ISLAMABAD, FEB 22 /DNA/ – The National University of Modern Languages (NUML) inaugurated the Country-wide Training of EnglishWorks: Administrators and Teachers at local hotel. The event marks a significant step in enhancing employability skills and English proficiency among Pakistani youth.

“EnglishWorks” is a U.S.-funded initiative under the Regional English Language Office (RELO) that equips young Pakistanis with essential skills for professional success. The program focuses on English communication for business and various professions, critical thinking, problem-solving, personality development, and 21st-century digital and soft skills. To date, 6,000 youth have benefited from the program. From 2023 to 2025, NUML is training an additional 2,655 students, preparing them for their future careers.

The inauguration ceremony was led by Rector NUML, Maj Gen Shahid Mahmood Kayani HI (M) (Retd), with Mr Jerrold Frank, Head of RELO at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, as the chief guest.

Addressing the gathering, the Rector NUML underscored the importance of employability skills for Pakistani youth and the need to train educators who can guide them toward successful careers. He highlighted the role of such initiatives in strengthening Pakistan’s socio-economic growth and global image as a progressive nation. Expressing gratitude to the U.S. Embassy, he emphasized how these programs empower young Pakistanis to excel in freelancing, e-commerce, and digital marketing, leveraging opportunities in the expanding e-economy.

Mr. Mr. Jerrold Frank expressed his happiness to be heading this exemplary initiative. Reflecting on his visits to various sites of the “EnglishWorks” program; stretched from Karachi to Khyber and Gilgit. He praised NUML’s efforts in providing quality education, particularly in English and other languages, to uplift communities across the country.

The ceremony was attended by officials from RELO and NUML, along with a large number of English teachers from various cities across Pakistan, reinforcing a collective commitment to enhancing education and career opportunities for Pakistani youth.

ISLAMABAD, FEB 22: /DNA/ – Secretary General of UBG (FPCCI), Zafar Bakhtawari, has stated that in order to foster the spirit of patriotism, it is essential for the youth to contribute to the development of their homeland rather than seeking their future abroad. Educational institutions play a crucial role not only in providing academic knowledge but also in nurturing moral and social values among children.

Speaking as the chief guest at the annual ceremony of The Spirit School yesterday, he emphasized the importance of education and said that education plays a fundamental role in the progress of nations. He urged students to pursue their studies with dedication and hard work so that the country’s future can be bright. He also stated that institutions like The Spirit School play a significant role in the academic and moral upbringing of young minds, and the efforts of teachers in providing an excellent educational environment are commendable.

Earlier, upon his arrival at the school, Zafar Bakhtawari was warmly welcomed by the school’s director, Adnan Mukhtar, the principal, and teachers. During the event, students presented engaging skits, speeches, and plays on various topics, with a particular skit highlighting the issue of water scarcity in the country, which drew special attention from the audience. The outstanding performances of the students were highly appreciated by the attendees.

School director Adnan Mukhtar shed light on the annual academic performance and stated that the institution is continuously striving to improve the quality of education. He mentioned that the school’s policies are based on modern educational principles, which help in refining the abilities of students. He also expressed his gratitude and happiness over the presence of the chief guest at the ceremony.

At the conclusion of the event, the chief guest, Zafar Bakhtawari, distributed awards among students who had excelled in their examinations and appreciated the school’s educational initiatives. He stated that such educational institutions are a guarantee of the country’s bright future, as they focus extensively on the academic and moral training of students. Zafar Bakhtawari also expressed his commitment to continue supporting the promotion of education so that the youth of Pakistan can showcase their talents on a global level.

The Spirit School, a prominent educational initiative of the Superior School System, organized its annual event in a grand manner. Under this project, more than 450 schools and colleges across the country are providing quality educational services.

MOROCCO, FEB 21 – A detailed meeting was held between Palestinian Transport Minister Tariq Hussaini Zarrab and Federal Minister for Communications, Privatization and Board of Investment Abdul Aleem Khan in Morocco, in which Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan expressed the goodwill gesture of the Pakistanis to the Palestinian Minister and said that the hearts of the Pakistani people beat with their Palestinian brothers and sisters.

Pakistan will continue to provide moral, diplomatic and all kinds of support to Palestine and every Pakistani citizen is deeply saddened and grieved over the atrocities being committed there, which no matter how much they condemn, is insufficient, Abdul Aleem Khan added Federal Minister and President Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party Abdul Aleem Khan expressed the hope that the struggle of the Palestinians will definitely bear fruit and they will get the right to an independent state. Palestinian Minister of Transport Tariq Hussaini Zarrab thanked the Pakistani Government for its cooperation and support. He appreciated the sentiments of Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan, saying that Allah Almighty will grant Palestine freedom very soon.

During the closing session of the Fourth Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety at Morocco, Bangladeshi Minister of Industry and Production Aadil-ur-Rahman Khan, Oman Deputy Minister Brigadier General Ali Al-Falahi and Maldives Minister of Transport M. Ameen separately held meetings with Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan and Pakistani delegation, in which they discussed inter-governmental cooperation, especially in the field of transport and communication. Fourth Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety held in Morocco was considered more beneficial, especially for developing countries.

Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan, while talking to foreign Ministers, said that Pakistan, a country of 240 million people, has the potential to further improve 40 percent of its communication infrastructure. We want mutual investment and cooperation from other countries in both B2B and G2G formats. Even in these circumstances, Pakistan’s Motorways and Highways are moving towards improvement compared to the past.

Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan said that despite the increase in traffic flow, accidents are being reduced and revenue is being increased and policies are being implemented in line with modern requirements to make travel safer. The foreign Ministers and Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan welcomed the three-day conference in Morocco and expressed their wishes for success for each other and their expectation of returning with pleasant memories.

ISLAMABAD, 21 FEB /DNA/ – The China Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted Dr. Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Director Institute of Security and International Studies, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, as part of its Distinguished Lecture Series. Dr. Pongsudhirak deliberated on the topic of “Southeast Asia/ASEAN between the U.S. and China: Dynamics and Prospects.” The event was attended by former federal ministers, senior diplomats, practitioners, academicians and members of civil society.

In his welcome remarks, DG ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood highlighted Dr. Thitinan’s intellectual and academic contributions to strategic thought in Thailand and ASEAN region and his role in influencing the research and policy discourse. On Pakistan-Thailand relations, he noted that these have evolved over decades and embraced myriad sectors such as trade, investment, education, science and technology, culture, and tourism. Both countries are also bound together by civilizational linkage tracing back to the ancient Buddhist Gandhara heritage of Pakistan. In the past, Pakistan and Thailand worked together in SEATO. Today, Pakistan counts Thailand among steadfast supporters of Pakistan’s elevated partnership with ASEAN. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood said it is important to understand perspective on contemporary Southeast Asia and ASEAN from Thailand. He noted that while in previous decades ASEAN’s growth trajectory had benefited from stable major-power relations, the region was now facing strong headwinds owing to sharpening contestation between the U.S. and China. It remained to be seen how ASEAN would navigate this complex and treacherous geopolitical landscape. He said that there was no better qualified scholar than Dr. Thitinan to speak on the subject with real knowledge and insight.

Dr. Thitinan Pongsudhirak, during his lecture, emphasized that the world is in transition. This has been even more pronounced since the inauguration of the second term of President Donald Trump in the United States. He noted that Donald Trump’s policy features two prominent themes: nativism and economic nationalism. This means that the United States shall not be interventionist any more, however, the country shall be increasingly protectionist and adopt policies that put greater onus on U.S. allies. Regarding China, Dr. Pongsudhirak noted that the country is on a trajectory of “manifest resurgence” due to its historical role in the world and its ongoing geostrategic projects like the Belt and Road Initiative. The so-called “new Cold War” is merely a continuity of the Cold War with the difference being economic altercation, he noted. The pressing question is how long a geoeconomic conflict can last until it transforms into confrontation and hostility. Regarding ASEAN, he noted that the accentuating major-power competition had led to the organization losing its centrality. The group has been divided on a number of issues including democratization in Myanmar, conflict in Ukraine, and situation in Gaza. These developments shall lead to resurgence of Southeast Asia as a region that is not denoted merely by cooperation among ASEAN members. For Southeast Asia and ASEAN the US-China relationship has been most consequential in the recent years.

Earlier during his welcome remarks, Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director CPSC, highlighted that ASEAN and the Southeast Asian region is navigating a complex yet promising era in the international order. ASEAN nations seek to maintain strategic autonomy while fostering constructive engagement with all major powers including the United States and China. In this backdrop, understanding implications of relations between these two countries for the rest of the world is crucial.

Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BOG ISSI, during his closing remarks noted that the older world order is coming to an end while a new order is not yet born. The present world is in a period of transition facing great disruption. He noted that there is an increasing need to enhance the role of middle powers and reform the UN-led system of international laws and practices for a more stable international order.

The event concluded with a question-and-answer session.

ISLAMABAD, 21 FEB /DNA/ – The Government of Sindh, in collaboration with the Oxford Pakistan Programme (OPP), has announced two prestigious scholarships named after Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. These scholarships will be part of OPP’s annual graduate scholarship program and will support highly talented students from Sindh in pursuing graduate studies at the University of Oxford.

Historically, access to institutions like Oxford has been largely limited to privileged students, leaving behind talented individuals from underprivileged areas. OPP is committed to breaking this barrier to ensure that world-class educational opportunities are not restricted to a specific class. Last year, OPP awarded scholarships to two students from Sindh and one from Balochistan, taking a step towards bridging this educational gap. To further this objective, OPP is working with various government institutions to establish sustainable educational pathways for students from underprivileged areas, ensuring that educational opportunities are determined by merit rather than background.

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, announced these two prestigious scholarships during their official visit to the University of Oxford. Chairman Bilawal was invited to a luncheon by the Principal of Lady Margaret Hall (LMH), Professor Stephen Blyth. During this event, he was briefed on the vision and initiatives of the Oxford Pakistan Programme (OPP) and discussed the fundamental support provided by Lady Margaret Hall to OPP. The luncheon was also attended by Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s sister, Mohtarma Sanam Bhutto, renowned author, historian, and LMH alumna, Victoria Schofield, along with senior delegations from the Governments of Sindh and Balochistan.

Both Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto studied at the University of Oxford. These scholarships pay tribute to their legacy and offer young individuals from Sindh the opportunity to pursue world-class education and bring positive change to their communities.

Speaking on this occasion, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stated:

“OPP is creating opportunities for Pakistanis, especially talented students from underprivileged backgrounds. I want to thank the Governments of Sindh and Balochistan for launching scholarship programs in collaboration with OPP for students from their provinces.”

The Oxford Pakistan Programme is led by a team of Oxford University academics and alumni, including Professor Adeel Malik (University of Oxford), Dr. Talha J. Pirzada (Lecturer in Material Science), Haris Zaman (corporate lawyer in London), and former Oxford student Manahil Saqib. OPP supports students and researchers of Pakistani origin through scholarships, hardship funds, the annual Iqbal Lecture, and the Graduate Access Programme.

On this occasion, Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, said:

“These scholarships will provide students from Sindh the opportunity to study at one of the world’s best universities. Not only will these students benefit from this opportunity, but Sindh as a whole will also gain when these scholars return to their communities with knowledge and skills to drive progress.”

This initiative reflects the commitment of the Government of Sindh and OPP to invest in education and nurture future leaders. Under this fund, each year, six outstanding students from Sindh will receive financial support for graduate degrees at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford. Three of these scholarships will be awarded to women under the “Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Scholarship” and three under the “Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Scholarship.” Pakistani scholar and former Oxford Union President, Israr Khan, has also played a key role in facilitating these scholarships.

Secretary of Finance for the Government of Balochistan, Imran Zarkoon Khan, stated:

“We take pride in the fact that Balochistan was the first province to launch these scholarships. We hope this initiative will create new opportunities and enable talented students from Balochistan to succeed at Oxford and contribute to the development of the province.”

The Oxford Pakistan Programme is playing a transformative role in supporting Pakistani students at Oxford through various initiatives. So far, OPP has provided financial assistance of over £600,000, enabling 48 Pakistani graduate scholars to pursue their studies at Oxford. The partnership between OPP and the Government of Sindh is part of this larger mission to ensure that talented students from Sindh, Balochistan, and other underprivileged areas have access to world-class education.