Govt to enhance workforce skills for Middle Eastern job market

The government is taking significant measures to bridge the skills gap and enhance the global competitiveness of workers aspiring to work abroad, particularly in the Middle East. During a National Assembly session, Parliamentary Secretary for Federal Education and Professional Training, Farah Naz Akbar, outlined the government’s workforce development strategy. The government has established the Pakistan Skill Company and the Pakistan Skill Development Fund to centralise and improve vocational training across the country. Revisions to the National Vocational Qualification Framework (NVQF) have also aligned Pakistani qualifications with international standards, particularly for the European Union (EU) and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The government is incorporating life and soft skills—such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and work ethics—into technical and vocational training programs, aimed at meeting the needs of Middle Eastern employers. Additionally, the curriculum is being updated to reflect industry trends and technological advancements to ensure that Pakistani workers are prepared for evolving job market demands. Shifting towards competency-based training programMEs, which focus on practical skills and hands-on experience, the government is ensuring that workers are not only trained but also proficient in the job-specific skills required by employers in the Middle East. These reforms are part of a broader strategy to boost Pakistan’s labour force and create better employment opportunities for skilled workers abroad.  Furthermore, in response to concerns over the tragic boat accidents involving illegal immigrants attempting to reach European shores, authorities are also working to open legal employment avenues abroad.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/hpdzYny

Shahab Ali Shah made K-P chief secretary

 The Establishment Division has issued notifications for the transfer and posting in the federal bureaucracy. According to notification, Shahab Ali Shah is appointed as K-P chief secretary while Nadeem Aslam, who was holding the same position, is appointed as Investment secretary. Besides, Faisal Nisar Chaudhry is appointed as USC MD till the appointment of a permanent MD. Muhammad Ali Amir, who was serving as USC MD, is repatriated to Punjab government. The Establishment Division also issued notification for deputing grade-20 officer Kashif Gulzar as OSD ED.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/kMLiQKH

Pindi couple charged with 13-year-old maid's murder over alleged theft

A Pakistani couple appeared in court on Thursday, accused of murdering a 13-year-old maid, Iqra, who was allegedly beaten with a rolling pin for allegedly stealing chocolate. Iqra was rushed to the hospital in Rawalpindi on Tuesday in critical condition and later died from severe injuries. According to Rawalpindi police spokesperson Sajjad ul Hassan, the couple, Rashid Shafiq and his wife Sana, were charged with murder and remanded in custody for four days while an investigation is conducted. The spokesperson revealed that the child had multiple fractures, including to her legs, arms, and head, and that the abuse was allegedly due to a missing chocolate. Iqra's father, Sanaullah, a resident of a rural village in Punjab, revealed that his daughter had been working with the couple for 22 months, during which time they paid him just 8,000 rupees ($28) a month. "The beasts tortured my daughter in a way that no human could ever do," he said. "I demand justice for this brutality." In a similar case in Rawalpindi in 2020, a couple was arrested for allegedly murdering their seven-year-old maid, who was blamed for allowing a pet bird to escape. Child labour remains widespread in Pakistan, with the International Labour Organization (ILO) reporting in 2022 that one in every four households employs a child in domestic work, particularly girls aged 10-14. While it is illegal to employ children under the age of 15, economic hardship often forces impoverished families to send their young daughters to work.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/vOEJgRb

Panel to review FIA performance

The Ministry of Interior has formed a five-member special committee to evaluate the performance of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). According to a notification issued by the interior ministry, Director General of National Police Bureau is appointed as the convener of the committee while Police Bureau director, Ministry of Interior joint secretary, National Police Academy deputy commandant and NPB deputy director will be its members. Sources said the special committee will audit the performance of FIA, including registered number of cases and action taken against criminals.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/Z7tEiOd

NA greenlights MPs' pay hike amid protest

The National Assembly, despite fierce protests from PTI lawmakers, on Tuesday passed a bill increasing salaries and perks for parliamentarians through a majority vote. The National Assembly's Finance Committee, led by NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, approved the proposed raise in the monthly salary of each MNA and senator to Rs519,000. Previously, lawmakers were receiving Rs180,000 per month. The legislation, which aims to amend the Members of Parliament (Salaries and Allowances) Act, 1974 [The Members of Parliament (Salaries and Allowances) (Amendment) Bill, 2025], has already been approved by the Senate. Earlier, the session descended into chaos as PTI lawmakers staged a vociferous protest, chanting slogans, creating a ruckus and pointing out quorum issues, ultimately forcing an adjournment before the agenda could be completed. NA Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan seized his long-awaited opportunity to raise a point of order, blasting the government over alleged political victimisation of the opposition. Ayub accused former army chief retired Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa of intentionally preventing the introduction of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in elections, arguing that their presence would have made it impossible to manipulate results in favour of the current government. Addressing delays in forming a parliamentary committee for the appointment of the chief election commissioner, NA Speaker Sadiq clarified that letters had already been dispatched to both the government and opposition parties. The committee, he assured, would be constituted as soon as nominations were received. However, he took exception to the remarks from an Islamabad High Court (IHC) judge questioning parliament's effectiveness, warning that such statements were an outright assault on the institution's authority. "No one has the right to undermine the dignity of parliament," he asserted, vowing that the sanctity of the legislature would not be compromised under any circumstances. His strong rebuke came in response to judicial remarks regarding the roles of the judiciary, executive and legislature. NA Speaker Sadiq asserted that while the judiciary and executive were pillars of the state, dismissive statements about parliament's relevance are unacceptable. "We will not tolerate any attacks on the credibility of this institution," he said, defending the supremacy of the legislature. The already heated session boiled over when Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar rose to respond to the opposition leader's accusations. PTI lawmakers immediately erupted in protest, standing on their seats, pounding desks and tearing up copies of the agenda before hurling them across the chamber. In response to their chants branding the assembly a "fake parliament," Tarar shot back, saying, "If you call it fake, put it in writing and stop taking salaries from it". Despite the uproar, Romina Khurshid Alam, PM's coordinator on Climate Change, managed to present the Members of Parliament Salaries and Allowances (Amendment) Bill 2025 which was swiftly passed by a majority.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/3bHjX2y

Punjab revises prison rules, raising questions on Imran Khan's relocation

The Punjab interior ministry has implemented changes to prison regulations, allowing inmates to serve sentences in their local areas, sparking discussions on whether this will affect the imprisonment location of Imran Khan. The ministry has recently approved significant changes to prison regulations, marking a key shift in the management of incarcerated individuals in the province. A meeting on Monday reviewed reports on the implementation of these reforms, which include provisions aimed at improving the living conditions and rehabilitation of prisoners. One of the most notable changes is the new rule allowing convicted prisoners to serve their sentences in jails located in their native regions. Previously, according to the jail rules, criminals had to serve their sentences in the jail located in the area where the crime was committed. However, the revised regulations now permit criminals to be transferred to jails in their own districts, provided they are convicted within Punjab. One officer explained, “Although the rules are in place, the situation for high-profile cases like Imran Khan's remains distinct. He had previously approached the court regarding this issue, but due to security concerns, he was not granted a transfer. Even after the rules change, if his permanent residence is still in Lahore, it is likely that his security needs will be prioritized." Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Punjab Interior Ministry stated that the new rules have been largely implemented, though each case involving prisoner transfers will be assessed individually. "The department has received some requests from criminals who wish to remain in their current jails, and these requests are being considered on a case-by-case basis, with input from security agencies taken into account," they added. In addition to these changes, the ministry has also introduced a significant shift in how prison labour is compensated. Under the new regulations, prisoners will no longer work for free. Instead, prisons will now operate in-house factories through public-private partnerships, producing various goods. The products created will be sold in the market, and the earnings will be used to compensate the prisoners. This marks the first time in the province that prisoners are being paid for labour as part of their sentence, a significant step toward improving their welfare and rehabilitation prospects while serving their time.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/eFE3nsm

Punjab revises prison rules, raising questions on Imran Khan's relocation

The Punjab interior ministry has implemented changes to prison regulations, allowing inmates to serve sentences in their local areas, sparking discussions on whether this will affect the imprisonment location of Imran Khan. The ministry has recently approved significant changes to prison regulations, marking a key shift in the management of incarcerated individuals in the province. A meeting on Monday reviewed reports on the implementation of these reforms, which include provisions aimed at improving the living conditions and rehabilitation of prisoners. One of the most notable changes is the new rule allowing convicted prisoners to serve their sentences in jails located in their native regions. Previously, according to the jail rules, criminals had to serve their sentences in the jail located in the area where the crime was committed. However, the revised regulations now permit criminals to be transferred to jails in their own districts, provided they are convicted within Punjab. One officer explained, “Although the rules are in place, the situation for high-profile cases like Imran Khan's remains distinct. He had previously approached the court regarding this issue, but due to security concerns, he was not granted a transfer. Even after the rules change, if his permanent residence is still in Lahore, it is likely that his security needs will be prioritized." Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Punjab Interior Ministry stated that the new rules have been largely implemented, though each case involving prisoner transfers will be assessed individually. "The department has received some requests from criminals who wish to remain in their current jails, and these requests are being considered on a case-by-case basis, with input from security agencies taken into account," they added. In addition to these changes, the ministry has also introduced a significant shift in how prison labour is compensated. Under the new regulations, prisoners will no longer work for free. Instead, prisons will now operate in-house factories through public-private partnerships, producing various goods. The products created will be sold in the market, and the earnings will be used to compensate the prisoners. This marks the first time in the province that prisoners are being paid for labour as part of their sentence, a significant step toward improving their welfare and rehabilitation prospects while serving their time.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/eFE3nsm