Education

Offices, schools to remain closed in Islamabad, Rawalpindi?

Islamabad: Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon on Sunday dismissed as fake a notification circulating online that claimed all public and private offices in the federal capital and Rawalpindi would remain closed from April 20 until further notice.

At the same time, he clarified that all educational institutions in Islamabad will remain open on Monday, saying no decision has been taken yet regarding their closure.

In a post on X, he urged citizens not to share unverified or misleading information and to rely only on official government sources for updates.

“Citizens are requested to refrain from sharing unverified or fake news. Please rely only on official handles of the district administration, Islamabad, for authentic updates,” he said.

However, a separate late-night notification from the Cabinet Division said all ministries, divisions and federal government offices located in Islamabad’s Red Zone will work from home on April 20.

It added, “All officers and secretarial staff shall remain at the station and be prepared to attend office when required at a short notice.”

In another notification, the Islamabad district magistrate said entry into the Red Zone will remain suspended on April 20. It added that public and private offices, as well as schools in the area, “may adopt a work-from-home arrangement on the said date in order to avoid any inconvenience”.

Police said the Red Zone has been closed to traffic as the capital prepares for possible foreign delegations, with alternative traffic routes in place.

Public and heavy transport in Islamabad has also been suspended until new directions are issued. Meanwhile, the Rawalpindi district administration has suspended all public and goods transport from Sunday noon until further directives.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday said his envoys would arrive in Islamabad on Monday evening, one day before a two-week ceasefire ends.

A White House official had said the US delegation would be headed by Vice President JD Vance, who led the war’s first peace talks a week ago, and also include Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner. Trump had separately told ABC News and MS Now that Vance would not go.

Pakistan, which has served as the main mediator, appeared to be preparing for the talks. Two giant US C-17 cargo planes landed at an air base on Sunday afternoon, carrying security equipment and vehicles in preparation for the US delegation’s arrival, two Pakistani security sources said.

Authorities in the capital city of Islamabad halted public transport and heavy-goods traffic. Barbed wire was rolled out near the Serena Hotel, where last week’s talks were held. The hotel told all guests to leave.

Education

Pakistan, China deepen TVET ties with landmark MoUs in Hangzhou

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.

Education

Effective exam monitoring, administrative affairs underway; Commissioner briefed

BISE Rawalpindi examination arrangements HSSC 2026

RAWALPINDI: Commissioner and Chairman Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE), Rawalpindi, Engineer Aamir Khattak, on Saturday visited the Rawalpindi Board office and reviewed administrative and examination arrangements.

Secretary Board Amjad Iqbal Khattak, Controller of Examinations Tanveer Asghar Awan, Deputy Secretary Shah Rukh Rashid and other officials were present on the occasion.

Office-bearers of the Employees Welfare Association appreciated measures taken for institutional improvement, transparency in examinations and discipline.

Speaking on the occasion, the commissioner said that transparency, merit and modern administrative practices would be further strengthened to ensure a fair and peaceful examination environment for students.

He said institutional success depended on trust, honesty and teamwork.

Later, the controller gave a detailed briefing on arrangements for the HSSC 1st Annual Exams, including monitoring mechanisms and the use of modern technology.

The commissioner directed officials to ensure effective monitoring and utilisation of modern tools, while adopting a zero-tolerance policy against cheating mafias.

Education

Japan donates 168 books to AIOU, launches Pakistan-Japan Advancement Center

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.

Japan donates 168 books to AIOU, launches Pakistan-Japan Advancement Center

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.