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PM DIRECTS EXPANSION OF NAVTTC VOCATIONAL TRAINING, GLOBAL CERTIFICATIONS Tuesday, 13 January, 2026 | 23 Rajabul Murajjab, 1447
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PREMIER SHEHBAZ REVIEWS NAVTTC PERFORMANCE, SETS NEW TARGETS FOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT
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EMPHASIZES STRICT IMPLEMENTATION OF APPRENTICESHIP LAW ACROSS THE COUNTRY
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 189 | 8 Pages | Karachi Edition
DIRECTS COORDINATION WITH PROVINCES AND GULF COUNTRIES TO EXPAND TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT
CALLS FOR INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATIONS TO BOOST GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS OF PAKISTANI WORKFORCE
– directs full digitization of Hajj services, govt facilities ISLAMABAD
Staff report
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ISLAMABAD
Staff report
RIME Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday expressed satisfaction over the recent performance of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) and directed the commission to set new targets to further enhance technical and vocational training programmes nationwide. He also emphasized strict implementation of the Apprenticeship Law to ensure comprehensive skill development.
Chairing a review meeting on the newly introduced vocational training ecosystem, the prime minister evaluated ongoing NAVTTC programmes in detail and stressed the importance of providing international certifications to Pakistani manpower to boost global competitiveness. He directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis to accelerate efforts to increase the absorption of Pakistani skilled labour in Gulf countries. Highlighting the potential of the country’s youth, the prime minister noted that the NAVTTC’s comprehensive programmes are already yielding positive results.
KP Speaker pens letter to Peshawar Corps Commander, seeks in-camera briefing on military operations PESHAWAR
Staff report
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati has formally requested the Peshawar Corps Commander to provide an in-camera briefing on ongoing military operations in the province’s merged districts, citing the mandate of a special house committee tasked with examining KP’s overall security situation. In a letter dated January 8, Swati noted that the KP Assembly had constituted a 40-member special committee on September 8, 2025, comprising the leader of the house, the leader of the opposition, provincial ministers, parliamentary leaders of political parties, and assembly members—a broadbased and representative forum of the house. The speaker said the committee had already received detailed briefings from key stakeholders, including the chief secretary, the additional chief secretary of the Home and Tribal Affairs Department, and the provincial police chief, which were considered essential prior to finalising its findings and presenting a report to the Assembly. Swati added that during the committee’s second meeting, members resolved to engage all political parties and relevant stakeholders across the province. He also highlighted a grand peace jirga held on December 12, 2025, which unanimously adopted a comprehensive declaration outlining a roadmap for long-term peace and stability in KP. The declaration had also been shared with the federal government.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday instructed officials of the National Information Technology Board (NITB) to ensure complete digitization of all critical stages of Hajj this year, aiming to facilitate pilgrims and make access to government services easier and more efficient for citizens. Chairing a review meeting on NITB initiatives, the prime minister appreciated the extensive preparations made by the Ministry of Information Technology and other concerned ministries for setting up the Asan Khidmat Markaz in the federal capital. He also announced plans to soon hold a review meeting on the implementation of a QR-based feedback system for over-
The prime minister instructed the implementation of a biometric attendance system for trainees and instructors across all NAVTTC partner institutions and emphasized coordination with provincial bodies to expand training opportunities for a larger workforce nationwide. He underscored that providing youth with training along with international certifications in globally demanded skills
seas Pakistanis. During the briefing, NITB officials informed the prime minister that following the appointment of the new CEO, the institution’s structure was being reorganized to align with contemporary technological requirements. Officials confirmed that all preparations for the Asan Khidmat Markaz to serve citizens in Islamabad had been completed. They further highlighted that a secure new app integrating all government sector institutions would be launched soon. In addition, an integrated One Patient One ID system was in the final stages of preparation to ensure timely and improved service delivery in public hospitals. Officials emphasized that the system would enhance hospital performance and provide better care for patients.
should remain the top priority. Institutions performing unsatisfactorily under NAVTTC were to have their memberships suspended, and strict action was to be taken. Complete digitisation and online monitoring mechanisms for NAVTTC were to be further strengthened to ensure transparency and efficiency.
ContInueD on page 03
Indonesia in advanced talks with pakistan for JF-17 jets, armed drones ISLAMABAD/JAKARTA agencieS
Indonesia’s defence minister has held talks with Pakistan’s air force chief in Islamabad on a potential defence deal that could include the sale of combat aircraft and armed drones to Jakarta, three security officials with knowledge of the meeting said on Monday. The discussions come as Pakistan’s defence industry advances a series of international procurement negotiations — including with Libya’s National Army and Sudan’s military — as Islamabad seeks to position itself as a growing regional defence supplier. Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence confirmed the meeting between Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu. “The meeting focused on discussing general defence cooperation relations, including strategic dialogue, strengthening communication between defence institutions, and opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields in the long term,” defence ministry spokesperson Brig Gen Rico Ricardo Sirait told Reuters, adding that the talks had not yet resulted in any concrete decisions.
Indonesian Defence czar meets, CDF Munir, air chief to expand defence ties RAWALPINDI
Staff report
Indonesia has expressed its desire to further expand defence ties with Pakistan across multiple domains, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Monday. The development comes as Indonesian Defence Minister Lieutenant General (retd) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin called on Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, the military’s media wing said. “The meeting focused on
According to one source, discussions centred on the possible sale of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets — a multi-role combat aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China — as well as armed drones capable of surveillance and precision strikes. Two other sources said the talks were at an advanced stage and involved more than 40
matters of mutual interest, evolving regional and global security dynamics, and exploration of avenues for enhancing bilateral defence cooperation,” it said. “Both sides underscored the importance of strengthening institutional linkages, training collaboration and defence industrial cooperation between Pakistan and Indonesia,” it added. “The visiting dignitary lauded the professionalism of Pakistan’s armed forces and acknowledged their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. He also expressed Indonesia’s desire to further expand defence ties with Pakistan across multiple domains,” it said.
JF-17 jets. One of them added that Indonesia had also shown interest in Pakistan’s Shahpar drones. The sources said no timelines had been discussed regarding delivery schedules or the duration over which a potential deal might be implemented. Pakistan’s military media wing did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Six cops martyred as police APC hit in Tank IED attack DERA ISMAIL KHAN/LAKKI MARWAT Staff report
Six policemen were martyred on Monday when police vehicles were targeted in two separate incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Tank and Lakki Marwat districts. “Six policemen were martyred in the IED blast targeting armoured personnel carrier (APC) in the jurisdiction of the Gomal police station,” the Tank police spokesperson confirmed in a statement issued on Monday. “The APC was on the way from the Gomal police station to Tank when the blast occurred,” the statement said, adding that an additional station house officer (SHO) was among the martyrs. The bodies of the martyred policemen were shifted to the Tank District Headquarters Hospital by Rescue 1122. Police sealed off the area and launched a “massive” security operation, according to state media. Separately, another IED blast occurred near Darra Tang Road in Lakki Marwat, injuring three police personnel, according to the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP). A police statement said that an SHO and other police personnel, without specifying the exact number, were “slightly injured and are now out of danger”. “Fitna al-Khwarij targeted the police APC with an IED explosion while police were patrolling near Jabar Khel on Darra Tang Road, within the jurisdiction of the Saddar police station,” the statement said. Fitna al-Khwarij is the term used by the state for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Following the incident, Lakki Marwat District Police Officer (DPO) Nazir Khan reached the site and reviewed the situation. A search operation was subsequently launched in the area, the police statement said. It quoted DPO Nazir as saying, “These cowardly acts cannot lower our morale. The Lakki Marwat police are responding vigorously to every challenge and are ready to make every possible sacrifice for the protection of the public.” The officer asserted that police were resolutely confronting Fitna al-Khwarij, adding that security had been enhanced in the area. PM Shehbaz orders probe into Tank attack Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered an “immediate investigation” into the Tank incident and directed authorities to ensure that those responsible were brought to justice at the earliest, according to state-run Radio Pakistan. The premier reaffirmed the government’s commitment to completely eradicate terrorism from the country. President Asif Ali Zardari also expressed deep grief over the martyrdom of police personnel in the “terrorist attack”, according to a statement issued by the President House. He paid tribute to the policemen’s bravery and their dedication to serving the country, praying for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks and for patience for their bereaved families. KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi sought an immediate report from senior police officials on the incident, a statement from his office said. Expressing deep grief and anger, he conveyed condolences to the families of the martyrs. “The brave men of KP police embraced martyrdom while protecting the lives and property of the people,” Kundi was quoted as saying, adding that he was proud of the fallen officers. “These actions by Indian-backed Fitna al-Khwarij cannot dampen our morale,” the governor asserted. He urged the PTI-led provincial government to take “practical steps to ensure peace in the province”. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also strongly condemned the attack and paid tribute to the sacrifices of “five policemen”. “The courageous men of the police sacrificed their today for the nation’s peaceful tomorrow,” Naqvi was quoted as saying by his ministry, adding that the sacrifices of the martyrs would always be remembered. National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, in a separate statement, expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of six police personnel. Paying rich tribute to the sacrifices of law enforcement agencies in the fight against terrorism, he said the martyrdom of police officials was an irreparable loss. “The entire nation is proud of its brave sons who stand firm against terrorism,” the speaker said, also praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.
China confirms J-10Ce fighter scored first combat success in May India-pakistan conflict ISLAMABAD
Staff report
China has confirmed that its J-10CE fighter jet achieved first combat success during a brief India-Pakistan military conflict in May 2025, Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported on Monday. The intense, four-day standoff saw Pakistan and India attack each other with missiles, fighter jets, drones and artillery, killing nearly 70 people on both sides. Islamabad claimed victory in the standoff, saying it had shot down six Indian aircraft, including French-made Rafale jets. India acknowledged losses but did not specify a number. Citing China’s State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense, Xinhua reported that Chinese J-10CE jets shot down “multiple aircraft” in mid-May, without naming any country. “In mid-May, the country’s export-oriented J-10CE fighter jet achieved its first
combat victory, shooting down multiple aircraft in air combat without suffering any losses itself,” the state news agency said. “The J-10CE’s combat success abroad fully demonstrates that domestically produced aviation equipment is practical and easy to use, possessing strong competitiveness compared to similar foreign equipment, and can also drive other domestically produced aviation equipment to enter the international market.” The J-10CE fighter jet is an all-weather, single-engine, single-seat, multi-role fighter jet developed by China. The India-Pakistan conflict in May offered the world a first real glimpse into how advanced Chinese military technology performs against proven Western hardware. A rising military superpower, China hasn’t fought a major war in more than four decades but has raced under President Xi Jinping to modernize its armed forces, pouring resources into developing sophisticated weaponry and cutting-edge technologies. It
has also extended that modernization drive to Pakistan, long hailed by Beijing as its “ironclad brother.” Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif this month said Islamabad has witnessed a surge in aircraft orders after the May standoff with India and, if materialized, they could end the country’s reliance on the International Monetary Fund (IMF). “Right now, the number of orders we are receiving after reaching this point is significant because our aircraft have been tested,” Defense Minister Asif told Pakistan’s Geo News channel. “We are receiving those orders, and it is possible that after six months we may not even need the IMF.” Pakistan markets the Chinese co-developed JF-17, also flown during the May conflict, as a lower-cost multi-role fighter and has positioned itself as a supplier able to offer aircraft, training and maintenance outside Western supply chains. The JF-17s have figured in a deal with Azerbaijan and the $4 billion weapons pact
with the Libyan National Army. Pakistan is also eyeing a defense pact with Bangladesh
that could include the Super Mushshak training jets and JF-17s, as ties improve with Dhaka.