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Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Chinese group plans Pakistan's largest textile unit
One of China's largest textile enterprises will invest $150 million in Punjab. Under a memorandum of understanding (MoU), the group will produce up to eight million garment items per month in Punjab by utilising six million metres of fabric. According to an official statement, a state-of-the-art special economic zone will be established on 100 acres and Pakistan's largest advanced textile industry will be set. The Chinese group will export garments through well-known American brands. Through the initiative, 18,000 people will get jobs in next eight months and 25,000 in five years. The group will obtain raw material for garment production from Pakistan and the project is expected to generate more than $100 million in annual exports. During a meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif along with Chinese Consul General Zhao Shiren, Challenge Group Chairman Wego Hong appreciated her investment-friendly policies. Matters pertaining to the promotion of the textile industry and investment in Punjab were discussed in the meeting. The chief minister said, "Pakistan aims to enhance the trade and business partnership to greater heights in the next few years. We are establishing a state-of-the-art and magnificent garment city in Punjab, and will benefit from the expertise and experience of Challenge Group. The Punjab government intends to work with the Challenge Group for the success of garment city in Punjab. The Punjab government will provide complete support for the promotion of investment in the province." She outlined, "We want to shift China's large textile factories and institutions to Punjab. The 'Challenge Special Economic Zone' will play an important role for brisk industrial development of Punjab." She said plastic waste was being recycled and used in high-performance fabrics under a modern textile project. The chief minister said, "The Punjab government is investing heavily for the promotion of technical skills among the youth through TEVTA (Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority). We want to provide market-based human resources to cater to the needs of industrial enterprises." Wego Hong said his group wanted to bring better textile machinery and technology than China to Punjab. He expressed the desire to create innovation in the textile market of the province. He said the policies and vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz were encouraging for the promotion of foreign investment in Punjab. He said the pro-investment policies had motivated him to visit the province. He added that recent investment of China in Punjab depicted the investment-friendly vision of the chief minister shared during her last visit to China. Electric buses Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also announced on Wednesday that another fleet of 100 electric buses is en route from China to Pakistan as part of an effort to expand public transport in districts of Punjab that have long lacked formal services. She stated in a social media post that the buses were being loaded at Yantai Port in China, and were expected to set sail at night. The new fleet will serve Mianwali, Okara, Nankana Sahib, Muzaffargarh, Vehari, Pakpattan and Dera Ghazi Khan.
Business Recorder
16-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Maryam to launch ‘Int'l Certification Programme' for freelancers
LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that the government is taking a revolutionary step for empowering the youth. An international certification program has been launched for freelancers in Punjab. EdTech, Matriculation pilot project has been launched in the government schools of Punjab. Internship programs have been started in every government department including agriculture and environment. The Chief Minister in her message on World Youth Skills Day highlighted, 'Time has changed, acquiring skills along with education is the need of the hour in today's world. Acquiring skills instead of degrees is the real power which changes the destiny of developed nations. Skills are not just a source of employment but a guarantee of self-confidence and national progress as well prosperity.' She outlined, 'In the present era, acquiring skills proficiency are the key to development. IT skills are being imparted to the youth, which are the biggest tool of success of the present era.' She maintained, 'Nawaz Sharif IT City will not only provide a platform but also strengthen the skills of the youth. TEVTA is providing training and skills to the talented youth of Punjab in conformity with the needs of the modern era.' She vowed, 'It is my firm resolve that every youth must attain skill to earn a decent livelihood. Skill is not only a path to employment but also guarantees respect and dignity. My dream is to see that the youth of Punjab should not only seek jobs but also be able to provide employment. It is a mission of the Punjab government that our youth should become successful in every field of life ranging from freelancing to entrepreneurship.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Senate passes bill on seminary registration
The TEVTA would also start training programmes for seminary teachers in the coming days PHOTO: ONLINE Listen to article The Senate on Friday passed the Societies Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which stipulates Deeni Madaris already registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, or those opting for direct registration with the Directorate General of Religious Education, will be deemed duly registered. Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, while presenting the bill, informed the Senate that two parallel streams exist for seminary registration: one includes religious seminaries affiliated with the federal government, functioning under a structured system and registered through formal procedures. According to the statement of objects and reasons, Deeni Madaris have been registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. However, it is proposed that those Madaris and Wafaqs already registered or desirous to get registered directly with Directorate General of Religious Education, Ministry of Federal Education and Professional training shall be reckoned to have been registered. Tarar said the second stream emerged after the Army Public School (APS) attack, when the National Action Plan called for reforms to introduce contemporary subjects and government-prepared syllabi in madrassahs to align religious education with modern academic needs. He said religious boards, including Wafaq-ul-Madaris, agreed to the reforms, and a policy shift later made madrassah registration mandatory, resulting in thousands being registered. Institutions opting to remain under their internal boards could still register under the traditional Societies Registration Act, but must meet standard requirements like clearance from the deputy commissioner and district security committee. He said, "In the case of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), it has been ensured that registration takes place under the Societies Registration Act through the Directorate of Religious Education." He added that although the earlier registration process was discontinued temporarily, both streams now remain functional in many areas. "There may be slight differences in the forms, but the main objective is the same: ensuring students at seminaries receive a verified syllabus that includes modern subjects and access to qualified teachers." Multiple reports Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control presented several reports of the committee on various legislative bills in the Upper House on Friday. On behalf of Chairman committee Faisal Saleem Rehman, Senator Shahdat Awan presented the report of the committee on the National Occupational Health and Safety Bill, 2023, which was introduced by Senator Dr Zarqa Suharwardy Taimur on November 27, 2023. Senator Shahdat Awan presented another report on a bill to further amend the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 [The Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, 2024], introduced by Senator Fawzia Arshad on June 10, 2024, on behalf of Senator Saleem Rehman. The bill proposes the insertion of new sections 344B, 344C, 344D, and 344E into the Code. Shahadat Awan presented another report on a bill to amend the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 [The Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2024], moved by Senator Palwasha Mohammed Zai Khan on September 2, 2024. On behalf of Chairman, Senator Shahadat Awan presented the committee's report on protection of Shamilat Land Protection Bill, 2024, also introduced by Senator Palwasha Mohammed Zai Khan. The bill aims to protect Shamilat lands in Islamabad Capital Territory from encroachment by converting them into forests, parks, playgrounds, and community centers.
Business Recorder
10-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
TEVTA chairman calls for urgent linkages between industry, academia
LAHORE: Chairman of the Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) Brigadier Muhammad Sajid Khokhar (R) has underscored the urgent need for strong linkages between industry and academia to ensure the development of a skilled workforce aligned with industry needs. He was speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad, Senior Vice President Engineer Khalid Usman and Vice President Shahid Nazir Chaudhry also spoke on the occasion while Executive Committee Members Engineer Iftikhar ahmad, Syed Hassan Raza and Abdul Majeed were also present. The TEVTA Chairman informed that the authority is operating 388 institutions where over 160 courses ranging from three months to four years in duration are being offered. Agreeing with the points raised by LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad, he assured that they will be duly considered. The Chairman said that TEVTA is working to improve the quality of teachers, training equipment, and materials. He further informed the participants that the curriculum is being updated in consultation with industry stakeholders. He added that special focus is being placed on the fields of information technology, construction and hospitality. These courses are being designed in line with overseas employment opportunities to ensure trainees face no difficulty in securing jobs abroad. He said that five language courses have been introduced to enhance students' international communication skills. LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad expressed his full support in uplifting the current standard of technical and vocational training in collaboration with TEVTA. He suggested the establishment of district-level Industry Skills Councils under TEVTA to enable the private sector to actively participate in the design and development of training programs. Regional chambers of commerce can play a pivotal supporting role in this process. He also urged TEVTA to upgrade its institutions to introduce modern courses that meet contemporary demands. Mian Abuzar Shad said this is the ideal time to revise the curriculum across all skill development institutions to make youth more competitive and employable. He stressed that every graduate from TEVTA should be equipped with such strong skills that they are on par with global standards and easily able to secure better jobs. He also recommended that all skill development institutions in Punjab be brought under one regulatory authority. Senior Vice President Engineer Khalid Usman and Vice President Shahid Nazir Chaudhry noted that LCCI has always advocated for stronger industry-academia linkages. They expressed a desire to strengthen ties with TEVTA and include all technical institutions in this collaborative network. LCCI President also highlighted the need to train the country's youth — which makes up 60% of the population in fields that are in high demand abroad, as this could help facilitate their employment overseas. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
06-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Interest-free loans for skilled youth
The Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) and the Bank of Khyber (BoK) on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to provide interest-free business loans to skilled youth of the province under the Ehsaas Hunar Program of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government. Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Technical Education, Tufail Anjum on this occasion said that the Ehsaas Hunar Program is a flagship project of the Chief Minister of K-P for the youth of the province. Under this program, skilled youth of the province will be provided interest-free loans to start their own businesses. The Special Assistant made the announcement at the signing ceremony of the MoU. Secretary Industry Amir Afaq, Managing Director of BoK, Managing Director of TEVTA, and other officials were also present. The project will be implemented through the BoK. An amount of over Rs3 billion has been allocated for this project, while Rs200 million has been allocated for the year 2024-25. Under this project, around 35,000 skilled youth of the province will be provided business loans. Each qualified recipient will be provided an interest-free loan of up to Rs500,000, which will be repaid in 36 installments. Skilled residents of K-P between the ages of 18 and 40, possessing a skill certificate or diploma will benefit from this project. Special Assistant for Technical Education Tufail Anjum said that the provincial government has formally launched the Ehsaas Hunar Program.
