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Pakistan targets 400,000 trained workers for FIFA World Cup 2034

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Pakistan targets 400,000 trained workers for FIFA World Cup 2034

ISLAMABAD, June 21 (ABC): Pakistan is targeting the training and deployment of 300,000 to 400,000 workers for projects linked to the FIFA World Cup 2034 as part of a broader strategy to expand overseas employment opportunities and strengthen the country’s position in international labour markets.

According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, workforce planning aligns with anticipated demand arising from the FIFA World Cup 2034. Trained Pakistani workers are expected to support infrastructure development, aviation, tourism and related service sectors between 2026 and 2034.

The initiative forms part of the government’s wider efforts to boost manpower exports and enhance the skills profile of Pakistani workers for overseas employment.

Skills development supports overseas employment goals

During July-March FY2025-26, a total of 215,719 workers received soft-skills training aimed at improving adaptability, productivity and global employability.

The documents indicate that overseas employment remains a key pillar of Pakistan’s labour market strategy.

During 2025, the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BE&OE) registered 762,499 workers for overseas employment. Since 1972, more than 15 million Pakistanis have proceeded abroad for employment in over 50 countries through official channels.

According to the documents, more than 96% of Pakistani workers proceeding abroad through official channels work in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, particularly Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

These overseas workers contribute significantly to the national economy through remittances, which remain one of Pakistan’s major sources of foreign exchange earnings after exports.

Saudi Arabia remains the leading destination

Saudi Arabia retained its position as the leading destination for Pakistani workers in 2025, receiving 530,256 workers. This accounted for 69.54% of total overseas employment registrations during the year.

The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 programme has expanded opportunities in infrastructure, construction and services sectors, creating growing demand for skilled manpower.

The documents further show that Pakistan is expanding labour mobility partnerships beyond the Gulf region.

Under the Pakistan-EU Migration and Mobility Dialogue, the country has engaged with European partners on legal migration and workforce cooperation. Italy has announced a quota of 10,500 seasonal and non-seasonal workers for Pakistan over a three-year period. Germany and Greece have also made progress toward formalizing labour cooperation arrangements focused on skilled workers.

Digital reforms streamline emigration process

The government is simultaneously modernizing the emigration process through digital initiatives.

The Pakistan Emigrant Management Framework is connecting 14 relevant stakeholders and streamlining overseas employment procedures through online verification systems. Authorities have also operationalized the Digital HR Pool system, which integrates biometric verification, job matching and transparent recruitment mechanisms.

The documents note that continued investment in skills development, overseas employment facilitation and labour market reforms will help Pakistan capitalize on emerging global opportunities while creating higher-skilled and higher-value employment pathways for its workforce.

Female school attendance climbs to 57% in Pakistan

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Female school attendance climbs to 57% in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, June 21 (ABC): Female school attendance in Pakistan has risen to 57%, reflecting continued progress in expanding educational opportunities for girls across the country.

According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the proportion of females aged 10 years and above who have ever attended school increased from 50% in 2018-19 to 57% in 2024-25. The improvement contributed to a rise in the overall school attendance rate, which increased from 61% to 67% during the same period.

The documents show that gains in female education were recorded across provinces and regions. In Punjab, female school attendance increased from 59% to 65%, while Sindh recorded an improvement from 45% to 49%. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the rate rose from 38% to 47%, and in Balochistan from 24% to 34%, indicating broader access to education for girls.

The improvement was particularly notable in rural areas, where female school participation continued to increase, reflecting ongoing efforts to reduce disparities in access to education between urban and rural communities. Nationally, rural school attendance rose from 53% in 2018-19 to 59% in 2024-25.

The documents further show progress in educational attainment among women. The proportion of females aged 10 years and above who had completed at least primary education increased from 42% to 48% during the period under review. Female completion rates also improved across provinces, contributing to overall gains in educational outcomes.

Pakistan’s literacy indicators likewise showed improvement. The literacy rate among females aged 10 years and above reached 54% in 2024-25, while rural female literacy recorded one of the most significant improvements among all population groups.

The documents indicate that the expansion of educational access for girls has contributed to broader progress in the education sector. During the same period, the national out-of-school children rate declined from 38% in 2023 to 28% in 2025, while the overall literacy rate for people aged 10 years and above increased from 61% to 63%.

According to the documents, the continued improvement in female school attendance and educational attainment reflects ongoing efforts to enhance access to education and promote greater participation of girls in the country’s education system.

2026 میں عالمی رہنما چین کا رخ کیوں کر رہے ہیں؟

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2026 میں عالمی رہنما چین کا رخ کیوں کر رہے ہیں؟

چین کی معاشی کامیابی کا راز کیا ہے؟

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چین کی معاشی کامیابی کا راز کیا ہے؟

AJK expands Early Childhood Development programme to 300 schools

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AJK expands Early Childhood Development programme to 300 schools

ISLAMABAD, June 20 (ABC): Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) is expanding its Early Childhood Development (ECD) Programme to 300 middle schools as part of broader efforts to strengthen education, nutrition and child development services.

According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the Government of AJK has directed development investments towards maternal and child health, early childhood development, livestock development, agricultural diversification and food safety infrastructure.

The government is implementing the Early Childhood Development Programme (Phase-III) in 300 middle schools at a total cost of Rs90.1 million. It has allocated Rs43.6 million for the current year. Moreover, the programme is one of several nutrition-sensitive initiatives underway in the region.

The report states that AJK is also implementing Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Services. The project carries a total cost of Rs397.3 million and an allocation of Rs59.1 million.

Agriculture and livestock projects underway

Meanwhile, the government is implementing the Sheep and Goat Development Programme with a total cost of Rs60.15 million. It has allocated Rs45.8 million for the project.

Similarly, the Agro-Ecological Based Fruit, Vegetable and Agriculture Development as Enterprise project carries a total cost of Rs64.8 million. The allocation for the project stands at Rs4.01 million.

Food safety infrastructure strengthened

In addition, the government is establishing three Mobile Food Testing Laboratories at divisional headquarters across AJK. The initiative has a total project cost of Rs107.2 million and an allocation of Rs18.2 million.

Overall, these initiatives form part of AJK’s broader development strategy. The strategy focuses on child development, nutrition, food safety, agriculture and health services.

Pakistan Post parcel service expands to 204 world destinations

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Pakistan Post parcel service expands to 204 world destinations

ISLAMABAD, June 20 (ABC): Pakistan Post’s International Parcel Service now serves 204 international destinations, reflecting the organization’s efforts to expand global connectivity, strengthen logistics services and support cross-border trade.

According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the International Parcel Service remains one of Pakistan Post’s major revenue-generating segments. The service facilitates the transmission of parcels weighing up to 30 kilograms and currently reaches 204 destinations worldwide.

The report notes that expanding international postal coverage is helping businesses and individuals access overseas markets more efficiently, particularly as e-commerce and cross-border trade continue to grow.

Pakistan Post has also partnered with private courier companies to further strengthen international connectivity. Through its EMS Plus service, the organization now provides expedited delivery services to 238 international destinations. The service offers track-and-trace facilities and delivery times ranging from two to five days.

In addition, Pakistan Post’s Express Mail Service (EMS), a premium international postal product, currently serves 36 destinations through a global network spanning around 200 countries and territories.

The report notes that International Letter Mail services are available to 24 international destinations. The service enables the transmission of ordinary and registered letters weighing up to two kilograms under the Universal Service Obligation framework.

Modernization and digital upgrades

Pakistan Post currently provides shipping, delivery and courier services through a nationwide network of 9,695 post offices. As part of broader modernization efforts, it has introduced a Same Day Delivery Service in 29 cities.

The service ensures expedited delivery of documents and packets booked before noon. Pakistan Post plans to expand the facility to additional locations.

The organization has also launched a dedicated mobile application. The app allows customers to access tariff information, postal codes, post office locator services, complaint registration, track-and-trace facilities and pickup requests.

According to the report, Pakistan Post has strengthened compliance with international data requirements, including those of the United States and the European Union, through upgrades to its domestic and international IT infrastructure.

Key reforms include the modernization of the International Postal System (IPS), integration with airline systems to improve shipment visibility, and activation of advanced data features in dispatch messaging. These measures align operations with international standards.

The report highlights that these improvements contributed to Pakistan Post’s upgrade by the Universal Postal Union (UPU) from Postal Development Level 5 to Level 6 in 2025.

International cooperation and trade facilitation

Pakistan Post is also expanding international cooperation. The report notes that the organization has finalized memorandums of understanding with Belarus Post and Karpost.

Similar agreements with China Post, Türkiye Post, Kyrgyzstan Post and Emirates Post are currently under process.

Efforts are also underway to improve export facilitation through closer integration with Pakistan Customs and the Pakistan Single Window (PSW) system. A Joint Working Team comprising Pakistan Post, PSW and Pakistan Customs is progressing the integration of the Customs Declaration System (CDS) with WeBOC.

The initiative aims to streamline postal trade processes and improve efficiency.

The report notes that a Foreign Post Office is also being established at Wazirabad Head Post Office in collaboration with Customs and the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF). The facility will help facilitate exports by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Pakistan trains 215,719 workers for global employment

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Pakistan trains 215,719 workers for global employment

ISLAMABAD, June 18 (APP): Pakistan trained 215,719 workers in soft skills during July-March FY2025-26 as part of efforts to improve their adaptability, productivity and employability in international labour markets.

Soft skills training supports overseas employment

According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the training programme focused on developing workers’ soft skills. The initiative aimed to improve workplace adaptability, increase productivity and help workers meet the requirements of global employers.

The report notes that Pakistan’s growing youth population presents a significant opportunity for labour market expansion. The country’s population reached approximately 252 million during FY2025-26, including 66.96 million people aged 15-29.

Digital systems improve recruitment process

To support overseas employment, the Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC), in collaboration with Germany’s GIZ, established a Centre of Excellence. The centre provides one-window migration advisory and capacity-building services for prospective overseas workers.

The report also highlights the operationalization of the Digital HR Pool system. The platform integrates biometric verification, job matching and transparent recruitment mechanisms. It helps connect Pakistani workers with overseas employers more efficiently while improving transparency in the recruitment process.

Government strengthens sector oversight

Authorities continued efforts to strengthen oversight of the overseas employment sector during the review period.

According to the report, 82 Overseas Employment Promoter licences were cancelled and four licences were suspended during July-March FY2025-26 following complaints. These measures aimed to improve the efficiency and credibility of the emigration value chain.

The report notes that labour market reforms are increasingly linked with technology-driven solutions. These reforms seek to improve access to employment opportunities and reduce inefficiencies in recruitment systems.

Overseas employment remains important

Pakistan’s employed labour force stood at 77.2 million during FY2025-26, while the labour force participation rate reached 46.3%.

The report highlights that overseas employment remains an important source of income for households. It also contributes significantly to remittance inflows, which support the country’s external sector.

Government initiatives, including the Prime Minister’s Youth Skills Development Programme and the Prime Minister’s Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Scheme, are helping align workforce skills with domestic and international market requirements.

According to the report, continued investment in skills development, labour market reforms and digital employment platforms will remain critical for improving the competitiveness of Pakistani workers in global markets.

Pearson Education honours leading education consultants

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Pearson Education honours leading education consultants

LAHORE, June 19 (ABC): Pearson Education Limited, a global leader in education and assessment, hosted its annual awards ceremony in Lahore to recognise the outstanding achievements of education consultants from across Pakistan.

The event honoured consultants who secured the highest number of PTE Academic test bookings. It celebrated their contribution to expanding access to international education and promoting global student mobility.

Industry Leaders Attend Ceremony

The ceremony brought together senior Pearson leaders and distinguished guests, including Ms Ipek Aydin, Director PTE for the Middle East, Pakistan, Turkey and Africa; Waqar Shah, Deputy General Manager, Pearson Pakistan; Syed Ali Iqbal, Territory Manager PTE; and Amir Sohail, Territory Manager PTE.

The gathering also brought together respected educationists and industry professionals from across the country.

PTE Academic, Pearson’s computer-based English language proficiency test, continues to be a preferred choice for students and individuals seeking academic and migration opportunities worldwide.

The recent launch of PTE Express has further expanded access for test takers aspiring to study in the United States. The platform offers a streamlined and efficient testing solution.

Addressing the ceremony, Ms Ipek Aydin and Waqar Shah expressed appreciation for Pearson’s top-performing partners. They acknowledged their dedication, resilience, and vital role in helping thousands of test takers pursue their academic and professional goals.

They also reaffirmed Pearson’s commitment to supporting its partner network and broadening access to international education pathways.

Top Partners Recognised

The event underscored Pearson’s dedication to recognising excellence and strengthening its partner ecosystem in Pakistan.

A total of 28 high achievers and four top-performing partners received awards in the Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze categories.

Pearson presented the top partner awards to Opal Institute (Platinum), PTE Pakistan Training Institute (Gold), Edward Pride Overseas (Silver), and EduPride Consulting (Bronze).

Award recipients represented a diverse range of cities, including Bhalwal, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Hafizabad, Islamabad, Jaranwala, Karachi, Lahore, Mandi Bahauddin, Multan, Peshawar, Rahim Yar Khan, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Sialkot, Swat, and Wazirabad. Their participation reflected the growing reach and impact of Pearson’s education partners across Pakistan.

Ongoing Struggle for Women’s Rights

Gulsameen Nauhani
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Ongoing Struggle for Women’s Rights

The struggle for women’s rights is as old as human civilization itself. Across centuries and cultures, women have fought against discrimination, inequality, and patriarchal attitudes to secure the basic rights and freedoms that many people take for granted today. While considerable progress has been made, the journey toward genuine equality remains far from complete.

A Long History of Resistance

History offers countless examples of women who challenged oppressive systems and paid a heavy price for doing so. One such figure was Olympe de Gouges, the French writer and activist who authored the Declaration of the Rights of Woman and of the Female Citizen. Her advocacy for women’s equality ultimately led to her execution during the French Revolution in 1793. Yet her legacy continues to inspire movements for women’s rights around the world.

Despite these sacrifices and decades of activism, women across the globe continue to face violence, discrimination, and restrictions on their freedom. In many societies, people still deny women the right to make decisions about their own lives, careers, education, and relationships. Gender-based violence remains a widespread problem, affecting women regardless of age, class, or nationality.

The Culture of Victim Blaming

Perhaps one of the most troubling aspects of this reality is the tendency to blame women for the violence committed against them. When a woman becomes the victim of harassment, assault, or murder, public debate often shifts from condemning the perpetrator to scrutinizing the victim’s behavior. People raise questions about what she was wearing, where she was, or why she made certain choices. Such attitudes deepen the suffering of victims and their families. They also contribute to a culture of impunity.

Recent incidents in Pakistan illustrate this disturbing trend. In June 2025, 17-year-old TikToker Sana Yousaf was shot dead in Islamabad after reportedly rejecting a marriage proposal. Rather than focusing solely on the crime, sections of society engaged in victim-blaming narratives that questioned her choices instead of condemning the act of violence.

Similarly, the tragic case of actress and model Humaira Asghar shocked the nation. Authorities reportedly discovered her body months after her death in her Karachi apartment. The incident sparked a broader conversation about loneliness, family estrangement, and the social pressures faced by women who choose independent paths.

Violence in the Name of Honor

Honor-based violence continues to be a grave concern. Across Pakistan, perpetrators have attacked or killed women for decisions related to marriage, social media activity, or personal autonomy. People often justify such acts under the guise of preserving family honor, despite their clear violation of human rights and the rule of law.

The recent killing of a married couple in Balochistan further highlighted the dangers faced by individuals who exercise their right to choose their life partners. Incidents like these demonstrate how deeply entrenched social attitudes can sometimes override legal protections and basic human dignity.

These cases are not isolated incidents. They reflect broader societal challenges that continue to limit women’s safety and freedom. Women often face harassment, violence, workplace discrimination, and unequal treatment. Yet even when they become victims, society frequently judges them more harshly than those responsible for harming them.

Laws Alone Are Not Enough

Pakistan’s Constitution guarantees equal rights to all citizens regardless of gender. The country has also enacted various laws aimed at protecting women from violence, harassment, and discrimination. However, legislation alone is not enough. Effective implementation, stronger institutions, public awareness, and social change are equally important.

The struggle for women’s rights is not solely a women’s issue; it is a human rights issue. A society cannot progress when half of its population lives in fear or faces barriers to education, employment, justice, and personal freedom. True development requires creating an environment where women can live safely, participate equally, and pursue their aspirations without fear of violence or discrimination.

Women’s rights should not be viewed as privileges granted by society but as fundamental rights that every human being deserves. The challenge before us is not only to strengthen laws but also to transform attitudes. Until that happens, the struggle for women’s rights will continue.

The measure of any society lies in how it treats its most vulnerable members. Ensuring dignity, safety, and equality for women is not merely a legal obligation—it is a moral imperative.

Balochistan’s Untapped Potential

Zahid Dilwash
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Balochistan’s Untapped Potential

Balochistan is often described as Pakistan’s most resource-rich province. Covering nearly 44 percent of the country’s land area, it holds immense reserves of minerals, natural gas, petroleum, and precious metals. Its strategic location, vast coastline, and abundant natural wealth give it enormous economic potential. Yet, despite these advantages, many of its people continue to face deep-rooted social and economic challenges.

A Province Rich in Resources, Poor in Opportunities

The contrast between the province’s natural wealth and the living conditions of many residents is striking. While Balochistan contributes significantly to Pakistan’s resource base, large segments of its population struggle with poverty, unemployment, inadequate public services, and limited access to basic necessities.

One of the most pressing challenges is the persistent shortage of electricity. In many parts of the province, prolonged power outages have become part of daily life. These disruptions affect households, schools, healthcare facilities, and businesses. Without reliable electricity, economic activity remains constrained and investment stays limited.

Unemployment is another serious concern. Balochistan has a young and growing population, but employment opportunities remain scarce. Many educated and skilled young people cannot find stable jobs, leading to frustration and uncertainty about their future. The lack of industries, factories, and private-sector investment has further reduced opportunities for local communities.

Water and Education Challenges

Access to clean drinking water is equally critical. Numerous districts face chronic water shortages, forcing residents to travel long distances to obtain water or rely on unsafe sources. The consequences are particularly severe for children and vulnerable communities.

The education sector also requires urgent attention. Many schools in remote and rural areas lack adequate infrastructure, qualified teachers, and educational resources. As a result, thousands of children are deprived of quality education, limiting their future prospects and perpetuating cycles of poverty. Investing in education is not merely a social obligation; it is an economic necessity.

The Impact of Border Closures

Among the most immediate economic concerns facing many communities today is the closure of border trade routes. For decades, border-related commerce has provided income for thousands of families living in border districts. In areas where formal employment opportunities are limited, trade and related activities have supported local economies.

The prolonged closure of the border over the past two months has placed significant financial pressure on many households. Families that depend on cross-border economic activity are finding it increasingly difficult to sustain themselves. If the situation continues, economic hardships could deepen further.

There is also a need for a more balanced understanding of the realities faced by border communities. Public discourse sometimes portrays all border-related economic activity through the lens of smuggling and illegality. While authorities should address illegal activities through appropriate legal mechanisms, it is important to distinguish between criminal networks and ordinary citizens who rely on legitimate economic activities to support their families.

The reality on the ground is often more complex. Many individuals involved in border-related work are laborers, transport workers, or small-scale traders striving to earn an honest living. Their daily struggle reflects economic necessity rather than criminal intent. Images of elderly and physically challenged individuals working under harsh conditions serve as a powerful reminder of the hardships many families face.

A Path Forward for Balochistan

Beyond these immediate concerns, Balochistan continues to grapple with broader development challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, limited industrialization, weak public services, and insufficient investment. Roads, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and industrial zones remain underdeveloped in many areas. This situation slows economic growth and limits opportunities for local populations.

Despite these difficulties, Balochistan’s future remains promising. The province possesses immense human potential, a rich cultural heritage, abundant natural resources, and a strategic geographic position. These strengths could make it a major driver of national economic growth.

The government should prioritize practical measures that directly improve the lives of local communities. These include expanding employment opportunities, investing in education and skills development, improving access to electricity and clean water, strengthening infrastructure, encouraging industrial investment, and addressing the concerns of border communities through sustainable and lawful solutions.

Development in Balochistan should not be viewed solely through the lens of natural resources. The province’s greatest asset is its people. Empowering them through education, employment, and economic opportunity is essential for achieving lasting peace, stability, and prosperity.

Balochistan has the potential to become a cornerstone of Pakistan’s future growth. However, this potential can only be realized when the well-being of its people becomes the central focus of development efforts. The citizens of Balochistan deserve the same opportunities, services, and prospects available elsewhere in the country. Addressing their challenges is not only a provincial necessity but also a national responsibility.

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