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PM GREENLIGHTS PAKISTAN’S FIRST SKILLS IMPACT BOND TO MAKE YOUTH EMPLOYABLE
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Saturday, 26 July, 2025 | 30 Muharram, 1447
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UNDER NEW MODEL, YOUTH WILL BE TAUGHT SKILLS IN LINE WITH CONTEMPORARY REQUIREMENTS
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PREMIER EXPRESSES SATISFACTION AT PERFORMANCE OF PMYP, NAVTTC AND ALL RELATED INSTITUTIONS, IN PROVIDING EMPLOYMENT TO THE YOUTH
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 18 | 8 Pages | Karachi Edition
STRESSES EQUIPPING THE YOUTH WITH LEARNING LOCAL AND FOREIGN LANGUAGES TO ASSIST THEM IN FINDING EMPLOYMENT ABROAD ASSURES GOVT WOULD CONTINUE PROVIDING ALL POSSIBLE LEGAL AND DIPLOMATIC SUPPORT IN THE MATTER OF DR AAFIA SIDDIQUI
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pM underscores eu as credible partner, reaffirms commitment to gSp plus scheme ISLAMABAD
staff report
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ISLAMABAD
staff report
RIME Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Friday approved Pakistan’s first Skills Impact Bond—a modern model that will attract private investment to make the youth employable. The model is called “Pay-for-Success,” under which public or donor funds are released only when independently verified results, such as job creation or a certain threshold of income, are achieved. Premier Shehbaz Sharif approved the project while chairing a review meeting here on the roadmap for providing em-
ployment to the youth. Under the new model, youth will be taught skills that are in line with contemporary requirements, which will empower and enable them to play an important role in the country’s economic development. Speaking at the meeting, the prime minister directed that further steps should be taken to enhance the capacity of the youth, train them in skills that are in line with contemporary requirements, and ensure employment after training. He expressed satisfaction at the performance of the Overseas Pakistanis Ministry Affairs, the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (OMYP), the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission
Chief of Tajikistan armed forces, CJCSC discuss regional security, shared strategic interests RAWALPINDI
staff report
Major General Saidzoda Bobojon Abdukodir, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, First Deputy Minister of Defence of the Republic of Tajikistan, called on General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI (M), Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) at Joint Staff Headquarters, Rawalpindi. The discussion focused on the evolving regional security situation and shared strategic interests. Both military leaders emphasized deep-rooted brotherly relations between Pakistan and Tajikistan and explored avenues to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation. The visiting dignitary lauded the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and acknowledged their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. Earlier, upon arrival at Joint Staff Headquarters, a smartly turned-out tri-services contingent presented a Guard of Honour to the visiting dignitary. A day earlier, Royal Saudi Naval Forces ’(RSNF) chief of staff Vice Admiral Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Ghuraybi and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza on Thursday reaffirmed mutual resolve to enhance bilateral defence cooperation, the military’s media wing reported. In a statement the InterServices Public Relations (ISPR), RSNF chief of staff, Vice Admiral Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Ghuraybi, called on Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza at Joint Staff Headquarters in Rawalpindi on Thursday. “The CJCSC highlighted the historical brotherly relations between [the] Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and [the] Islamic Republic of Pakistan and emphasized mutual resolve for enhancing existing bilateral defense cooperation,” the ISPR said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday, underscoring the significance of the European Union as one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the GSP Plus scheme, which had proved to be mutually beneficial for both sides. The prime minister was talking with European Union Ambassador to Pakistan Riina Kionka who paid a farewell call on him at the Prime Minister’s House. While congratulating the ambassador on the successful completion of her tenure in Pakistan, the prime minister thanked her for making important contributions towards the strengthening of Pakistan-EU relations. He particularly appreciated the am-
(NAVTTC) and all related institutions in providing employment to the youth. He said opportunities should be provided to youth for learning the local languages of other countries to assist them in finding employment abroad. A comprehensive roadmap based on the estimated
bassador’s efforts in ensuring significant support from the EU during the 2022 floods in Pakistan. He also conveyed his good wishes for EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and said that he looked forward to meeting her at a convenient opportunity in the coming days. During the meeting, they also discussed the important issues between Pakistan and the EU, including domestic political developments. Ambassador Riina Kionka thanked the prime minister for all the support she had received during her stay in Pakistan and reiterated the EU’s commitment to strengthening its cooperation with Pakistan. Expressing gratitude for the prime minister’s good wishes, the ambassador said that she would continue to promote stronger Pakistan-EU relations in her next assignment in Brussels.
number of job opportunities and hiring of youth in Pakistan and abroad should be presented, he said adding he will review the progress of implementation of the roadmap after every two months.
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Rubio acknowledges pakistan’s role in global and regional peace WASHINGTON
staff report
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday lauded Pakistan’s role in “global and regional peace,” acknowledging Pakistan’s “everlasting sacrifices in the war on terror,” according to the Foreign Office (FO). In a statement issued by the FO said that it was Marco Rubio’s first meeting with Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, as previously the two have talked over the telephone. The FO said that the US secretary of state lauded, “Pakistan has always played a positive role in global and regional peace.” The statement said that the two held detailed discussions on bilateral relations and potential cooperation in various sectors. According to the FO, DPM Dar arrived in Washington, DC, on Thursday night, on the second leg of his eight-day visit to the US. He had arrived in New York on Monday to attend “high-level signature events” of Pakistan’s United Nations Security Council (UNSC) presidency, including a conference on Palestine, it added. “Discussions were held on promoting bilateral trade and economic relations and cooperation in important sectors, including investment, agriculture, technology, and minerals. Counterterrorism and regional peace were
also discussed,” the FO reported. FM Dar paid tribute to the efforts of President Donald Trump and the US leadership in promoting global peace, adding that their role and efforts regarding the recent Pakistan-India tension were “commendable.” “Pakistan and the US seek further expansion and stability in bilateral relations,” he said. The FO said FM Dar was optimistic about the positive progress in the ongoing trade dialogue between the two countries “Pakistan is an attractive destination for the American business community and investors. The two countries have a common approach and interests regarding regional peace. The Pakistani community in the US is playing a bridge role be-
tween the two countries,” the FO quoted him as saying. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to promoting bilateral relations and working together in various fields. Dar said the two had a “comprehensive discussion on the full spectrum of bilateral relations.” He added that both reaffirmed their commitment to the long-term bilateral partnership, with renewed focus on economic, trade, investment, information technology, artificial intelligence, and counter-terrorism cooperation. We also exchanged views on key regional and global developments. I appreciated the US constructive role in facilitating the recent Pakistan-India ceasefire.
Govt urges social media firms to block accounts of terrorist groups ISLAMABAD
staff report
The government on Friday called on global social media companies to immediately block accounts operated by proscribed terrorist groups that are spreading harmful propaganda and extremist content on their platforms. In a joint press conference, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, along with Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik, urged social media companies to take swift action against accounts linked to banned terrorist organizations, which are operating on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and WhatsApp. The request comes after a statement on Wednesday from Talal Chaudhry, who highlighted the growing concerns over a particular terrorist group using WhatsApp channels to spread hateful content. Chaudhry appealed to the global community and social media firms to aid Pakistan in its fight against terrorism, stressing the need for immediate intervention. “We call upon social media operators to cooperate with us in blocking these accounts, preventing the creation of mirror accounts, and sharing relevant information about the account holders behind these activities,” Chaudhry said. He mentioned that these groups include those banned by the United States, the United Kingdom, and sanctioned by the United Nations, and that they are actively using social media platforms to propagate violence. Citing the National Action Plan (NAP), which was formulated in 2014 to combat terrorism, Chaudhry reiterated that it’s essential to take action against those spreading terrorist ideologies on both traditional and digital media. As part of NAP, the government has committed to taking measures against the glorification of terrorism and ensuring that social media does not become a platform for such acts. Chaudhry further urged social media companies to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to identify and block such accounts automatically, ensuring that they are removed swiftly. He emphasized the importance of cooperating with law enforcement agencies to counter these online threats. Minister of State for Law and Justice, Barrister Aqeel Malik, shared details of the government’s findings regarding terrorist group accounts on social media. “We have identified 481 accounts linked to proscribed groups, and we have already reported these to social media platforms,” Malik said. He echoed Chaudhry’s concerns, calling for the use of AI to detect and prevent the creation of new accounts by these groups. Malik also emphasized the importance of creating better coordination between social media platforms and Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies to tackle this new digital threat. “We are on the frontlines in the war against terrorism, and we face new challenges in the digital realm,” he said. He encouraged social media firms to set up offices in Pakistan for better coordination, adding that the government is keen to improve its collaboration with these platforms. The government pointed out that several notorious terror organizations, including Tehreek-iTaliban Pakistan (TTP), Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), have a significant presence on social media.
Monsoon rains cause 8 fatalities in the last 24 hours ISLAMABAD
staff report
As the monsoon rains continue to disrupt daily life across Pakistan, the death toll from weather-related incidents has risen to eight in the past 24 hours. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported that KhyberPakhtunkhwa recorded three deaths and five injuries, while Islamabad and Gilgit-Baltistan each reported two fatalities. Sindh also recorded one death. Punjab has been the hardest-hit province, facing the highest number of fatalities and injuries so far this season. The ongoing monsoon rains have caused widespread damage and devastation, further compounding the challenges faced by affected communities.
Chinese leadership lauds pakistan’s role in regional peace in meetings with CoaS BEIJING/RAWALPINDI staff report
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir is currently on an official visit to China, where he held a series of high-level meetings with senior Chinese political and military leadership, reaffirming the ironclad strategic partnership between Pakistan and China, according to the military’s media wing on Friday. “Chinese military leadership reiterated full confidence in the strength of the bilateral defence partnership and acknowledged Pakistan’s pivotal role in promoting regional peace,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement. The Field Marshal called on the Vice President of the People’s Republic of China, Han Zheng, and Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi. Discussions focused on the evolving re-
gional and global political landscape, connectivity initiatives under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and the need for coordinated responses to shared geopolitical challenges. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the depth of bilateral engagement and reiterated their “shared commitment to sovereign equality, multilateral cooperation, and longterm regional stability.” The Chinese leadership lauded the “Pakistan Armed Forces as a cornerstone of resilience and a vital contributor to peace in South Asia.” On the military side, Field Marshal Asim Munir held meetings with Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) General Zhang Youxia, Political Commissar of the PLA Army General Chen Hui and Chief of Staff of PLA Army Lieutenant General Cai Zhai Jun. Upon arrival at the PLA Army Headquar-
ters, the COAS was presented with a guard of honour, symbolising the longstanding camaraderie between the two armed forces. These engagements featured comprehensive exchanges on defense and security cooperation, including counterterrorism collaboration, joint training, defense modernization, and enhanced institutional linkages. Emphasis was placed on improving operational interoperability and strategic coordination to confront hybrid and transnational threats. The Chinese military leadership reiterated full confidence in the strength of the bilateral defence partnership and acknowledged Pakistan’s pivotal role in promoting regional peace. Field Marshal Asim Munir appreciated China’s consistent support and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further expanding military-to-military cooperation across all domains. The visit reflects the growing depth of politico-military ties between the two brotherly
nations and underscores their shared resolve to advance regional security through sustained high-level dialogue and engagements. During the visit, the COAS held a series
of high-level meetings in Beijing with senior Chinese political and military leadership, reaffirming the ironclad strategic partnership between Pakistan and China.