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July 4, 2026

Pakistan plans Rs2.8bn leather skills programme to boost exports

ISLAMABAD, Jul 04 (ABC): The government plans to launch a Rs2.8 billion Leather Sector Skills Development Programme under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). The initiative aims to modernise training infrastructure, improve workforce productivity and strengthen Pakistan’s leather exports.

According to documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the Ministry of Industries and Production will implement the programme through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA). NAVTTC and provincial Technical Education and Vocational Training Authorities (TEVTAs) will support implementation.

Programme targets leather value chain

The programme will support Pakistan’s leather, garments, footwear and leather goods industry. The sector employs about 400,000 workers across nearly 2,000 firms.

The government plans to upgrade training facilities at the Institute of Leather Technology in Karachi and a technical training institute in Gujranwala.

The initiative aims to align workforce skills with modern industry requirements. It also seeks to increase the sector’s ability to attract investment and meet international compliance standards.

Modern training and certification

The programme includes a comprehensive skills gap assessment and the development of industry-aligned curricula.

Authorities will also rehabilitate and expand technical institutes. In addition, they will install modern machinery and equipment to improve practical training.

The initiative also includes workforce certification programmes and trainer capacity-building. National and international institutions will support these activities through technical partnerships.

Supporting exports and competitiveness

The government expects the programme to create a more productive and internationally competitive workforce.

It also aims to improve product quality, reduce production defects and strengthen buyer confidence in Pakistani leather products.

Furthermore, the initiative supports the government’s broader export growth strategy. Policymakers want the leather sector to achieve $2.5 billion in exports by 2039.

Funding and implementation

Under the proposed funding plan, the government will allocate Rs560 million in FY2026-27. It will spend the remaining Rs2.24 billion in FY2027-28.

The project does not include any foreign exchange component and is expected to finish within two years.

According to the document, public investment remains essential because private firms alone cannot modernise the sector’s training ecosystem on the required scale.

The document adds that the programme will reduce compliance costs for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It will also help Pakistan move towards higher-value leather exports in global markets.

Pakistan conducts 4,752 anti-drug awareness activities in FY2025-26

Pakistan

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July 3, 2026

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Pakistan conducts 4,752 anti-drug awareness activities in FY2025-26

ISLAMABAD, Jun 30 (ABC): Pakistan conducted 4,752 anti-drug awareness and demand-reduction activities during July-March FY2025-26. At the same time, authorities expanded rehabilitation services and strengthened enforcement against narcotics-related crimes.

According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the government launched a comprehensive anti-narcotics strategy based on three pillars: drug supply reduction, drug demand reduction and international cooperation. The strategy follows the Anti-Narcotics Policy 2019.

Awareness campaigns gain momentum

During the first nine months of FY2025-26, anti-narcotics authorities organised 4,752 drug demand-reduction activities. These campaigns aimed to raise public awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and promote preventive measures across the country.

The report also shows that rehabilitation and treatment services expanded during the period. These initiatives support addiction recovery through healthcare and rehabilitation programmes.

Rehabilitation services expand

During July-March FY2025-26, Model Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation Centres (MATRCs) treated 2,024 patients across Pakistan.

The MATRC in Karachi’s Lyari area treated the highest number of patients, handling 510 cases. Other centres treated 374 patients in Malir, 342 in Manghopir, 278 in Hyderabad, 228 in Quetta, 167 in Islamabad and 125 in Sukkur.

The government is also strengthening rehabilitation infrastructure. It is developing a new Model Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre in Islamabad at an estimated cost of Rs456.38 million.

The project has reached 99% completion, and contractors have almost finished all civil works.

Once operational, the new centre will expand treatment capacity and improve access to rehabilitation services for people struggling with substance abuse.

Enforcement efforts continue

Alongside rehabilitation initiatives, authorities continued enforcement operations against narcotics-related crimes.

During July-March FY2025-26, law enforcement agencies registered 1,489 First Information Reports (FIRs). They also arrested 1,729 suspects in anti-narcotics cases.

The report says the conviction rate reached 78%, reflecting continued efforts to strengthen legal enforcement and improve prosecution outcomes.

Balanced anti-drug strategy

According to the report, Pakistan is increasingly combining enforcement with prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. Authorities consider awareness campaigns, treatment facilities and rehabilitation services essential for reducing drug demand and supporting long-term recovery.

Overall, Pakistan organised 4,752 anti-drug awareness activities, treated 2,024 patients, registered 1,489 cases and brought a new Rs456.38 million rehabilitation facility in Islamabad close to completion. These initiatives demonstrate the government’s broader efforts to strengthen both the preventive and treatment components of its anti-drug strategy.

Govt pushes digital overhaul of family planning services

Pakistan

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July 3, 2026

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Govt pushes digital overhaul of family planning services

ISLAMABAD, Jun 29 (ABC): Pakistan has launched a major digital transformation of its family planning and reproductive health services. The initiative introduces real-time electronic reporting, trains service providers and advances new legislation to improve healthcare delivery, transparency and the protection of reproductive health rights.

According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the government introduced the Electronic Client Record (ECR) system to modernise population welfare services and strengthen monitoring of family planning programmes.

Digital reporting transforms family planning services

So far, authorities have trained 213 service providers on the ECR system. They are now submitting real-time service delivery data through the digital platform.

The initiative aims to improve data accuracy, enhance transparency and strengthen monitoring of reproductive health services. It also marks a significant shift from conventional reporting methods to digital record management.

Under the new system, authorities can monitor service delivery in real time. They can also track programme performance and identify service gaps more efficiently.

The government aims to achieve 100% real-time data reporting through the ECR system by the end of 2026.

Training supports digital transition

The report acknowledges initial implementation challenges, particularly in software understanding and usage among field staff.

However, the government continues to provide capacity-building programmes, refresher training and technical support. These measures aim to ensure a smooth transition to the digital system.

The report says stronger data management systems are essential for evidence-based policymaking. It adds that the digitisation initiative forms part of broader efforts to modernise family planning services and improve access to reproductive healthcare.

New legislation to strengthen reproductive health rights

Alongside digital reforms, the government is pursuing legislative measures to strengthen the reproductive health framework.

The provincial cabinet has approved a Reproductive Health Bill. The government will now present it before the provincial assembly.

The proposed law seeks to safeguard clients’ rights, including confidentiality, privacy, informed choice, commodity security and access to quality reproductive health services.

Once enacted, the legislation is expected to strengthen the legal framework for protecting reproductive health rights and improving service delivery standards.

Public awareness and digital communication

The report also highlights efforts to boost public awareness through official websites and print, electronic and social media platforms.

According to the report, digital technology is playing an increasingly important role in strengthening communication between service providers and policymakers. It also improves transparency and supports faster, data-driven decision-making.