ISLAMABAD: State Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Friday stressed the importance of equipping youth with digital skills as the IT ministry, in collaboration with Huawei, launched a training portal to develop a more technologically skilled workforce, the state media reported.
The government views information technology as a driver of economic change, seeking to transform the sector into a cornerstone of its strategy for financial stability. Pakistan has earmarked IT as a priority sector, courting foreign investment from countries like China and the Gulf states.
“The main objective of this program is to impart training to our youth, making them eligible for jobs and enabling them to contribute to the country’s development,” Khawaja was quoted by the Associated Press of Pakistan as saying at the launch of the portal.
“To bolster the economy, it is essential to equip our young population with the necessary training and skills,” she added.
The minister emphasized the importance of IT in the modern age, pointing out that the government was also setting up e-employment centers and e-libraries.
Highlighting the country’s potential in the field, Khawaja noted that over 150 million young people in Pakistan were under 30, adding that they could play a critical role in driving economic progress.
The minister announced the formation of a National IT Skills Committee, comprising representatives from IT boards and provincial ministries, to strengthen governance and coordination in the sector.
Huawei’s Deputy CEO Ahmed Bilal Masud highlighted the company’s commitment to fostering digital literacy and bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry needs.
“By investing in the future of our youth, we are paving the way for a skilled workforce that will drive Pakistan’s economic growth and technological advancement,” he said.
He informed that the training program would utilize Huawei’s extensive resources and global expertise to deliver comprehensive education for students and trainers, aiming to enhance ICT education nationwide and promote digital transformation in Pakistan.
Pakistan launches IT training portal with Huawei to build digital skills among youth
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Pakistan launches IT training portal with Huawei to build digital skills among youth
- Shaza Fatima Khawaja says it is vital to equip Pakistani youth with necessary skills to bolster the economy
- The training program will use Huawei’s resources and global expertise to deliver comprehensive education
Pakistan begins voting for PSL Fans’ Choice Awards
- Voting for six categories will take place on PSL official YouTube Channel at 6pm every day till January 10
- PSL Players’ Draft is scheduled for Jan. 11, while the 2025 edition will be held between April 8 and May 19
ISLAMABAD: The voting process for the much-awaited Pakistan Super League (PSL) Fans’ Choice Awards began on Sunday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said, with voting for the best batter taking place on PSL’s official YouTube channel from 6pm Pakistan time.
PSL is set to welcome its landmark 10th edition later this year. The Fans’ Choice Awards mark the celebration of some of the star players who have entertained fans and contributed toward the popularity of the Twenty20 league worldwide.
The nominees for the best batter of the HBL PSL included the top-three leading run-getters across the nine seasons — Babar Azam (3,504 runs), Fakhar Zaman (2,525 runs) and Mohammad Rizwan (2,403 runs).
“The voting for the six categories will take place on the official YouTube channel of the HBL PSL till Friday, 10 January and the winners of the Fans’ Choice Awards will be announced on Saturday, 11 January at the Players’ Draft ceremony,” the PCB said in a statement.
A total of six lucky fans, who would cast their votes on the PSL YouTube channel between Jan. 5 and Jan. 10, will also become eligible to win 2025 edition tickets through a lucky draw.
The six categories for the awards include, best batter, best bowler, best all-rounder, most valuable players, best individual performance, and the PSL icon.
Nominees will be revealed on the PSL official social media handles at the start of voting every day till Jan. 10.
Pakistan, all out for 194, forced to follow on against South Africa
- Pakistan collapsed after a fourth wicket partnership of 98 between Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan
- The stand was broken by 18-year-old debutant Kwena Maphaka five balls after the morning drinks break
CAPE TOWN: South Africa enforced the follow-on after they bowled out Pakistan for 194 to take a first innings lead of 421 runs on the third day of the second Test at Newlands on Sunday.
Pakistan collapsed after a fourth wicket partnership of 98 between Babar Azam (58) and Mohammad Rizwan (46).
The stand was broken by 18-year-old debutant Kwena Maphaka five balls after the morning drinks break when Babar was caught behind by Kyle Verreynne, glancing the ball down the leg side.
Rizwan followed five overs later when he charged down the pitch against Wiaan Mulder and edged a wild slog into his stumps.
Pakistan were without injured opening batsman Saim Ayub and there was minimal resistance from the rest of the batsmen.
Brief scores:
South Africa, first innings, 615.
Pakistan, first innings 194 (Babar Azam 58, Mohammad Rizwan 46; K. Rabada 3-55, K. Maphaka 2-43, K. Maharaj 2-14).
Match situation:
South Africa lead by 421 runs on the first innings and have enforced the follow-on.
Pakistan to fly injured Ayub to London for treatment as Champions Trophy looms
- Saim Ayub has been ruled out of cricket for six weeks after he sustained ankle injury on Friday
- Pakistan are scheduled to play Champions Trophy 2025 opener against New Zealand on Feb. 19
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has decided to send injured left-handed opening batter Saim Ayub to London for immediate medical treatment, the board said on Sunday, with the important Champions Trophy tournament just weeks away.
Ayub has been ruled out of competitive cricket for up to six weeks due to a right ankle fracture that he sustained while fielding against South Africa at Newlands on Friday.
Ayub, one of Pakistan’s in-form batters who has performed well in white-ball matches against Australia and South Africa in recent weeks, is in danger of missing Pakistan’s Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand at Karachi on Feb. 19.
“Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi has decided to send Saim Ayub to London for immediate treatment and the decision was made after consulting the doctors,” the board said in a statement.
The PCB said that Ayub, who was supposed to return to Pakistan with the squad, will now head to England. It said Naqvi spoke to Ayub over the phone and inquired about his well-being.
Naqvi said the Pakistani batter will be checked by sports ortho specialist doctors in England, adding that an immediate appointment has been made by the PCB.
“The medical team is looking into the entire case and Dr. Mumraiz has shared Saim’s medical reports with specialists in England,” Naqvi said.
He described Ayub as a “brilliant stylish batsman and asset of Pakistan cricket.”
“Saim’s treatment will be done in the best hospital in the world and in this regard all resources will be used for his treatment,” Naqvi said. “We hope that the left-handed batter will make a full recovery before the ICC Champions Trophy.”
Saim will travel to London from Cape Town on the first available flight, with assistant coach Azhar Mahmood accompanying him.
Over 4,000 participate in second World Athletics-certified marathon in Karachi
- Athletes from Poland, Germany, Japan and other countries take part in marathon event
- The event featured Marathon (42.195 KM), Marathon Relay, Half Marathon (21.0975 KM) and 5KM Fun Race
KARACHI: At least 4,000 people from all walks of life took part in an annual marathon event, accredited by the World Athletics and held in Pakistan’s southern port city of Karachi on Sunday, its organizer said.
The event kicked off on Sunday morning from the city’s Nishan-e-Pakistan monument at Sea View. It featured five types of marathons, such as the Full Marathon (42.195km) the Half-Marathon (21.1 km), the Relay Marathon, a team of four participants for 42.2km (10.5km run, 10.5km run, 10.5km run, 10.5km run and the Fun Run, a 5 km run.
Athletes hailing from Poland, Germany, Japan and many others participated in the event, Sports in Pakistan, one of the organizers of the event, said in a press release. The marathon’s certification by the World Rankings Competition ensured a world-class experience for all participants, it added.
“We are delighted with the overwhelming success of the Karachi Marathon 2025,” Shoaib Nizami, CEO of Sports in Pakistan, said.
“The event has emerged as a testament to Karachi’s unwavering resilience and warm hospitality and we extend our sincerest gratitude to our participants, sponsors, and partners for their invaluable support.”
The top performers in each category were:
Marathon Category:
- Male Winner (1st Prize): Israr Muhammad (Pakistan) – Time: 2:30:13 won Rs. 500,000/
- Male Winner (2nd Prize): Muhammad Riaz (Pakistan) – 2:32:13 won Rs. 250,000/
- Female Winner (1st Prize): Enub Khan (Pakistan) – 3:47:49 won Rs. 500,000/
- Female Winner (2nd Prize): Uzma Abid (Pakistan) – 4:01:13 won Rs. 250,000/
Half Marathon Category:
- Male Winner (1st Prize): Muhammad Ajhtar (Pakistan) – Time: 1:12:08 won Rs. 50,000/
- Second Runner-up Male (2nd Prize): Qasim Bajwa (Pakistan) – 1:12:52 won Rs. 40,000/
- Female Winner (1st Prize): Mumtaz Naimat – 1:43:26 won Rs. 50,000/
- Second Runner-up Female (2nd Prize): Dua Nazakat (Pakistan) – 1:51:45 won Rs. 40,000/
The city saw its first-ever World Athletics-certified marathon last year in January 2024 where hundreds of people from all walks of life participated.
OIC body, Pakistani university launch fellowship program for Bangladeshi students and scholars
- Program open for Bangladeshi nationals aged 22-45 residing anywhere, says state media
- Covers tuition fee waiver, airfare, honorarium and free accommodation for students, scholars
ISLAMABAD: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation and Pakistan’s University of Lahore have joined hands to launch a fellowship program for Bangladeshi students and scholars, state-run media reported on Sunday.
The program is open for Bangladeshi nationals aged 22 to 45, residing in any country of the world, the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said. It said Bangladeshi nationals must have outstanding academic achievements and a demonstrated commitment to contributing to their communities for the fellowship.
The program covers tuition fee waiver, round-trip airfare, honorarium and free accommodation, it added.
“This fellowship program is a testament to our commitment to bridging gaps in education and research across the Muslim world,” Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, COMSTECH’s coordinator general said.
“By investing in Bangladeshi scholars and students, we aim to cultivate a generation of innovators and leaders who will address the challenges of our time.”
Eligible candidates can apply through the official websites of COMSTECH and the University of Lahore, APP said, adding that applications are open until Mar. 1, 2025.
The development takes place amid a renewed push from both Bangladesh and Pakistan to improve their ties after former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster from office in August last year.
Established together as one independent nation in 1947, Bangladesh won liberation from then-West Pakistan in 1971. Relations between the two countries continued to deteriorate during Hasina’s administration, which prosecuted several members of the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) party for war crimes relating to the 1971 conflict.
However, Islamabad’s ties with Dhaka have improved as Bangladesh’s relations with India, where Hasina has sought refuge, have deteriorated.
