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Young population Pakistan’s greatest asset: Syedaal

ISLAMABAD: Acting Chairman Senate Syedaal Khan Nasar has said Pakistan is fortunate to have a young population, with nearly 60 per cent of its people being youth.

He described young people as the country’s greatest asset and a source of hope for its future.

Speaking as chief guest at the launch of a Transnational Education Partnership between the University of Lahore and the University of Plymouth, UK, at a local hotel on Thursday evening, he said investing in youth could lead Pakistan towards greater development and prosperity.

He said providing young people with quality education, modern skills and access to global opportunities could promote development, prosperity and stability in Pakistan and the region.

He congratulated both universities on the partnership, saying it would further strengthen academic and educational ties between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.

He said such partnerships would enable Pakistani students to access world-class education, gain international exposure and acquire modern skills.

“Investing in the youth of today is, in fact, an investment in Pakistan’s future,” he remarked.

The Acting chairman said modern education and technology-oriented skills would strengthen the national economy and create new opportunities for development.

He welcomed the launch of academic programmes in computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, business, law and health sciences.

He described these fields as vital for Pakistan’s economic and social development.

In an era shaped by artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, he said preparing young people for future needs was a pressing necessity.

Syedaal Nasar appreciated the University of Lahore’s initiative to create international educational opportunities for Pakistani students.

He expressed hope that cooperation between Pakistani and British institutions would expand beyond degree programmes to research, innovation, faculty collaboration, entrepreneurship and student exchanges.

Welcoming representatives of the University of Plymouth, he said education was an effective means of further strengthening relations between Pakistan and the UK.

He said cooperation in knowledge, research and innovation would further consolidate the longstanding friendly ties between the two countries.

The Acting chairman urged students to make the most of available opportunities, think globally and develop their skills.

He also encouraged them to embrace modern technology and innovation and play their role in the country’s development.

He appreciated all individuals and institutions involved in making the partnership a reality and expressed his best wishes for both universities.

He hoped the collaboration would provide a strong foundation for a promising future for students and the education sectors of Pakistan and the UK.

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Health minister orders probe into Sindh MDCAT complaints

ISLAMABAD:Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal has taken notice of alleged irregularities in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) held in Sindh and ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the complaints.

According to official sources, the minister directed a five-member committee, including the President of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), to conduct a transparent investigation and submit its report within 15 days.

The committee has been tasked with examining the complaints and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the alleged irregularities during the examination, sources said.

The minister directed the committee to complete the inquiry within the stipulated timeframe and present its findings for further action in accordance with the applicable rules.

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CDA chairman directs faster work on Expressway East project

ISLAMABAD: Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Sohail Ashraf has directed officials to accelerate work on the Islamabad Expressway Service Road East project while ensuring strict compliance with approved designs and construction standards.

During an inspection of the project on Saturday, the chairman reviewed progress and was briefed on ongoing works and the next phase of development.

He directed the project director and relevant departments to maintain continuous field monitoring and quality control and ensure effective traffic management to minimise inconvenience to commuters.

The chairman described the Expressway East project as an important infrastructure scheme for improving connectivity, traffic flow and road capacity in the capital. He also stressed that construction quality should not be compromised in efforts to meet the project timeline.

During the visit, he was also briefed on an ongoing enforcement operation against unauthorised and illegal construction along the Islamabad Expressway.

According to the CDA, 377 buildings have been identified for action, including 281 commercial structures. So far, 58 buildings have been sealed, while 124 buildings between Sohan and Khanna bridges have been marked for demolition.

The authority said Rs234.685 million had been recovered through land-use conversion, unauthorised construction and de-sealing charges. Around Rs3 billion remained recoverable under applicable regulations in connection with land-use conversion and violations relating to unauthorised construction, setbacks, floor area ratio and covered area.

The chairman directed the relevant departments to ensure strict enforcement of building-control and land-use regulations, particularly mandatory fire-safety requirements.

The enforcement operation is being conducted by the CDA’s Building Control Section and Enforcement Directorate in coordination with the district administration and Islamabad police.

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GB ministers call on Governor Kundi

PESHAWAR: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday held a meeting with a delegation of Gilgit-Baltistan ministers at the Governor’s House here and discussed the country’s political situation and other matters of mutual interest.

The delegation comprised Gilgit-Baltistan Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Zulfiqar Ali Murad, Minister for Health Iqbal Hassan and Minister for Education Aman Ali Ameer.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the prevailing political situation in the country and various issues of mutual interest. They also discussed the recent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and the Pakistan Peoples Party’s success in the polls.

The visiting ministers were taken on a tour of the Governor’s House. Governor Kundi presented them with traditional shawls and caps.