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Govt targets electrification of over 15,000 villages in FY2026-27

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Govt targets electrification of over 15,000 villages in FY2026-27

ISLAMABAD, Jul 02 (ABC): Pakistan’s power distribution companies plan to expand electricity access in FY2026-27. They will electrify 15,327 villages and add 1,689,849 new consumer connections during the year.

According to a Power Division document available with Wealth Pakistan, the planned investments will support progress on SDG Indicator 7.1.1. This indicator measures the share of the population with access to electricity.

DISCOs set village electrification targets

Gujranwala Electric Power Company will lead the village electrification drive. It has received the highest target of 8,876 villages.

Multan Electric Power Company will electrify 2,798 villages. Peshawar Electric Supply Company will electrify 1,104 villages, while Quetta Electric Supply Company will cover 1,050 villages.

Faisalabad Electric Supply Company will electrify 825 villages. Islamabad Electric Supply Company will cover 300 villages, Lahore Electric Supply Company 280, Hyderabad Electric Supply Company 50, Hazara Electric Supply Company 40 and Tribal Areas Electric Supply Company four villages.

The document does not show any village electrification target for Sukkur Electric Power Company.

New consumer connections planned

Lahore Electric Supply Company has received the largest consumer addition target. It will add 453,000 new consumers in FY2026-27.

Gujranwala Electric Power Company will add 351,638 consumers. Faisalabad Electric Supply Company will add 296,000, while Multan Electric Power Company will add 250,000 new consumers.

Islamabad Electric Supply Company will add 195,000 consumers. Peshawar Electric Supply Company has a target of 77,489 new consumers.

Other targets include 22,617 consumers for Quetta Electric Supply Company, 21,500 for Hazara Electric Supply Company, 13,766 for Hyderabad Electric Supply Company, 7,253 for Sukkur Electric Power Company and 1,586 for Tribal Areas Electric Supply Company.

Distribution system to be strengthened

The document shows that the wider distribution system will also be upgraded.

The plan includes 799.5 kilometers of 132kV transmission lines and 2,087 MVA of 132kV capacity.

It also includes 1,321.15 MVA of 11kV capacity, 4,134 kilometers of 11kV transmission lines and 1,742 kilometers of 400-volt transmission lines.

Focus on underserved villages

The planned expansion shows that the government is focusing on both major demand centres and underserved rural areas.

The initiative will help expand electricity access, increase the consumer base and strengthen the power distribution network across the country.

Govt plans Rs8.4bn investment to modernise footwear industry

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Govt plans Rs8.4bn investment to modernise footwear industry

ISLAMABAD, Jul 01 (ABC): The government is set to invest Rs8.4 billion over five years to transform Pakistan’s footwear industry by upgrading the Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design (PIFD) and allied training institutions that currently lack modern equipment, updated curricula and international linkages needed to meet global industry standards.

According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the Ministry of Industries and Production will lead the proposed project through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA). NAVTTC, TEVTAs and allied training institutions will serve as key executing partners. The initiative focuses on footwear manufacturing, design and skills development.

The footwear sector strategy aims to rebalance the leather export basket by 2039. It targets footwear exports of nearly $1.17 billion, or 47% of total leather exports. To achieve this goal, the sector must sustain annual growth of 12% to 14% over the next 15 years.

Focus on technology and workforce skills

The project will establish modern shoe production lines, CAD/CAM pattern-cutting systems, testing equipment and material libraries. It will also introduce competency-based curricula aligned with international manufacturing standards and buyer compliance requirements.

Workforce training forms a major component of the initiative. Short courses, diploma programmes and certification schemes will target students as well as existing industry workers. The training will focus on production quality, efficiency, compliance and export-oriented manufacturing practices.

Global partnerships to strengthen industry

The plan also proposes partnerships with leading footwear training and design institutions in Italy, Spain, Portugal and Vietnam. These collaborations will support curriculum benchmarking, faculty training, exchange programmes and exposure to advanced footwear production systems.

Funding and implementation framework

The government has proposed allocating Rs1.68 billion in FY2026-27, Rs3.36 billion in FY2027-28, Rs840 million in FY2028-29, Rs1.26 billion in FY2029-30 and Rs1.26 billion in FY2030-31. The total PSDP requirement stands at Rs8.4 billion, with no foreign exchange component mentioned in the project document.

SMEDA will coordinate implementation, while NAVTTC will align the initiative with the national skills framework.

PIFD will lead institutional upgradation, and provincial technical education authorities will deliver training where required. Footwear manufacturers and leather sector associations will help validate curricula and facilitate trainee placements.

Expected impact on exports

The project aims to upgrade training facilities, introduce internationally benchmarked curricula and build a stronger pipeline of skilled footwear workers. It also seeks to improve productivity, quality consistency and design capability across Pakistan’s footwear manufacturing industry.

The government has positioned the initiative as a key component of Pakistan’s broader export growth strategy. If implemented effectively, it can help the country shift from low-value footwear production to design-driven, compliance-ready and globally competitive manufacturing.

سی پیک فیز ٹو کے چار اہم ستون کیا ہیں

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سی پیک فیز ٹو کے چار اہم ستون کیا ہیں

Pakistan plans to deploy 1 million workers to Saudi Arabia by 2030

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Pakistan plans to deploy 1 million workers to Saudi Arabia by 2030

ISLAMABAD, Jun 28 (ABC): Pakistan has set a target of deploying one million workers to Saudi Arabia by 2030. The initiative forms part of a long-term workforce development strategy aimed at strengthening labour mobility, human capital development and economic cooperation between the two countries.

According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the target is included in the Human Resource Deployment Plan (2025-2039). The plan was developed under the Saudi-Pakistan Economic Cooperation Framework (SPECF) in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Pakistan sets ambitious workforce target

The plan envisages increasing annual overseas deployments to 1.51 million workers by 2039 through a structured pipeline of skilled, semi-skilled and highly qualified manpower. The targeted sectors include construction, hospitality and tourism, healthcare, information technology, logistics, aviation and infrastructure development.

Saudi Arabia remains the largest destination

Saudi Arabia continues to be the leading destination for Pakistani workers. According to the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BE&OE), 762,499 Pakistanis registered for overseas employment during 2025. Of these, 530,256, or 69.54%, moved to Saudi Arabia.

More than 96% of Pakistani workers proceeding abroad through official channels found employment in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, particularly Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The documents note that Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has significantly expanded employment opportunities in infrastructure, construction and services. As a result, the Kingdom has retained its position as the largest overseas labour market for Pakistani workers.

Skills development and policy reforms

To support growing demand for skilled manpower, Pakistan is aligning its workforce development strategy with Saudi mega and giga projects. The country plans to strengthen training programmes in construction, hospitality, healthcare, ICT and engineering. These initiatives aim to ensure a steady supply of qualified workers for the Saudi market.

The framework also proposes several policy and institutional reforms. These include Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs), qualification alignment between NAVTTC and Saudi training institutions, digital labour market integration and employer-linked recruitment models.

Investment in workforce development

Pakistan has proposed a US$3.8 billion investment framework for Saudi participation. The proposal includes US$2.7 billion for technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and US$1 billion for higher education.

The investment aims to establish demand-driven training infrastructure, skill cities and joint educational institutions. These facilities will prepare workers for emerging labour market requirements.

The documents also highlight early progress under the initiative. During 2024-25, the two countries signed more than 70 memorandums of understanding and letters of intent. In addition, more than 4,700 workers secured overseas jobs following the Human Resources and Labour Services Expo. Pakistan also strengthened cooperation with Saudi institutions, including Takamol, Musaned and the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC).

Preparing workers for future opportunities

Besides supporting labour exports to Saudi Arabia, Pakistan is aligning workforce planning with future international opportunities. The strategy includes preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2034.

It aims to train and deploy 300,000 to 400,000 workers between 2026 and 2034. These workers will support infrastructure, aviation, tourism and related service sectors.

According to the documents, the initiative will gradually shift Pakistan’s overseas workforce towards higher-skilled and higher-remittance employment. It is also expected to strengthen Pakistan’s position as a preferred workforce partner for Saudi Arabia.

Primary school completion rate rises to 57% in Pakistan

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Primary school completion rate rises to 57% in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, Jun 27 (APP):The proportion of Pakistanis aged 10 years and above who have completed at least primary education increased to 57% in 2024-25, reflecting continued progress in educational attainment across the country.

According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the national primary completion rate rose from 51% in 2018-19 to 57% in 2024-25. Male completion increased from 61% to 65%, while female completion improved from 42% to 48%, indicating steady gains in educational outcomes for both genders.

The documents show that educational attainment improved in both urban and rural areas. In urban areas, the primary completion rate increased from 66% to 68%, while in rural areas, it increased from 42% to 49%. Male completion in rural areas rose from 54% to 60%, while female completion increased from 32% to 38%.

Among the provinces, Punjab recorded the highest primary completion rate, increasing from 57% to 62%. Sindh improved from 49% to 52%, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa increased from 44% to 52%. Balochistan recorded the largest relative improvement, with the primary completion rate rising from 31% to 42% during the period under review.

The documents indicate that the gains in educational attainment have been accompanied by broader improvements in school participation. The proportion of the population aged 10 years and above who have ever attended school increased from 61% in 2018-19 to 67% in 2024-25. Male attendance rose from 73% to 77%, while female attendance increased from 50% to 57%.

Progress was also observed in rural communities, where school attendance improved from 53% to 59%. The documents note that rural female participation recorded particularly encouraging gains, reflecting ongoing efforts to expand educational opportunities and reduce disparities in access to education.

Pakistan’s literacy indicators also showed improvement during the period. The literacy rate for people aged 10 years and above increased from 61% to 63%, with male literacy rising to 73% and female literacy to 54%. Rural female literacy recorded one of the most significant improvements among all population groups.

The documents further show progress in reducing the number of children outside the education system. The national out-of-school children rate declined from 38% in 2023 to 28% in 2025, with improvements recorded across all provinces and regions.

According to the documents, the continued rise in primary school completion, school attendance and literacy rates reflects sustained efforts to strengthen educational access and improve learning outcomes across Pakistan.

New CPEC project aims to bolster fertiliser security in Pakistan

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New CPEC project aims to bolster fertiliser security in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, Jun 27 (ABC):Pakistan’s planned coal-to-urea project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) 2.0 framework can help diversify the country’s fertiliser feedstock base and reduce long-standing supply vulnerabilities linked to natural gas shortages.
The prospect gained attention after Fauji Fertiliser Company signed a Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) agreement with China’s Hualu Engineering and Technology Co. Ltd. for a $1.12 billion coal-to-fertiliser project under the CPEC 2.0 framework. The proposed plant is expected to produce 717,000 tonnes of urea annually, consume around 2.1 million tonnes of locally mined coal each year, and begin commercial operations in 2030-31.
The proposed facility is expected to become Pakistan’s first major coal-to-urea project. It could help reduce the fertiliser industry’s dependence on natural gas, which remains the primary feedstock for domestic urea production.
According to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26, agriculture contributes 23.44% to the gross domestic product (GDP) and accounts for 33.1% of employment. The survey also notes that an uninterrupted and affordable supply of farm inputs remains important for sustaining agricultural performance.
Recent fertiliser-sector data highlights the importance of ensuring adequate domestic supplies to meet agricultural demand. During July-March FY2025-26, fertiliser nutrient offtake stood at 3.795 million tonnes, up 11.4% from the same period last year. Domestic fertiliser production in nutrient terms declined 0.5%, while fertiliser availability fell 2.8%. Urea availability during Rabi 2025-26 stood at 4.382 million tonnes against an offtake of 3.564 million tonnes.
Speaking with Wealth Pakistan, Muhammad Umar Farooq, Senior Research Associate at the Pakistan-China Institute, said Pakistan’s first coal-to-urea project could strengthen fertiliser security by diversifying an industry that still depends heavily on natural gas as its primary feedstock.
He said domestic urea production has periodically faced gas shortages, seasonal demand pressures and import requirements. A coal-based production route using indigenous resources could provide a more predictable supply during sowing seasons while reducing exposure to international fertiliser prices and foreign-exchange pressures.
Farooq said the project’s broader value would depend on whether additional output reaches small and medium-sized farmers through timely distribution, competitive pricing and reliable access, rather than merely increasing national production figures.
Farooq stressed that the partnership with Hualu Engineering should facilitate technology transfer in coal gasification, chemical processing and plant management, helping build domestic expertise rather than creating long-term dependence on imported technology and equipment.
Talha Nasir, Research Associate at Engro Fertilisers, told Wealth Pakistan that the project could enhance fertiliser security by reducing dependence on imported natural gas and urea while ensuring a more stable domestic supply for farmers.
He said stronger local production could support price stability, improve agricultural productivity and reinforce Pakistan’s food-security framework through greater self-reliance in fertiliser manufacturing.
Nasir added that policymakers should encourage local resource utilization through transparent and consistent industrial policies, a stable investment environment, stronger infrastructure and logistics networks, environmental safeguards and continued technology upgrades. Long-term policy continuity and support for domestic manufacturing, he said, would be essential for building a resilient fertiliser sector.
If implemented successfully, the project could become a significant component of Pakistan’s fertiliser supply chain while advancing CPEC 2.0’s industrial cooperation agenda.

96% of higher secondary schools in Pakistan have basic facilities

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96% of higher secondary schools in Pakistan have basic facilities
ISLAMABAD, Jun 24 (ABC):The availability of basic facilities in public schools improves significantly at higher levels of education, with up to 96% of higher secondary schools across Pakistan equipped with essential infrastructure such as drinking water and boundary walls, according to official data.
Documents available with Wealth Pakistan show that access to electricity, drinking water, toilets and boundary walls increases steadily from primary to higher secondary levels, reflecting continued efforts to strengthen the learning environment in public-sector schools.
At the national level, 65% of public schools have access to electricity. However, availability rises from 59% at primary schools to 77% at middle schools, 92% at high schools and 95% at higher secondary institutions.
Similarly, access to drinking water is available in 76% of schools nationwide, increasing from 72% at the primary level to 83% at middle schools, 94% at high schools and 96% at higher secondary schools.
The data further shows that 77% of public schools across the country have toilet facilities. Availability improves from 74% at primary schools to 83% at middle schools, 90% at high schools and 92% at higher secondary institutions.
Boundary walls are present in 75% of public schools nationwide. Coverage rises from 71% at primary schools to 87% at middle schools, 95% at high schools and 96% at higher secondary schools, contributing to a safer learning environment for students.
Among the provinces and regions, Punjab and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) recorded the highest levels of infrastructure coverage.
Punjab reported 99% access to electricity and 100% availability of drinking water and toilet facilities, while 98% of its schools had boundary walls.
ICT recorded 99% access to electricity, 92% availability of drinking water, 97% access to toilets and 93% coverage of boundary walls.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also showed a strong performance, with 77% of schools having electricity, 86% access to drinking water, 85% toilet facilities and 91% boundary wall coverage. Gilgit-Baltistan recorded 65% electricity coverage, 78% access to drinking water, 76% access to toilet facilities, and 67% availability of boundary walls.
According to the documents, well-maintained infrastructure and basic facilities play an important role in improving educational outcomes by providing students with a safe, healthy and conducive learning environment. Access to electricity, clean drinking water, sanitation facilities and secure school premises contributes to student well-being and supports effective teaching and learning.
The documents note that continued investment in school infrastructure remains essential for further improving education quality and ensuring better learning conditions for students across the country.

Balochistan launches Rs1.58 billion school meal programme

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Balochistan launches Rs1.58 billion school meal programme
ISLAMABAD, Jun 23 (ABC):The Government of Balochistan is implementing a Rs1.58 billion school meal programme for primary school students in Quetta as part of its efforts to address nutrition challenges and improve child health outcomes.
According to the official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, Balochistan has focused its development investments on maternal and child health, school nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, and deworming as priority intervention areas.
The School Meal Programme for Students of Primary Schools in Quetta is being implemented on a pilot basis with a total project cost of Rs1.579 billion and an allocation of Rs315.9 million during the year.
The programme is one of several nutrition-focused initiatives currently under implementation in the province.
Balochistan is also implementing the Comprehensive Maternal and Child Health Programme with a total cost of Rs2 billion and an allocation of Rs228.8 million.
A separate project to provide WASH facilities in schools is under implementation, with a total cost of Rs2 billion and an allocation of Rs200 million.
According to the report, a Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) facility has been established at Eastern Bypass Quetta with a total project cost of Rs400 million and an allocation of Rs200 million.
These projects form part of Balochistan’s broader nutrition-specific interventions aimed at improving health and nutrition outcomes across the province.
The provincial government has identified nutrition, maternal and child health, school-based interventions and sanitation infrastructure as key development priorities.

Pakistan plans Rs283bn national AI ecosystem programme

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Pakistan plans Rs283bn national AI ecosystem programme
ISLAMABAD, Jun 22 (ABC):The government has planned a Rs. 283 billion programme to build a secure, sovereign, and innovation-driven artificial intelligence ecosystem over the next five years.
According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the National AI Ecosystem Development Programme (NAIEDP) will be implemented from 2026 to 2031.
The government has proposed an initial allocation of Rs185 million for FY2026-27 to start work on the programme.
The initiative is expected to serve as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s broader digital transformation agenda and help position the country to benefit from the growing global AI economy.
Among its key objectives, the programme aims to promote economic transformation and growth by adopting artificial intelligence across sectors.
In addition, it plans to provide support for AI startups and innovation, encouraging the growth of a domestic technology ecosystem and fostering entrepreneurship in emerging technologies.
Sector-specific modernization through AI applications forms another major component of the programme. The initiative is expected to facilitate the use of artificial intelligence in public services, industry and other economic sectors to improve efficiency and productivity.
The documents also highlight the development of AI governance and ethical frameworks to ensure responsible use of the technology. A strategic funding window is proposed under the programme to enable swift responses to emerging technological opportunities and challenges.
With a projected outlay of Rs283 billion through 2031, the NAIEDP represents a significant step towards strengthening Pakistan’s technological competitiveness and long-term digital development.

پنجاب میں بروکلی کی کاشت کا بڑھتا رجحان، کسانوں کے لیے نیا موقع

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پنجاب میں بروکلی کی کاشت کا بڑھتا رجحان، کسانوں کے لیے نیا موقع
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