ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has reminded all media outlets not to cover Valentine’s Day.
PEMRA, in a directive issued on Wednesday, reminded the media of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) ruling on Feb. 13 last year in response to a petition submitted by Addul Waheed, a private citizen, who requested a ban on the celebration of Valentine’s Day and media coverage of it.
“Respondents are directed to ensure that nothing about the celebration of Valentine Day’s and its promotion (appears in) the electronic and print media (and) no event shall be held at at official level and in a public place,” the directive said.
Mohammed Tahir, PEMRA general manager of operations, said in the directive that “the above mentioned order of the Islamabad High Court is still in place.”
“Therefore, all broadcast media and distribution services licensees are advised to desist from promoting Valentine’s Day through their respective channels/ networks.”
Valentine’s Day is celebrated every year on Feb. 14 across the world to show affection for romantic loved ones. Before last year the Pakistani media used to plan special coverage for the day.
PEMRA reminds media of ban on Valentine’s Day coverage
PEMRA reminds media of ban on Valentine’s Day coverage
Pakistani business federation says EU envoy pledges support for training industrial workforce
- Support aims to boost competitiveness as Pakistan expands skilled labor for exports and remittances
- FPCCI says the country’s economic future hinges on preparing its workforce for modern technologies
ISLAMABAD: The European Union’s top diplomat in Pakistan has pledged support for the country’s push to train its industrial workforce, exporters and small businesses through the national technical and vocational education system, Pakistan’s top business federation said in a statement on Tuesday, calling the assistance critical for boosting competitiveness.
The commitment came during the first annual conference on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), jointly organized by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and the TVET Sector Support Program, where the EU envoy addressed business leaders and government officials.
“Pakistani industries, exporters, trade bodies and SMEs will be facilitated and supported in their training, and exporters should draw maximum benefit from the GSP+ program,” said EU Ambassador Raymonds Kroblis, according to the FPCCI statement, referring to the EU trade scheme that grants Pakistan preferential, duty-free access for most exports in return for implementing international conventions.
He added that Pakistan’s economic future depended on preparing its workforce for modern technologies.
FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh said Pakistan could “change its economic trajectory” through large-scale skills development and called for a sustained public–private partnership to modernize vocational training.
He said the federation would train 1,000 officials from chambers and trade bodies to strengthen workforce readiness.
Sheikh said Pakistan’s youth had “immense potential” and required structured opportunities to advance, both for domestic industry and for overseas employment.
Pakistan has been working to expand its pool of skilled workers to tap opportunities in Gulf economies, where higher-skilled migration could help lift remittances, a major stabilizing force for Pakistan’s economy.
Speakers at the conference said aligning Pakistan’s workforce with international standards was key to improving productivity, securing export growth and preparing workers for global labor markets.
