier confessed to supplying drugs to students of educational institutions.

In international drug interdiction efforts, the ANF foiled attempts to smuggle narcotics abroad.

At the cargo shed of Allama Iqbal International Airport, 35 grams of heroin were recovered from parcels concealed in the bags of three women bound for the United Kingdom.

In another operation at the General Post Office (GPO) Lahore, the ANF seized 1.3 kilograms of ice hidden in clothes from a parcel destined for Australia.

Under domestic drug interdiction operations, the ANF recovered 120 grams of cocaine from a car parked in the basement of a shopping mall in Lahore and arrested two accused.

In a separate operation near Khalil Abad in District Kech, the ANF seized 99 kilograms of ice, 73 kilograms of hashish, and 50 kilograms of opium from a vehicle, and apprehended the accused.

In yet another operation near Qila Abdullah, Peer Alizai, the ANF recovered 1,000 kilograms of hashish.

Similarly, in Hazarganj area of District Quetta, 240 kilograms of heroin were seized during an operation.

The ANF spokesperson said that cases were registered against the arrested suspects under the Control of Narcotic Substances Act (CNSA), 1997, and further investigations were underway.

Rana Sanaullah slams PTI founder amid jail, economy talks

Zaka Ullah Ch

Sat, 20 Dec 2025, 6:39 PM

CHINIOT, Dec 20 (APP):Advisor to the PM on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah on Saturday offered condolences on the death of PPP leader Syed Hassan Murtaza’s father. He prayed for the elevation of the deceased and patience for the bereaved family. On this occasion, while talking to media, he addressed key issues, including the DRC law and PTI founder Imran Khan’s jail status. He revealed tribunals to handle disputes will be set up at divisional levels per Supreme Court directives, aiming to address public grievances with the current law.

Sanaullah dismissed claims of Khan’s jail transfer, stating meetings are allowed but prison rules bar unrest. He criticized Khan, saying the PTI founder, who labeled others thieves, was exposed selling gifted watches abroad. “He proved to be a thief,” Sanaullah remarked, linking Khan’s policies to economic woes like IMF bailouts and price hikes post-2018.

On foreign policy, Sanaullah stressed Pakistan’s independence, saying the nation won’t act on foreign orders. He praised the army’s professionalism, suggesting they’d support Palestinians if tasked. Addressing relief, he assured PM Shehbaz Sharif will aid citizens post-IMF program, amid current subsidy cuts.

Sanaullah contrasted pre-2018 stability with PTI’s tenure, blaming wrong policies for economic challenges.

MARSEW-8 brings diplomats, lawmakers, experts to Naval War College for maritime security talks

Zaka Ullah Ch

Sat, 20 Dec 2025, 6:36 PM

ISLAMABAD, Dec 20 (APP):A wide group of parliamentarians, diplomats, government officials, business representatives and media persons gathered to take part in MARSEW-8, a maritime security workshop hosted by the Maritime Centre of Excellence at the Naval War College in Lahore.

According to a press release, the event focused on maritime security, regional cooperation, strategic awareness and the blue economy, with practical briefings and field visits across key naval and port locations.

Mr. Yasin Joyia, Honorary Consul General of Sri Lanka for Punjab and President of the Eye Donation Welfare Society, participated in the workshop along with other national and international delegates.

The workshop was designed to provide participants with a clear understanding of maritime challenges and opportunities faced by Pakistan and the wider region. Sessions covered sea security, protection of trade routes, coordination among regional states and the economic use of maritime resources. Speakers and hosts shared information through briefings, discussions and site visits rather than formal lectures, allowing participants to engage directly with naval officers and port authorities.

The briefing highlighted how ports support trade, employment and related industries. Delegates were informed about measures taken to improve port efficiency and future projects aimed at meeting growing maritime trade needs. The session allowed participants to ask questions and seek clarification on port management, logistics and long-term planning.

At the conclusion of the workshop, participants expressed their thanks to the Pakistan Navy and the Maritime Centre of Excellence for organizing the program. Many described MARSEW-8 as a useful professional experience that offered practical exposure, informed discussion and direct engagement with maritime institutions. The workshop was seen as a platform that helped participants better understand maritime security and economic issues linked to the sea.

Talal Chaudhary distributes 119 motorcycles among para-veterinary staff

Zaka Ullah Ch

Sat, 20 Dec 2025, 6:27 PM

FAISALABAD, Dec 20 (APP):State Minister for Interior Senator Talal Chaudhary distributed 119 motorcycles among para-veterinary staff here on Saturday as the livestock department had revamped field service delivery particularly in rural areas.

Addressing the ceremony, he said that the only true measure of politics and governance is performance and public service, stressing that the government should be judged solely on the basis of its delivery.

He said that performance of the Punjab government was clearly superior to other provinces and this fact is also reflected in statistics as well as ground realities.

He said that budget of the livestock separtment had been increased manifold, adding that although all provinces had access to similar financial resources, yet Punjab had utilized these funds more effectively by prioritizing animal health, field staff facilitation, modern equipments and provision of motorcycles and this level of focus is unmatched elsewhere.

The state minister said that livestock holds exceptional importance in Punjab as it is not only a source of livelihood for rural populations but also a valuable asset and financial security for farmers.

He said that unlike other provinces, Punjab had given due attention to animal care and livestock development, recognizing its critical role in strengthening the rural economy.

Appreciating the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Talal Chaudhry said that she was personally overseeing key sectors and taking timely decisions wherever required, whether in public transport projects or welfare initiatives.

Referring to “Suthra Punjab” programme, he said that the initiative had drawn attention even beyond Pakistan, noting that despite limited resources, visible cleanliness arrangements were present in villages across Punjab, reflecting effective governance.

He said that over the past two years, development work had been initiated or completed in every village of the province while most major projects were launched during the PML-N tenures.

He said that criticism and political rhetoric would continue, but the government remained focused on practical work and public welfare.

He said that the teams led by Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had consistently prioritized national and provincial development.

Addressing the para-veterinary staff, the state minister said that they were performing a noble duty by reaching every village to care for livestock, which plays a fundamental role in stabilizing the rural economy.

He said that livestock services would be further strengthened to ensure doorstep facilities for the farmers and livestock owners, with the aim of making Punjab a model province in the livestock sector.

Member Provincial Assembly Tahir Jameel, Director General Extension Livestock Department Lahore Dr Syed Nadeem Badar, Divisional Director Livestock Faisalabad Dr Haider Ali, Additional Director Dr Robina Anjum, Deputy Director Livestock Madam Sumbreen, Deputy Director Dr Sohail Ahmed Anjum, along with other departmental officers and a large number of field staff, were also present.

True development impossible without human solidarity: CM

Zaka Ullah Ch

Sat, 20 Dec 2025, 6:24 PM

LAHORE, Dec 20 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that true human solidarity begins when the state refuses to abandon the weak and vulnerable segments of society.

In her message on International Human Solidarity Day, she said nations are not identified by slogans alone, but by their commitment to human solidarity and by standing firmly with those in need.

The chief minister observed that in any society where even a single individual is left alone or marginalized, development and solidarity remain incomplete. She emphasized that the Punjab government was moving forward by taking every segment of society along, adding that the state functions like a mother for every weak and deserving citizen.

CM Maryam Nawaz said that after many years, the bond of solidarity, trust, and compassion between the state and the people was being strengthened through effective and people-centric policies. She noted that in Punjab, those without homes were being provided shelter, while citizens facing insecurity were being made safe through concrete measures.

She said that initiatives in education, health, social protection, and public welfare were practical and visible manifestations of human solidarity. The Chief Minister added that the core focus of all policies and development projects of the Punjab government was to ensure personal dignity and the protection of fundamental human rights of every citizen.

The chief minister further said that in Punjab, public service was not viewed as politics, but as a responsibility aimed at promoting respect, solidarity, and love within society.

Rescue 1122 pays tribute to great fire fighters of Gakhar Plaza

NNPS Desk

Sat, 20 Dec 2025, 5:58 PM

RAWALPINDI, Dec 20 (APP): The Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue1122) Rawalpindi commemorated the great sacrifices of 13 heroes of the nation, who lost their lives during Gakhar Plaza Fire Fighting & Rescue operation on 20th December, 2008.
Of these 13 firefighters, 04 belonged to Rescue 1122 Rawalpindi, 06 to Pakistan Ordnance Factories Wah Cantt, 02 to Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority and 01 belong to the City District Fire Brigade Rawalpindi.
A dignified ceremony was held at the Martyrs’ Memorial to honor the brave rescuers who laid down their lives in the line of duty.
The ceremony was attended by Parliamentary Secretary Rescue 1122 Punjab Zia Ullah Shah, Director Rescue Rawalpindi Region Dr. Faisal Mahmood, Director General Emergency Services Islamabad Dr. Abdul Rehman, District Emergency Officer Rawalpindi Engineer Sibghat Ullah, along with rescue officers, rescuers, social and political figures, and officials from various government departments.
Participants paid tribute at the Martyrs’ Memorial by laying floral wreaths, presenting salutes, and offering special prayers for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks.
The sacrifices of rescuers who embraced martyrdom in the Gakhar Plaza fire and other incidents were remembered with deep respect.
Speakers said that December 20 is observed as Rescue Martyrs’ Day in remembrance of December 20, 2008, when 13 firefighters were martyred while performing their duties during one of the country’s deadliest fire incidents.
Addressing the gathering, the speakers described Rescue martyrs as true national heroes who set unforgettable examples of courage, sacrifice, and devotion to duty while protecting lives and property.
They reaffirmed that Rescue 1122 will continue to uphold the mission of its martyrs by serving the public with professionalism and dedication.
The speakers also stressed the need to ensure safety arrangements in high-rise buildings and called for strict implementation of the Punjab Community Safety Building Regulations 2022 to prevent such tragedies in the future and safeguard human lives.