In rare development, ex-PM Khan aides hold meeting with Pakistan chief justice

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Friday his administration aims to equip young people with professional skills aligned with international market demands while presiding over an inter-ministerial review meeting focused on youth workforce training.
Remittances from overseas Pakistanis, particularly those in the Middle East, are a cornerstone of the national economy, bolstering the country’s external account. According to central bank data, during July to January of fiscal year 2025, workers’ remittances reached $20.8 billion, a 31.7 percent increase from $15.8 billion in the same period of the previous fiscal year.
As Pakistan strives to recover from the impact of a prolonged economic crisis, the government plans to boost exports, attract foreign investment and send more skilled workers abroad to enhance remittance inflows.
Efforts are underway to produce more health care professionals and information technology experts to meet international market needs.
“Pakistan’s talented workforce is the nation’s true asset,” the prime minister said during the meeting. “Equipping Pakistani youth with internationally demanded professional skills is among the government’s top priorities.”
He emphasized increasing the number of institutions offering nursing training in Pakistan whileee ensuring that courses align with global standards.
“Professional training for youth in various sectors should consider the needs of industries and both local and international markets,” he added.
Sharif assured the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) would receive all necessary funding to facilitate youth training programs.
The meeting was told NAVTTC had provided professional training to 60,000 youths across various sectors, including IT, this year.
The organization aims to train an additional 141,000 individuals by June 2025, with plans to train 250,000 in 2026 and 337,000 in 2027.

KARACHI: Pakistani authorities on Friday released 22 Indian fishermen from Karachi’s Malir Jail, initiating their repatriation process, a police official confirmed, as a leading humanitarian activist urged both nations to adopt a more compassionate approach toward fishermen who inadvertently cross maritime boundaries.
The release comes amid longstanding tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors, whose relations have deteriorated in recent years, leading to a downgrading of diplomatic relations. Both countries frequently detain each other’s fishermen for alleged territorial violations, often resulting in prolonged incarcerations.
“Today, we have freed 22 Indian fishermen, who have now begun their journey back home,” Arshad Shah, Superintendent of Malir Jail, told Arab News.
“Once the necessary formalities from the Indian side are completed, Pakistan takes no time in facilitating their release,” he added. “We always strive to ensure that prisoners are kept in good conditions, and once we receive the required directives, they are promptly released.”
Faisal Edhi, Chairman of the Edhi Foundation, Pakistan’s leading humanitarian organization, said he had arranged transportation for the fishermen to Lahore, from where they will continue their journey back to India.
“The Edhi Foundation will cover their travel expenses, and we also presented them with gifts and gave them cash,” he informed.
“We strongly believe that these fishermen, from both countries, often cross the invisible maritime borders unintentionally,” he continued. “When they are arrested, their families suffer greatly. For this reason, we consistently urge the governments of India and Pakistan to release the fishermen immediately and ensure their swift repatriation once their sentences are completed. Unfortunately, many languish in jail for years, even after serving their sentences.”
Pakistan typically repatriates Indian fishermen through the Wagah border. Upon arrival, Indian authorities receive them and, after completing official formalities, facilitate their return to their respective coastal communities.