Pakistan to send qualified nurses to address shortage of health care professionals in New York — minister

This handout photograph, taken and released by the Associated Press of Pakistan, shows Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi during a press briefing in Sialkot on December 13, 2023. (APP)
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Updated 06 July 2024
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Pakistan to send qualified nurses to address shortage of health care professionals in New York — minister

  • New York’s health care system was severely impacted by COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a critically stretched workforce
  • Mohsin Naqvi announced the decision after meeting the deputy speaker of the New York State Assembly in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi said on Saturday Pakistan would take immediate steps to send qualified nurses to the United States for employment while holding a meeting with Deputy Speaker of the New York State Assembly Phil Ramos in Islamabad.
New York’s health care system was severely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, which led to a critically stretched workforce. Projections indicate the nursing shortage in New York could reach nearly 40,000 by 2030, prompting legislative measures to expedite the training and deployment of nurses.
Pakistan, known for producing a high number of qualified nursing professionals, has already sent many to countries like the United Kingdom and various Middle Eastern states to address similar shortages.
According to an official statement released by the interior ministry, the visiting US delegation discussed this issue with Naqvi as part of broader talks on collaboration in fields such as education and policing.
“An agreement was reached to send qualified Pakistani nurses to New York for employment after completing necessary processes,” the statement said. “The procedure for this will be finalized soon.”
It quoted Naqvi as saying “immediate necessary steps will be taken to send qualified Pakistani nurses to New York.”
The minister said during his visit to New York last month, there were positive discussions on increasing cooperation between Islamabad Police and the New York Police Department.
He added an Islamabad Police delegation would soon visit New York.
Naqvi went to the American city to participate in the United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit where he also reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the UN peacekeeping efforts.


Pakistan PM calls for faster CPEC implementation, pledges security for Chinese workers

Updated 27 February 2026
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Pakistan PM calls for faster CPEC implementation, pledges security for Chinese workers

  • Shehbaz Sharif pushes expanded cooperation in agriculture, IT and mining under CPEC phase two
  • Chinese envoy reaffirms Beijing’s support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and economic development

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday called for speeding up projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and pledged stronger security guarantees for Chinese workers and investments, during a meeting with China’s ambassador in Islamabad.

Sharif made the remarks as the two countries strive to launch the second phase of CPEC, a multibillion-dollar infrastructure and energy initiative launched in 2015 as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

CPEC’s first phase focused largely on power generation and transport infrastructure aimed at easing Pakistan’s chronic energy shortages and improving connectivity. The second phase seeks to expand cooperation into industrial development, with an emphasis on special economic zones and export-oriented growth.

“While highlighting the importance of accelerating ongoing CPEC projects, the Prime Minister stressed on the need to enhance cooperation in agriculture and IT and mining & minerals,” said a statement circulated by the PM Office after the meeting.

“He also underscored Pakistan’s resolve to provide a secure and conducive environment for Chinese personnel, investments, and institutions in Pakistan,” it added.

Chinese nationals and projects in Pakistan have faced security threats in the past, including attacks by militant groups targeting infrastructure sites and convoys. Islamabad has repeatedly vowed to tighten security and has deployed special protection units for Chinese workers.

China is Pakistan’s closest ally in the region and a key economic partner, with CPEC widely regarded by Islamabad as central to long-term economic growth.

During the meeting, the prime minister conveyed greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, particularly on the occasion of the Chinese New Year.

China’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, reiterated Beijing’s support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and socioeconomic development, according to the statement. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues and agreed to maintain close coordination.