Report by Irfan Siddiqui

LAHORE — Balochistan Governor Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail visited Aqua Brave Café in Lahore’s Defence Housing Authority (DHA) during his visit to the city. Naeem Karim, focal person for the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, received the governor at the café, where several guests and friends had gathered to welcome him.

Among those present was Mian Sajid Rasool, president of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) in Ireland. Political analyst Dr Hamid Al Mashriqi also attended, along with Kamal Nasir and Rai Usman. Aurangzeb Abdul Karim, the owner of Aqua Brave Café, was present at the venue and joined the guests on the occasion.

The gathering brought together people from different walks of life, including representatives of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme and the PML-N’s overseas organisation. Karim led the reception in his capacity as the programme’s focal person, while the café served as the venue for the governor’s meeting with those in attendance.

Rasool’s presence gave the gathering a connection to the Pakistani community in Ireland, where he heads the PML-N’s chapter. Dr Al Mashriqi attended in his capacity as an analyst. Nasir and Usman were among the guests who joined the café owner and other friends in receiving the governor.

For those assembled at Aqua Brave Café, the stop offered an opportunity to meet Mandokhail in a local setting during his Lahore visit. The governor’s reception in DHA brought together guests whose work spans public programmes, overseas political organisation, analysis and local business. Abdul Karim was on hand at his café as Karim welcomed Mandokhail and the other attendees joined the gathering.

By Irfan Siddiqui

ISLAMABAD — Deputy Chairman Senate Syedal Khan Nasir has called for wider access to quality education and practical training for young Pakistanis, saying a skilled workforce is essential to economic stability and long-term growth. In separate engagements reported by the Senate Secretariat, he also urged reforms to improve the business environment and called for mineral development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan to create jobs and bring economic benefits to local communities.

Speaking as he presented Alhamd Islamic University’s first degree to Rubab Tabassum, Nasir said universities could help prepare young people for employment and equip them to contribute to the country’s development. He congratulated Tabassum on her academic achievement and extended his best wishes for her future. He also congratulated the university’s president, Professor Dr Shakeel Roshan, along with the administration, faculty and staff, on reaching the academic milestone.

Nasir said Pakistan’s young people had the talent and creativity to compete at home and abroad and should have greater access to modern knowledge and practical training. He urged public and private educational institutions to work together to widen access to education and improve literacy. Young people, he said, should have equal opportunities to develop their abilities and put them to use. He also called for cooperation across political lines on education policy and said initiatives by both public and private institutions deserved continued encouragement.

At a meeting at Parliament House on November 4, Nasir discussed the country’s political, economic and parliamentary situation with Senator Aamir Waliuddin Chishti, chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, and former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra. Former senator Sana Jamali, Chaudhry Naeem Karim, Ms Shandana, Dr Irshad Ahmed Khan and Dr Muhammad Ajami also attended, along with parliamentarians, tribal elders, lawyers and representatives of social organisations.

The discussion covered government reforms, investment, industrial activity, trade and public welfare. Nasir described economic stability and sustainable growth as government priorities. He said coordination between the political and military leadership was part of efforts to address the country’s challenges and create opportunities for growth. He also stressed the importance of political stability, national unity and continuity in economic reforms.

On investment, Nasir said Pakistan needed to improve conditions for businesses, build investor confidence and expand industrial capacity. He pointed to opportunities for both domestic and foreign investors, saying increased investment could help generate employment and raise exports. He identified education, health, infrastructure, energy and workforce development as government priorities and said training young people in practical skills could help raise productivity as industrial and commercial activity expanded.

Nasir singled out Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan for their mineral deposits, saying their development should be guided by scientific research, modern technology, effective planning and transparent procedures. He said discovering new deposits and processing minerals locally could create jobs and support industrial growth in the areas where the resources are found. He stressed that communities in underserved areas should share in the economic gains from projects that draw on their resources.

The deputy chairman also discussed Parliament’s constitutional role in making laws, shaping national policy and overseeing government action. He urged parliamentarians to bring public concerns into policy discussions and consider the wider national interest in their work. Better communication among political leaders and parliamentary institutions, he said, could help address national problems and strengthen democratic stability.

At the degree presentation, Nasir said the government was pursuing reforms to improve the education system and increase literacy. He urged public and private institutions to coordinate their efforts so that students could progress according to their abilities. He said political differences should give way to a shared approach on education and called for practical steps to give more young people access to quality teaching and training.

Turning to regional affairs at the Parliament House meeting, Nasir said Pakistan favoured dialogue, mutual respect and economic cooperation. He described regional peace and stability as important to the expansion of trade and investment, saying both could support broader economic growth. He called on national institutions, political leaders, parliamentarians, the business community and civil society to work together to sustain economic reforms and improve public welfare.

Report by Irfan Siddiqui

KARACHI: The Sindh Board of Technical Education (SBTE), led by Chairman Professor Musharaf Ali Rajput, is pursuing student facilitation, institutional cooperation and updated academic offerings, with official records highlighting several initiatives undertaken during 2026.

A notable development was the inauguration of the board’s Student Facilitation Center on April 30. The ceremony, held under Rajput’s chairmanship, was attended by Sindh Minister Muhammad Ismail Rahoo, education representatives and board officials. The centre represents a practical step towards giving students a dedicated point of contact for administrative assistance.

Rajput has also maintained engagement with organisations involved in skills development. On May 5, he met Sindh Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority Managing Director Ghulam Murtaza Shaikh to discuss technical education and cooperation aimed at strengthening the province’s vocational training sector.

The board subsequently recorded a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony with the Benazir Bano Training Programme on May 20. In August, Rajput met TANG Group Chief Executive Officer Song Jingying, adding an international engagement to the board’s institutional outreach.

Academic updates provide another encouraging indication of the board’s direction. Its October notices included curricula for artificial intelligence technology, cybersecurity, media science, and leadership and education management. These subjects reflect attention to emerging technologies alongside established technical and professional disciplines.

Examination oversight has also featured in Rajput’s activities. The board documented his April visit to a centre conducting Technical School Certificate examinations, demonstrating direct engagement with an important part of its responsibilities.

Taken together, these documented activities indicate a constructive focus on student services, academic relevance and institutional cooperation. They offer a positive foundation for the board’s continuing work to organise, regulate and develop technical, vocational, industrial and commercial education across Sindh, while supporting pathways through which young people can acquire recognised qualifications and practical skills.

Report by Irfan Siddiqui

TOKYO: The Government of Japan has announced that former Pakistani Ambassador to Japan Farukh Amil will receive the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, in recognition of his contribution to strengthening relations between Pakistan and Japan.

The honour recognises his diplomatic efforts to advance bilateral friendship, deepen mutual understanding and promote cooperation between the two countries. During his tenure as Pakistan’s ambassador, Amil worked to broaden engagement and strengthen connections between the people of both nations.

His contributions included promoting cultural and educational exchanges, encouraging greater awareness of each country’s traditions and supporting initiatives aimed at building lasting relationships beyond official diplomatic channels. These efforts helped reinforce the foundations of friendship between Pakistan and Japan.

The announcement represents an acknowledgement of Amil’s distinguished diplomatic career and his commitment to bringing the two countries closer together. It also reflects the value attached to sustained diplomatic engagement and exchanges that encourage cooperation and mutual respect.

Cultural and educational interaction formed an important part of his work, helping create opportunities for dialogue and understanding among people from different backgrounds. Such engagement contributes to enduring bilateral relationships by complementing cooperation at the government level.

The Japanese honour highlights the importance of individual diplomatic contributions to maintaining strong international partnerships. For Pakistan and Japan, it marks recognition of efforts to strengthen a relationship founded on friendship and shared goodwill.

Warm wishes for Amil’s continued good health, happiness and success accompanied the announcement of the prestigious Japanese decoration.

By. IRFAN SIDDIQUI

ISLAMABAD, November 6: Deputy Chairman Senate Syedal Khan Nasir met former Punjab Chief Minister and senior Pakistan Muslim League-N leader Hamza Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s House, where they discussed national affairs, parliamentary cooperation, economic challenges and development priorities for Balochistan.

According to a Senate Secretariat statement, the discussion covered employment opportunities for young people, support for farmers and businesses, affordable housing and measures to strengthen democratic institutions.

Nasir said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was committed to Balochistan’s development and was taking practical steps to address the province’s longstanding deprivation. He observed that its natural resources, mineral reserves and agricultural potential could attract investment, generate employment and improve living standards if effectively utilised.

The deputy chairman paid tribute to Hamza Shehbaz’s political contributions, public service and commitment to parliamentary democracy. He expressed confidence that the responsibility recently entrusted to him at the federal level would strengthen coordination between the government, parliamentarians and political stakeholders.

Highlighting education, Nasir welcomed the establishment of Danish Schools in Balochistan, describing them as an important initiative to provide quality education to children from disadvantaged families and remote communities. He said greater access to education would help reduce disparities and enable young people to contribute more effectively to national development.

He also appreciated initiatives supporting the province’s agricultural sector, particularly the provincial government’s Green Tractor Scheme, which the statement said offered farmers a 50 per cent subsidy. Agricultural mechanisation and continued support for rural communities, he added, could improve productivity and strengthen livelihoods.

Nasir welcomed federal recruitment initiatives and efforts to fill vacancies under Balochistan’s provincial quota. He said meaningful employment for educated young people was essential to their economic empowerment and greater representation in federal institutions.

The deputy chairman also praised the Prime Minister’s “Ghar Ho Tu Apna” housing programme. According to the statement, the initiative offers housing finance of up to Rs10 million, with a subsidised markup rate of five per cent for the first ten years and a repayment period of up to 20 years.

He said affordable housing finance could help low and middle-income families own homes while supporting construction activity and employment. He expressed hope that deserving families in Balochistan would benefit from the programme.

Discussing economic development, Nasir emphasised the importance of facilitating traders, investors and entrepreneurs. He said support for small and medium-sized enterprises, local businesses and investment was necessary for sustainable growth, particularly in Balochistan.

He also appreciated coordination between the political and military leadership on national security, international engagement and economic cooperation with friendly countries. The statement said he acknowledged the joint efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in pursuing national objectives.

Nasir called for continued investment in education, healthcare, infrastructure and basic services, alongside additional relief for farmers and the business community. He said political consultation, reconciliation and a shared commitment to national interests were essential to addressing Pakistan’s challenges.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Hamza Shehbaz appreciated Nasir’s efforts to advance Balochistan’s development and strengthen parliamentary democracy. He also acknowledged his contribution to legislation, constitutional institutions and greater public participation in the parliamentary process.

Report by Irfan Siddiqui

KARACHI: Prominent social and business figure Syed Afzal Hameed, former Vice Chairman of the Association of Builders and Developers of Pakistan (ABAD), current Chairman of Gulshan-e-Maymar Karachi and owner of Shangrila Builders, has said that stronger construction activity can accelerate economic growth, generate employment and support numerous allied industries across Pakistan.

Speaking to the media, Syed Afzal Hameed described the construction industry as a backbone of economic activity and employment generation. He said improved business conditions for builders and developers would stimulate investment and provide opportunities for businesses and workers throughout the country.

He explained that construction supports a wide network of connected industries, including cement, steel, glass, timber, electrical equipment, sanitary fittings and transport. When building activity increases, demand rises across these sectors, benefiting manufacturers, suppliers, contractors and small businesses.

Syed Afzal Hameed said the benefits of construction extend beyond individual projects and reach households through employment and commercial opportunities. New developments and the completion of ongoing projects, he added, provide work for engineers, architects, technicians, masons, electricians, plumbers and daily wage labourers.

He emphasised that Karachi’s economic progress was closely linked to peace, improved law and order and reduced political tensions. A stable environment encourages investors to commit resources and allows builders to carry out their projects with greater confidence.

Syed Afzal Hameed urged all political parties to prioritise peace, public welfare and national development. He said reducing political confrontation and focusing on economic priorities would help businesses expand and create more opportunities for ordinary citizens.

He observed that Karachi has considerable economic potential and that improvements in the city’s business environment could deliver benefits across Pakistan. Sustained construction activity, he said, would support livelihoods while strengthening confidence among investors and entrepreneurs.

Praising those associated with Karachi’s construction industry, Syed Afzal Hameed said builders and developers were contributing to the city’s development through their projects. He noted that construction work was progressing rapidly in Karachi, while Lahore and Islamabad were also witnessing increased activity.

He described these developments as encouraging for the national economy and acknowledged the government’s important role in supporting progress. Continued attention to the construction sector’s concerns, he added, could help sustain momentum and extend its benefits to more businesses and families.

Syed Afzal Hameed also appreciated law enforcement agencies for taking strict action against criminal groups demanding extortion from builders. He said these efforts deserved recognition because security was essential for protecting investment and ensuring that construction projects could proceed without intimidation.

Highlighting ABAD’s contribution, he described it as a leading representative organisation that had consistently raised the concerns of builders and developers. He said the association had played an important role in pursuing solutions through engagement with relevant authorities and would continue serving the industry.

He expressed confidence that cooperation among the government, law enforcement agencies and the business community would strengthen construction activity, expand employment and support Pakistan’s economic development. Senior builder Imran Kunda and Syed Ashraf Hameed were also present during the meeting.

Report by IRFAN SIDDIQUI

KARACHI: Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah’s efforts to promote merit in teacher recruitment and introduce digital administration have received recognition, with official records highlighting substantial appointments and measures aimed at making departmental procedures more transparent.

According to the Sindh Education Policy Commission’s annual achievement report for 2024–25, the provincial government recruited more than 93,000 qualified teachers through a process described by the department as merit based. In his message, Shah identified the appointments as a major achievement supporting the government’s commitment to educational quality and accessibility.

The recruitment programme also received appreciation during an April 2026 meeting of a Sindh Assembly special committee examining candidates awaiting teaching appointments. Assembly Speaker Syed Awais Qadir Shah praised the education minister and his department for conducting recruitment on such a large scale while maintaining merit and transparency, according to the assembly’s official account.

The meeting brought together government representatives, opposition members and departmental officials, providing a forum to examine vacancies, waiting lists and administrative requirements. The committee sought a comprehensive strategy to address pending cases, while emphasising that educational quality must remain central to recruitment decisions.

This parliamentary engagement provides an avenue for examining recruitment concerns openly and pursuing solutions through consultation. It also places outstanding applications within a formal review process involving representatives from different political parties.

Alongside recruitment, Shah’s department has introduced an employee portal and an electronic transfer system. The department’s official portal records the teacher transfer system’s launch as effective from January 15, 2026, marking a practical step towards modernising personnel management.

The portal offers online applications, application status tracking, centralised transfer records and digital document management. These features are intended to reduce paperwork, minimise manual errors and make administrative processes easier for employees to follow.

In his message on the portal, Shah presented efficiency and transparency as guiding objectives for departmental initiatives. Digitising transfers creates a documented process that can support clearer administration and greater accountability, although its lasting impact will depend on consistent implementation.

The wider reform agenda outlined in the department’s annual report includes professional development, stronger conceptual learning and measures to improve educational access. Together, the recruitment drive and digital services demonstrate Shah’s emphasis on strengthening both classroom staffing and the systems supporting teachers. Their continued implementation offers Sindh an opportunity to translate administrative progress into more dependable public education services for children across the province.

By Javed Iqbal

Pakistan blind cricket has two reasons for renewed confidence: a national squad preparing to challenge for the Asian title and recognition for a woman whose leadership has brought honour to the sport. The announcement of Pakistan’s team for the second Blind Cricket Asia Cup 2026, alongside the Prime Minister’s Youth Excellence Award for women’s captain Nirma Rafique, highlights the ambition and achievement of the country’s visually impaired cricketers.

Pakistan Blind Cricket Council Chairman Syed Sultan Shah announced the 17 member national squad for the tournament, scheduled to take place in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from November 14 to 20. Pakistan will compete against India, hosts Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. For the national side, the objective is clear: build on its international achievements and return home as Asian champions.

Speaking at the announcement in Karachi, Sultan Shah expressed confidence in the selected players and described the squad as strong and balanced. Captain Nisar Ali, vice captain Badar Munir, team manager Dr Professor Anwar Ali Siyal, Director Cricket Operations Bilal Satti and Director Marketing Salman Bukhari were also present. Their attendance underlined the shared responsibility behind Pakistan’s preparations for an important international assignment.

The squad comprises players from three categories. In B1, the selectors have chosen Zafar Iqbal, Shahzaib, Muhammad Idrees Saleem, Junaid Khan, Fakhar Abbas and Hamza Mehboob. The B2 group includes captain Nisar Ali, vice captain Badar Munir, Moeen Aslam, Nematullah and Babar Ali. Representing B3 are Muhammad Safdar, Matiullah, Talha Iqbal, Sanwal Shahzada, Kamran Akhtar and Naeemullah.

Together, these players carry the expectations of supporters familiar with Pakistan’s proud record in blind cricket. Sultan Shah recalled that the national team had already demonstrated its ability on the world stage by winning the T20 World Cup. That success provides encouragement, although the Asia Cup will demand fresh concentration, disciplined performances and effective teamwork against opponents equally determined to succeed.

Pakistan finished runners up in the inaugural Blind Cricket Asia Cup. This time, the council hopes a carefully assembled combination and determined approach will help the team take the final step. Sultan Shah congratulated the selected players and expressed hope that they would deliver performances worthy of their abilities, giving the nation another sporting achievement to celebrate.

The fixture attracting particular attention is Pakistan’s encounter with India on November 17. Meetings between the two countries bring considerable interest, and this match promises to be a significant test of Pakistan’s tournament ambitions. Sultan Shah said the players were determined to perform at their best and would make every effort to defeat their traditional rivals.

However, a successful campaign will require attention to every opponent. Bangladesh will be playing at home, while Sri Lanka and Afghanistan complete a competitive field. Sultan Shah acknowledged the capabilities of all participating teams and anticipated entertaining, high quality cricket. Pakistan’s challenge will be to maintain consistency throughout the competition rather than allow the importance of one fixture to overshadow the wider campaign.

The chairman also thanked Interloop Limited, HabibMetro Bank and PARCO for supporting the national team. Corporate backing has practical importance for athletes who need sustained opportunities to prepare and compete. By recognising these organisations, the council highlighted the contribution that sponsors can make to the development of blind cricket and the ambitions of players representing Pakistan internationally.

Alongside the men’s preparations, Nirma Rafique’s national recognition offers another encouraging story. The captain of Pakistan’s women’s blind cricket team has been honoured with the Prime Minister’s Youth Excellence Award 2026. The Pakistan Blind Cricket Council congratulated her, recognising a journey marked by dedication, leadership and achievements that have made her an inspiration for young people.

Her award brings attention to the women participating in a sport whose stories deserve a wider audience. Leadership involves more than directing a team during matches. It also means setting standards, encouraging others and sustaining belief through demanding circumstances. Nirma’s recognition offers an opportunity to appreciate those qualities and acknowledge the contribution of women to Pakistan’s blind cricket community.

For young people with visual impairments, seeing a national captain receive such recognition can make sporting ambitions feel more attainable. It reinforces the value of opportunity, encouragement and access to organised competition. Her achievement also gives families, educators and sporting organisations a reason to consider how they can help more young athletes discover and develop their abilities.

As the national squad prepares for Dhaka, Sultan Shah has appealed to Pakistanis to remember the players in their prayers. The coming tournament offers an opportunity to add an Asian title to Pakistan’s achievements, while Nirma’s award celebrates excellence already demonstrated. Together, these developments invite the country to follow its blind cricketers with greater attention and support, recognising both their competitive ambitions and the example they set through commitment, resilience and leadership.