• Since 2023, TIKA has given four training sessions in Pakistan as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen disaster response capabilities

Aamir Latif 

KARACHI, Sindh, Pakistan

The Turkish state aid agency held a week-long disaster response training for Pakistani scouts in the southern port city of Karachi, said an official statement on Tuesday.

The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), in collaboration with the IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation Disaster Management department, organized advanced urban search and rescue training under its ongoing disaster response initiatives in Pakistan.

The training, held at the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation Urban Search and Rescue Training Center, included 30 search and rescue volunteers from the Sindh Scouts Association and Alkhidmat Foundation, one of the country’s largest humanitarian relief organizations.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Halil Ibrahim Basaran, TIKA’s Karachi office coordinator, said that the training journey, which began in the aftermath of Pakistan’s devastating floods and earthquakes in Türkiye, remains ongoing.

The latest program has fostered deep collaboration and shared aspirations, he added.

Thanks to this initiative, TIKA envisions leaving Pakistan with a highly capable search and rescue team and a dedicated training center, paving the way for continued readiness to face potential disasters, he said.

The ceremony was also attended by Aijaz Ali Khan, former ombudsman of Sindh province; Navaid Rab Siddiqui, director general of colleges of Sindh; Syed Akhtar Meer, provincial secretary of Sindh Scouts; plus IHH disaster management trainers and members of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation urban search and rescue team.

Since 2023, TIKA has given four training sessions in Pakistan as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen disaster response capabilities.

Read: Turkish aid agency holds ‘search and rescue training’ in Thar Desert

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Aamir Latif is a Karachi-based senior journalist. He represents Anadolu, a Turkish news agency.

Courtesy: Anadolu Agency (Posted on 05.03.2025)  

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• This initiative will be extended to a total of 100 schools, eventually benefiting around 5,000 students in grades 8-10.

Karachi

TANG International has initiated a pioneering Chinese language training program for schools under the Sindh Education Foundation (SEF), Government of Sindh, marking a significant step towards fostering cultural and linguistic ties between Pakistan and China.

The training session, held at the Youth Professional Development Center (YPDC) in Karachi, is part of a broader effort to introduce Chinese language courses in SEF foundation assisted schools across the province, a press release said on Monday September 16, 2024.

The event was conducted by Mansoor, Regional Director of TANG International, alongside Raza, and was attended by Managing Director SEF Mr. Abdul Kabir Kazi.

The first phase of the training program brought together 60 teachers and head teachers from 15 selected schools. Over the coming months, this initiative will be extended to a total of 100 schools, eventually benefiting around 5,000 students in grades 8-10.

Kabir Kazi speaking on this occasion said, “This initiative will not only empower students with the ability to learn a new language but also promote cross-cultural understanding between Pakistan and China.”

The training program aligns with TANG International’s mission of advancing educational excellence and fostering global connections through language and cultural education. (PR)

Read: The Invention of Chinese – Part-I and Part-II 

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Sindh Agriculture University Signs LOA with FAO for Modern Agricultural Practices

Tandojam, Sindh

The farmers of various union councils in three districts of Sindh will be trained in 22 fields. The focus of the training will be on modern agricultural techniques, marketing, and seed production. In this regard a Letter of Agreement (LOA) was signed between Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Dr. Ghulam Murtaza Jamro, the focal person from Sindh Agriculture University, and Ms. Florence from FAO signed the LOA for the project titled “Transforming Indus Basin with Climate Resilience Agriculture and Water Management.”

The project aims to establish adaptive demonstration plots to test and validate Climate Resilient Agriculture (CRA) practices according to the targeted cropping system of agro-ecological zones. This initiative will enhance the capacity of farmer beneficiaries and raise awareness in the three targeted districts: Sanghar, Badin, and Umerkot of Sindh province. The signing took place in the presence of Vice Chancellor Dr. Fateh Marri.

According to the LOA, experts from Sindh Agriculture University will educate farmers on sustainable agriculture, land preparation, intercropping, irrigation, the impact of climate change, marketing, and pure seed production techniques. The university will also be responsible for providing access to modern technology at the grassroots level, organizing agricultural street theater, field days, and other communication-related programs.

Vice Chancellor Dr. Fateh Marri stated that this project aims to assist small-scale farmers by demonstrating techniques on their fields to achieve better yields at lower costs.

Dr. Ghulam Murtaza Jamro mentioned that experts from FAO and Sindh Agriculture University are establishing demonstration plots for sugarcane, vegetables and sunflower in Badin, cotton and wheat in Sanghar, and wheat and cotton in Umerkot. These initiatives are part of their technology transfer efforts, conducted through the expertise of their staff and students.

Pro Vice Chancellor Dr. Jan Muhammad Marri, Registrar Ghulam Mohiuddin Qureshi, Dr. Syed Zia-ul-Hasan Shah, and others were also present at the event. (PR)

Read: Precision agriculture, a modern farming technique

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Umerkot, Sindh

Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Sub Campus Umerkot, in collaboration with the Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO), has introduced an initiative to sensitize women and girls from rural area about the value and commercial potential of kitchen gardens. This collaborative effort included a practical demonstration and on-job session on kitchen gardening, with the participation of 35 women, including five young girls.

The purpose of joint initiative was to empower women by providing them with the enough knowledge and skills necessary to establish and maintain kitchen gardens, which can serve as a sustainable source of food and income for one family. The kitchen garden practice is designed to enhance food security, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and support the economic empowerment of women in the Umerkot region.

The SPO and SAU teams organized a visit to a designated location of Ramji kolhi, Umerkot for a hands-on demonstration of kitchen gardening and how to grow successful KG model. This practical demonstration provided the women with visions, efforts into the establishment and maintenance of a kitchen garden.

Sindh Agriculture University Sub Campus Umerkot supported to Strengthening Participatory Organization the initiative by providing transportation point (bus service) free of cost, including fuel. Additionally, the university’s experts assisted in the demarcation, leveling, and preparation of the kitchen garden plot.

During the visit, the women received comprehensive on-job, physical demonstration on various aspects of kitchen gardening and fruit bearing plant. This included instructions on sowing seeds, preparing the soil, and creating a commercially viable kitchen garden. The SPO and SAU teams sensitized the women about the benefits of kitchen gardening, both for personal consumption to fulfill the nutrition need and commercial purposes.

By involving women and young girls in this joint initiative, the action targets to promote gender equality and ensure that women have a voice in climate adaptation strategies. The knowledge and skills gained from this practical demonstration will enable the women and girls to contribute to their communities’ resilience against climate change.

Saleem Chang, representative from Sindh Agriculture University, highlighted the importance of such initiatives, stating, “Empowering women through sustainable agricultural practices is crucial for achieving food security and economic stability in our Umerkot.

Amjad Baloch Regional Coordinator from SPO added, “SPO’s collaboration with SAU is a significant step towards inclusive climate action. By equipping women with the necessary skills and knowledge, we are nurturing a more resilient and self-sufficient community.”

Resham from Ramji Kolhi shared, “With dedicated effort and hard work, we can secure the future of our family. This kitchen garden helped me fulfill my nutritional and economic needs. My husband and I are earning 2000 daily, and our children and we are happy. We also learned to grow seasonal vegetables, which will support us economically throughout the year. (PR)

Read: Experts suggest Hydroponic Farming in Pakistan

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Only a small group of 10 per cent of the population was responsible for committing crimes against 90 per cent – NY Police Delegation

Karachi, Sindh

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah met on Monday with a delegation of 22 members from the Pakistani American Law Enforcement Society (PALES) of the New York Police Department and discussed their respective policing systems and shared experiences.

During the meeting, the Pakistani American Law Enforcement Society (PALES) offered the chief minister to train provincial local police officers in dealing with street crime, petty crimes, intelligence work, traffic management, and vigilance.

Read: Murad Shah admits Law & Order in Sindh was not satisfactory during his previous term

The 22-member delegation of the New York Police Department – Pakistani American Law Enforcement Society (PALES) was led by Rohail Khalid. In the delegation the officers of different police assignments such as Integrity Control officer, Traffic Enforcement, Intelligence, Training Bureau, Identification Bureau, Patrol and others. Home Secretary Iqbal Memon, IG Police Ghulam Nabi Memon, Secretary to CM Raheem Shaikh and others also attended the meeting.

The Chief Minister welcomed the New York Police Department delegation and discussed the issue of terrorism in Karachi, which he attributed to the Afghan war and regional politics. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by the police and law enforcement agencies, with the support of his government, to eliminate terrorism in the area.

The Chief Minister further highlighted the challenge of street crime in the city, against which the police and Rangers have initiated operations. He also mentioned that the government was working on amending laws to utilize technology in dealing with repeat criminals.

Read: Sindh under the Daku Raj!!!

The delegation members emphasized that only a small group of 10 per cent of the population was responsible for committing crimes against 90 per cent [of the population] they were living with. They suggested that if criminals were aware of being watched, they would avoid committing crimes. The delegation members also agreed with the Chief Minister on the importance of using technology to control crime.

The New York Police Department offered to train the Sindh police. The Chief Minister appreciated the offer and directed the Inspector General of Police to examine the proposal and submit a plan for sending police officers to New York for training. (PR)

Read: Sindh to create Riverine Police Force

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Astana

Kazakhstan will commence the training of specialists (energy experts) who will work at the future nuclear power plant (NPP). The relevant protocol has been approved by several institutions and universities in the country, Eurasia Today reports.

The protocol on joint personnel training for the NPP has been endorsed by the Institute of Nuclear Physics, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty University of Energy and Communications named after G. Daukeev, the International Kazakh-Turkish University named after H.A. Yassawi, and the Kazakh National Research Technical University named after K.I. Satpayev.

A three-stage educational program will be implemented to prepare specialists in the required fields for the NPP, such as “Nuclear Physics and Technologies,” “Nuclear Energy,” “Nuclear Reactors and Materials,” and “Nuclear Engineering.”

According to the protocol, future specialists will undergo practical training in these fields at the Institute of Nuclear Physics, where they will have the opportunity for hands-on exercises using the research reactor VVER-K. Theoretical training on general educational disciplines will take place at universities such as AUEN, KazNU, MKTU, and Satbayev University.

Darhan Akhmed-Zaki, the Vice Minister of Science and Higher Education, highlighted that the Institute of Nuclear Physics has successful collaboration in personnel training not only with the country’s universities but also with leading foreign institutes.

Also read: Kazakhstan returns to mask regime following detection of Covid-19 cases

“Thanks to a joint program with the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, 200 bachelor’s and master’s students have been trained within the dual-degree program of Kazakhstan and Russia. The Institute also collaborates with major international organizations and universities such as CERN, MIT, and participates in global experiments NA62, DUNE, HIKE. It has extensive international experience in personnel training. Therefore, joint personnel training for the NPP, I believe, will be an important step in the development of the country’s nuclear industry,” emphasized Darhan Akhmed-Zaki.

Kazakhstan plans to build its first NPP in the village of Ulken Zhambyl in the Almaty region, situated on the shores of Lake Balkhash.

Local residents have supported the NPP construction project in the settlement. Russia is ready to assist with this, as stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin in November 2023.

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Courtesy: Central Asian Light (Posted on February 12, 2024)

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Abu Dhabi

Special Olympics UAE and Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment have teamed up to support athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their new MoU grants year-round training and winter sports competition opportunities, prepping athletes for the 2025 Special Olympics Winter Games in Italy.

The partnership brings snow sports to Special Olympics athletes through Majid Al Futtaim’s indoor resorts: Ski Dubai and Snow Abu Dhabi. Ski Dubai’s experienced instructors will provide training in cross-country skiing, ice skating, and snowboarding.

A comprehensive four-stage training plan, held twice weekly, is outlined in the MoU. This plan focuses on talent identification, team building, skill development, performance monitoring, and overall readiness for competitions and events organized by Special Olympics UAE throughout the year.

Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE, said, “Special Olympics UAE is keen to forge community partnerships that have a positive impact on our athletes, and the memorandum of understanding signed today with Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment will enhance the capabilities of People of Determination in four of the most important kinds of winter sports. It will also work to promote these sports in the UAE Special Olympics community by allowing players to train in world-class facilities in preparation for their participation in the World Winter Games that will be held in Italy next year.”

Special Olympics UAE will reciprocate by providing specialized training for Majid Al Futtaim’s employees and members to interact effectively with People of Determination. The organization will also support sports and community events organized by the group, qualifying Majid Al Futtaim employees on the principles and rules for organizing Special Olympics UAE competitions.

Al Hashemi added, “The partnership with Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment underscores the spirit of collaboration and in implementing the national policy to empower People of Determination, achieve societal inclusion, and develop their abilities in various sports, solidifying the UAE’s global leadership in this important domain.”

Ignace Lahoud, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, said, “Sport has the transformative power to break barriers, unite people and drive social change. Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment is proud to sign this memorandum of understanding with the Special Olympics UAE and look forward to the beginning of this exciting journey which aims to foster acceptance and inclusion of people of determination. We will work side by side with the UAE Special Olympics to prepare the national team representing the UAE at the Special Olympics World Winter Games next year by providing technical and logistical support and providing expertise, training facilities, and the necessary specialist resources and tools.”

Special Olympics UAE aims to strengthen community partnerships to enhance the quality of life for those with mental and developmental challenges. The memorandum supports the participation of People of Determination with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Majid Al Futtaim’s community sports events, providing them with opportunities to participate in activities that is tailored to diverse abilities.

Published under the International Cooperation Protocol with Middle East Business | Life Magazine

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Amir Latif Arain 

KARACHI, Sindh Pakistan

Türkiye’s state-run aid agency on Monday launched a seven-day program in the southern port city of Karachi to train Pakistani scouts and rescuers in the latest techniques and ways of rescue and disaster management.

Under the program billed “Emergency Rescue and Disaster Management” and launched by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), several training sessions will be held across the country’s commercial capital over the next week.

Speaking at the program held at Sindh Scouts Gulshan Training Center, Turkish Consul General Cemal Sangu said that the disasters experienced in Pakistan, Türkiye and recently in Libya and Morocco further increased the importance of search and rescue activities. Therefore, he stated that this training program is very important for both Türkiye and Pakistan and thanked all the institutions that contributed to the organization of the activity.

Recalling the assistance of Pakistani and Turkish relief agencies during last year’s unprecedented floods in Pakistan and massive earthquakes in southern Türkiye in February this year, Sangu said the two countries have stood beside each other in testing times.

Deputy Commissioner of Sindh Boys Scouts Association Hassan Feroz said the local rescuers will learn from the experience of Turkish rescue and relief agencies through this program.

TIKA’s Karachi Coordinator Khalil Ibrahim Basran said the program is the continuation of similar trainings imparted by the agency in Bosnia, Bangladesh, and Libya in recent months.

Pakistan is among the top 10 countries vulnerable to climate change. Unrelenting rains-triggered floods last year inundated a third of the country, aside from killing over 1,700 people and causing whopping losses of $32 billion.

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Aamir Latif is a senior journalist based in Karachi. He represents Anadolu, a Turkish news agency.

Courtesy: Anadolu Agency (Posted on 18.09.2023) 

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From Correspondent

Khairpur, Sindh

Syed Qamar-ul-Zaman Shah, Regional Coordinator OGDCL, held meeting with the Vice Chancellor of Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University of Technology and Skill Development Khairpur Prof. Dr. Rasool Bakhsh Mahar on Thursday and discussed the training opportunities for the students of university.

Dr. Rasool Bakhsh Mahar, told him that this university is imparting world class artistic education to the students, and soon the new disciplines will be introduced in the university which are badly needed in the industry sector.

Dr. Rasool Bakhsh Mahar further said that we are imparting world class education to the students of the university, with which the lack of skilled manpower in the country can be fulfilled.

Vice-Chancellor further said that MoUs will be signed with various institutions for the youth, by which the students of the university will get employment opportunities.

Syed Qamar-ul-Zaman Shah said that OGDCL is fully associated with this first technical university of Sindh and said that trainings for the students in the field of industry will be provided by OGDCL soon.

Vice-Chancellor also invited OGDCL team to the international conference being organized by the university on May 9-11.

Dean Faculty of Skill Development Mir Sajjad Hussain gave a presentation about the university.

Dean Faculty of Engineering Technology Prof. Dr. Hussain Bakhsh Marri, Director Industrial Linkages Engineer Ayaz Ali Mandan also briefed the OGDCL delegation.

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Karachi

Zippy Writers, an organization working for training and empowerment of women, organized an interactive training session for emerging and aspiring women entrepreneurs & freelancers on “How to build an online presence for your business”.

The event took place on Saturday 4th March 2023 at a local hotel in Karachi.

A training session was organized to educate emerging & aspiring women entrepreneurs & professionals who often find it difficult to setup and maintain an online presence for their businesses.

There were 20 participants who attended the training program and actively participated. Among them, there were CEOs and representatives of the reputed organizations who showed their enthusiasm towards upgrading their knowledge on the subject matter.

Syeda Fauzia Hyder, a representative of The Citizen Foundation-Dastak’ also joined the session and talked about its Dastak Online Teacher Training program.

While discussing the importance of using social media for business owners, Pirah Aijaz, Founder/CEO imparted the training on “How to build an online presence for business”. There were many things that she discussed in the session, such as building and maintaining a social media presence, the best social media platforms, content strategy, social media profile (s) and page(s) optimization, branding, and many other things everyone needs to be familiar with.

The training session was engaging and participants asked questions, showing their enthusiasm towards learning.

Zippy Writers have gained a lot of attention just after organizing first on-ground business networking meetup on its third brand anniversary. Pirah Aijaz said her organization aims to educate and empower women in as many ways as possible.

Pirah Aijaz concluded the session highlighting the importance of building & maintaining social media presence.

As a token of appreciation, certificates were given to the attendees at the end of the session. (PR)

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