ISLAMABAD: Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, participated in the China-Pakistan International TVET-Industrial Cooperation and Exchange Seminar held in Hangzhou on May 24, 2026.

The seminar was held during Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to China, where landmark agreements are signed with leading Chinese educational institutions through the TANG International Education Network to enhance bilateral cooperation in technical and vocational education, advanced technologies, skills development, educational exchange and youth empowerment for Pakistani youth.

Addressing the seminar, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan highlighted the importance of Pakistan China collaboration in equipping young people with market-driven skills and modern technological expertise to meet emerging global challenges.
He said the partnership would open new avenues for Pakistani students and professionals in advanced and multidisciplinary fields.
During the event, several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed with prominent Chinese institutes and colleges under the framework of the TANG International Education Network.

The agreements aim to strengthen institutional linkages, promote industrial cooperation, facilitate academic exchanges and expand opportunities for technical and vocational training between the two countries.

The seminar was organised as part of activities marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, reflecting the growing strategic partnership and shared commitment to youth development, innovation and educational cooperation.

Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan said Pakistan’s youth remained the country’s greatest asset and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering them through international collaboration, modern education and skills-based initiatives aligned with future industry demands.

ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of Japan  donated 168 English-language books to Allama Iqbal Open University under the “Read Japan Project,” while the Japan Pakistan Advancement Center (JPAC) was also inaugurated to promote academic, cultural and employment cooperation between the two countries.

The books, donated by the The Nippon Foundation under its global “Read Japan Project” launched in 2008, were formally handed over by Akamatsu Shuichi to AIOU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr  Nasir Mahmood during a ceremony held at the university here, said a press release.

The donated collection covers a wide range of subjects including Japan’s history, politics, economy, security, international relations, philosophy, literature, language and culture, aimed at promoting deeper understanding of Japan among Pakistani students and researchers.

On the occasion, the Japan Pakistan Advancement Center (JPAC) was also inaugurated to foster Japanese language learning, cultural and academic exchanges, while promoting employment opportunities and entrepreneurship for Pakistani youth.

Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain also attended the event.

Ambassador Akamatsu congratulated the students and faculty members and said that books serve as bridges of knowledge that help people explore Japan’s rich culture and perspectives while inspiring innovation and new ideas in Pakistan.

He termed JPAC an important initiative for strengthening Pakistan-Japan relations in the fields of education, employment and entrepreneurship.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Dr Nasir Mahmood thanked the Nippon Foundation and the Embassy of Japan for the donation, saying the books would help students gain a better understanding of Japan and further enhance bilateral relations between the two countries.

He expressed commitment to nurturing talented students and strengthening ties with Japan through the newly established JPAC.

Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain appreciated the JPAC initiative and expressed hope that it would further promote friendship, cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between Pakistan and Japan.

QUETTA: Balochistan government has taken a significant step towards reforms and modernization in the education sector by formally launching the Digital School Census (DSC) and the modern attendance management information system for the first time in the province.

Under the Digital School Census, comprehensive data of all government schools across the province would be digitized under which all important information including school infrastructure, condition of buildings, number of rooms, student enrollment and teacher details would be integrated.

This initiative would not only help in proper planning of the education sector but would also ensure effective utilization of resources.

Similarly, the modern Attendance Management Information System would enable online monitoring of the attendance and performance of administrative officers, which would increase transparency and promote effective monitoring of the education system.

The implementation of this system would also help in improving the quality of governance and strengthening institutional accountability. These modern digital systems were the result of the tireless work, professionalism and integrated strategy of the Performance Management Cell team who played a key role in implementing this vision.

In a unique and encouraging move during the ceremony, Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti, instead of inaugurating himself, called the officers of the districts who performed outstandingly in the admission campaign deserving of this honor to come forward in recognition of their services.

He invited Deputy Commissioner of Lasbela District Humaira Baloch, who secured the first position, and Deputy Commissioner of Sherani District Hazrat Wali Kakar, who secured the second position, to the stage and inaugurate the projects.

Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti said on the occasion that the government was committed to the principles of merit, efficiency and transparency and through such measures, not only those who perform best were being encouraged but the entire system was being developed on modern lines.

He reiterated that this series of reforms in the education sector would be continued so that the children of Balochistan could be provided with quality and modern education.