With eye to Vision 2030, Pakistan says working to send skilled workers to Saudi Arabia

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Updated 31 January 2025
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With eye to Vision 2030, Pakistan says working to send skilled workers to Saudi Arabia

  • Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain attends second Global Labour Conference in Riyadh from Jan. 29-30
  • Although 97 percent of Pakistani workers in Kingdom are blue-collar, there is rising demand for skilled workers

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, said on Thursday Islamabad was working to increase the number of skilled Pakistanis going for work to Saudi Arabia which requires innovative project management and well-trained labor as it implements the Vision 2030 economic plan, his office said in a statement. 

Pakistanis are one of the largest migrant communities in Saudi Arabia, with an estimated 2.64 million working there as of 2023. Although 97 percent of them are blue-collar workers, there is a rising demand for skilled workers in the Kingdom as it moves to consolidate its economy on modern lines under the Vision 2030 program, a strategic development framework intended to cut reliance on oil. The plan is aimed at developing public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation and tourism.

Islamabad has been working on a new education policy to impart technical and other skills to at least a million youth per annum to export better-trained human resource to Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, according to Pakistan’s education ministry.

“Efforts are being made to further increase the number of skilled workers,” Hussain was quoted as saying in a statement on Thursday after he attended the second Global Labour Market Conference being held in Saudi Arabia from Jan. 29-30. “Saudi Arabia values Pakistani workers and skilled professionals.”

The Global Labor Market Conference brings together policymakers, labor leaders, academics, and business pioneers worldwide to inspire innovative solutions to labor market challenges. As the only platform of its kind, the GLMC fosters high-level discussions on workforce dynamics, skills development, and labor policies shaping the future of work. This year’s conference has over 180 speakers, 5,000 participants and more than 70 international ministers.

“Hussain emphasized that Pakistan is committed to organizing and activating the labor market in collaboration with experts,” the statement from his office added. 

“I believe the biggest benefit of such conferences [Global Labor Market Conference, Riyadh] is that even today, they mentioned that Pakistan is our number one preferred market,” Hussain said in a video shared by his ministry. 

“And god willing, soon Takamul [Saudi company] will further expand its operations in Pakistan, and they will have collaborations with several [Pakistani] universities also. 

“So, I believe it is a very encouraging thing that Saudi Arabia also gives priority to Pakistan and Pakistani workers.”

On Wednesday, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmad Farooq visited the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) where he said the next two years would be crucial for Pakistan in expanding its presence in Saudi Arabia and capitalizing on “abundant opportunities” in the Kingdom’s construction, information technology, health care and hotels and hospitality sectors.

He stressed the need for Pakistan to impart better skills to its workforce so that they could secure gainful employment in the Kingdom. 

“If we do not claim our share immediately, it will be taken by competitors but to achieve this, Pakistan needs to focus on improving its workforce by imparting training as per Saudi requirements,” Farooq added.


Pakistan capable of defending itself, PM Sharif says on anniversary of downing of Indian fighter jet

Updated 6 sec ago
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Pakistan capable of defending itself, PM Sharif says on anniversary of downing of Indian fighter jet

  • Six years ago, Indian government claimed to have launched a surgical strike in Pakistan near Balakot city
  • In retaliation, Pakistan launched Operation Swift Retort, downing an Indian MiG-21 and capturing its pilot

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday Pakistan was fully capable of defending its territorial integrity, marking the sixth anniversary of Operation Swift Retort, during which the country’s air force shot down an Indian fighter jet that had entered Pakistani airspace.
On February 27, 2019, Indian fighter jets crossed into Pakistani territory, claiming to have carried out a surgical strike against what New Delhi alleged was a militant training camp near Balakot city. The incursion came in response to a suicide bombing in Indian-administered Kashmir earlier that month, which killed 40 Indian paramilitary personnel, though Pakistan had condemned the development.
In retaliation, Pakistan’s air force launched Operation Swift Retort, downing an Indian MiG-21 and capturing its pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was later returned to India as a peace gesture. The episode sharply escalated tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors, bringing them to the brink of a full-scale conflict.
“Six years ago, on February 27, 2019, Pakistan’s Air Force delivered a clear message to the enemy that Pakistan possesses the full capability to defend its borders,” Sharif said in a statement released by his office.
“Through Operation Swift Retort, Pakistan’s Air Force demonstrated its military prowess and unshakable resolve to safeguard the homeland, sending a clear signal that the Pakistan Armed Forces are fully capable of countering any aggression,” he added.
The prime minister lauded the valor, professionalism and sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces, emphasizing the country remains committed to peaceful coexistence but will not hesitate to respond to any threat to its national security and stability.
“Pakistan has always strived to promote regional peace, but whenever an attempt was made to undermine our national security and stability, the entire nation stood united like an iron wall,” he said.
Later in 2019, Pakistan and India downgraded diplomatic relations after New Delhi revoked the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir, further straining ties between the two South Asian rivals.
 


Pakistan calls for immediate ceasefire in Sudan during Ramadan, urges political resolution

Updated 52 min 6 sec ago
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Pakistan calls for immediate ceasefire in Sudan during Ramadan, urges political resolution

  • Pakistani diplomat at UN condemns attack on Saudi Teaching Maternal Hospital that killed more than 70
  • He warns against attempts to establish parallel governments in Sudan, saying it will fragment the country

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan called for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan on Wednesday, stressing the need for a political resolution to the nearly two-year conflict that has displaced about 12 million people, roughly a quarter of the African state’s population.
Hostilities in Sudan erupted in April 2023 due to a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), escalating into a full-scale civil war. The fighting has caused a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions facing acute hunger and displacement.
Pakistan’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Usman Jadoon, urged all parties to implement an unconditional ceasefire and engaging in dialogue for a sustainable political resolution during a Security Council briefing.
“We call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire during the holy month of Ramadan,” Jadoon told the world body. “Both parties must respect the inviolability of human life during this blessed month.”
Jadoon reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to Sudan’s unity, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as he condemned attempts to establish parallel governments, warning that such actions threatened to further fragment the country.
Highlighting the dire humanitarian situation, he mentioned the acute hunger and food insecurity affecting millions, noting the crisis could have serious repercussions beyond Sudan’s borders.
He called for urgent international action, noting that over 24.6 million people face acute food insecurity while commending the Sudanese government’s efforts to open additional air, sea and land borders for humanitarian assistance.
The Pakistani diplomat also demanded an end to violations of international humanitarian law, emphasizing the need for the full implementation of the Jeddah Declaration on the Protection of Civilians, which was agreed upon by both warring parties.
“We reiterate our condemnation of Rapid Support Forces (RSF)’s attack on the only functioning hospital in the besieged El-Fasher, the Saudi Teaching Maternal Hospital, which took more than 70 innocent lives,” he said, referring to the targeting of the medical facility last month.
Jadoon stressed the importance of a comprehensive and inclusive political process to address Sudan’s multidimensional challenges.
He called on the UN to explore ways to support the Sudanese government’s proposed political roadmap as part of a broader peace initiative.


Pakistan announces relief for electricity consumers using up to 300 units

Updated 27 February 2025
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Pakistan announces relief for electricity consumers using up to 300 units

  • Pakistan to also slash monthly fuel adjustment charges of those using agricultural tubewells, says state-run media 
  • Pakistan produces expensive electricity due to reliance on imported fossil fuels, inefficient energy mix, other factors

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Power Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Leghari has announced a reduction in the monthly fuel adjustment charges for households consuming up to 300 units of electricity and those using agricultural tubewells, state-run media reported this week. 

Pakistan’s move to raise electricity prices as part of energy sector reforms agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over the past few years resulted in citizens suffering from steep and sudden increases in electricity bills.

The state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported on Wednesday that the benefit of reduced fuel adjustment charges was initially halted for consumers using up to 300 electricity units in June 2015. For those using agricultural tubewells, this relief was withdrawn in December 2010.

“The Power Division has sent a letter to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), requesting the reinstatement of these adjustments,” APP said. 

“By waiving these charges for low-usage consumers and agricultural tubewells, the government aims to ease the financial burden on farmers and households with limited electricity consumption,” it quoted Leghari as saying. 

Pakistan produces expensive electricity due to a combination of factors including high reliance on imported fossil fuels, inefficient energy mix, substantial transmission and distribution losses and chronic issues like circular debt and regulatory inefficiencies.

The country’s outdated infrastructure and inadequate power plants further exacerbate costs, while underutilization of domestic resources such as hydropower and coal add to the problem.

Additionally, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and complex tariff structures contribute to higher electricity prices. High power cost is one of the key factors that lead to inflation in the country.


Pakistan thanks Saudi Arabia for $500 million pledge for polio eradication

Updated 27 February 2025
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Pakistan thanks Saudi Arabia for $500 million pledge for polio eradication

  • The funds will be disbursed to help end wild form of polio in Pakistan, Afghanistan and stop outbreaks
  • Pakistan and Afghanistan are only two countries where polio is endemic, with former reporting 74 cases in 2024

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication Ayesha Raza Farooq this week thanked Saudi Arabia for its $500 million pledge to eradicate poliovirus as the South Asian country struggles to contain the virus from spreading. 

Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its $500 million pledge to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), the World Health Organization announced on Monday. The funds, initially pledged in April 2024, will be disbursed to help end the wild form of polio in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and stop outbreaks of variant polio.

Wild polio, a naturally occurring form of the viral disease, is endemic in Pakistan and Afghanistan, which together reported 99 cases last year, according to the WHO. Variant polio is caused by the weakening of the oral polio vaccine.

Farooq participated in the Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum, held from Feb. 24-25 in the Saudi capital, where she took part in a panel discussion on the topic: ‘Ending Polio & Strengthening Health Systems amid Humanitarian Crises.’

“Also expressed my gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudia Arabia @KSRelief_EN for generous support to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative which will be used to vaccinate & protect children against a debilitating disease like polio,” she wrote on X on Wednesday.

“Together we will #endpolio.”

Pakistan last year reported a total of 74 polio cases, a sharp rise from only six cases it reported in 2023. The South Asian country has so far reported only three cases in the first two months of 2025, two from Sindh and one from its northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province. 

Pakistan’s efforts to eliminate polio have been undermined by vaccine misinformation and opposition from religious hard-liners who say immunization is a foreign ploy to sterilize Muslim children or a cover for Western spies.

Militant groups in KP province have frequently attacked and killed members of polio vaccine teams, and police officials who guard them. 

Unidentified men shot dead a police constable in KP’s Khyber district on Feb. 3 during a nationwide anti-polio campaign. 

Pakistan says the campaign, conducted from Feb. 3-9, vaccinated more than 45 million children.


Several agreements expected to be signed as Abu Dhabi crown prince visits Pakistan today

Updated 26 February 2025
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Several agreements expected to be signed as Abu Dhabi crown prince visits Pakistan today

  • Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to arrive with delegation comprising officials, businessmen
  • Both sides to sign several memorandums of understanding for long-term collaboration in multifaceted sectors

ISLAMABAD: Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will visit Pakistan today, Thursday, to boost economic ties and investment cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan, the foreign office said. 
The UAE is Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner after China and the United States, and a major source of foreign investment valued at over $10 billion in the last 20 years, according to the Gulf country’s foreign ministry.
Sheikh Al Nayhan will arrive on his first official visit to Pakistan with a high-level delegation comprising ministers, senior officials and business leaders at Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s invitation, the foreign office’s statement said. 
“This visit underscores the deep-rooted fraternal ties between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and reflects the shared commitment to further strengthen bilateral economic partnership,” the statement said. 
The foreign office said the crown prince will engage in wide-ranging interactions with the Pakistani leadership to “exchange views on matters of mutual interest, reinforce historical bonds and promote economic as well as investment cooperation.”
“Several agreements and Memorandums of Understandings will be signed during the visit to bolster existing robust framework for long-term collaboration in multifaceted sectors,” it added. 
The agreements are expected to open new opportunities for joint ventures and projects aimed at furthering economic cooperation between both countries, the statement said. 
Pakistan and UAE have stepped up efforts in recent years to strengthen their economic relations. In Jan. 2024, Pakistan and the UAE signed multiple agreements worth more than $3 billion for cooperation in railways, economic zones and infrastructure.
The crown prince’s visit comes as Pakistan pursues economic diplomacy with several Central Asian and Gulf nations while treading a tricky path to economic recovery since avoiding a sovereign default in June 2023.
Policymakers in Pakistan consider the UAE an optimal export destination due to its geographical proximity, which minimizes transportation and freight costs while facilitating commercial transactions. 
It is also home to more than a million Pakistani expatriates, making it the second-largest Pakistani expatriate community worldwide and a major source of foreign workers’ remittances for Pakistan.