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Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
PSDF distributes 200 desktop computers to educate rural women
LAHORE: In a landmark move to bridge the digital divide for educated rural women, the Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) handed over 200 desktop computers - complete with internet subscriptions to beneficiaries of its new 'Mein Digital – Empowering Rural Women Through Technology' programme in Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sargodha and Bahawalpur. Launched under the Chief Minister's Skilled Punjab Initiative and aligned with Maryam Nawaz Sharif's vision for women's empowerment, the distribution marks the transition from planning to tangible actions. The recipients, all holding at least sixteen years of formal education, were selected through a rigorous, merit-based testing process. PSDF CEO Ahmed Khan emphasised that placing hardware directly into the hands of participants removes longstanding cultural and mobility barriers, allowing them to begin their fully online, six-month training immediately. 'By equipping these women with desktops from day one, we ensure that technology access is not an obstacle but an enabler of economic opportunity,' he said. The comprehensive curriculum endorsed by FAST, NUST and leading industry partners covers general computer literacy, English for online business, digital marketing, content creation and e-commerce platforms such as Canva. This collaboration with premier academic institutions and the private sector lends significant credibility to the programme assuring future clients and employers of the graduates' high-quality, market-ready skills. Mirza Akbar Hussain, Head of Marketing & Communications, lauded the initiative's potential impact: 'These desktops will catalyse a transformation in household incomes and community dynamics by empowering educated rural women to market indigenous products online. As they generate sustainable earnings, entire villages will benefit from enhanced economic resilience.' PSDF plans to replicate this desktop distribution model across all districts of Punjab, ultimately training 3,000 women and nurturing a generation of women-led digital entrepreneurs. With the first wave of hardware now in place, 'Mein Digital' stands as a blueprint for inclusive development — demonstrating how upfront investment in technology and credentials can unlock the entrepreneurial potential of Pakistan's rural women. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
28-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Tabeer programme: PSDF sets new standard in world workforce mobilization
LAHORE: Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) is setting a new standard in international workforce mobilization by acting as a true one-window solution for confirmed overseas placements under PSDF - Tabeer – International Placement a flagship programme under Chief Minister's Skilled Punjab Initiative. Through PSDF - Tabeer – International Placement program, PSDF has already placed over 100 highly trained Pakistani graduates in Saudi Arabia's construction and hospitality sectors, managing every step- from demand-driven skills development and internationally recognized certification to job confirmation and visa processing under one roof. PSDF's model begins with close collaboration with Saudi industry partners to develop training that match precise employer requirements. Candidates undergo rigorous screening, complete technical and soft-skills modules and sit for assessment panels jointly administered by PSDF and their future employers. Only those who meet the exacting standards receive confirmed job offers before departure, ensuring zero uncertainty for both trainees and recruiters. 'By guaranteeing confirmed placements and handling the entire process end to end, PSDF removes traditional barriers and risk for our graduates,' said Ahmed Khan, CEO of PSDF. 'Our integrated approach means candidates arrive in Saudi Arabia fully prepared, with visas in hand and contracts signed—ready to contribute from day one.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
New Indian Express
10-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Odisha to avail funding from Centre for battery energy storage projects
BHUBANESWAR: The state government has conveyed its willingness to the Ministry of Power to implement the allocated capacity of battery energy storage system (BESS) under the viability gap funding (VGF) scheme to enhance its grid stability. This is in response to a recent communication from the New and Renewable Energy division of the ministry allocating 500 megawatt hour (MWh) to Odisha out of the total allocation of 16,500 MWh to 15 states to ensure grid integration of renewable energy (RE) and reliable electricity supply. Acknowledging the importance of BESS, GRIDCO in its response to the ministry said, 'The state is committed to accelerating the development of RE and associated infrastructure in line with national priorities and is keen to support the initiative.' GRIDCO being the nodal agency of the state government for RE projects has identified 10 locations for installation of the battery energy storage system. However, in the first phase BESS will be set up in four grid sub-stations under VGF scheme supported through the power system development fund (PSDF), sources said.
Express Tribune
12-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Mid-year target for 5G rollout confirmed
Listen to article The Parliamentary Secretary provided clarification regarding the internet speed in the country during the National Assembly session. The session, chaired by Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa, discussed the issue of slow internet speed during the question hour. Parliamentary Secretary for IT, Sabin Ghori, informed that internet speed would improve by mid of this year, and 5G would also be launched by mid-2025. She explained that there are several reasons for the slow internet speed. Pakistan People's Party (PPP) member, Agha Rafiullah, mentioned that videos don't download, and the internet is extremely slow. Another member, Shagufta Jumani, remarked that Bilawal Bhutto had rightly said that there is some fish that only eats Pakistan's cable. In response, Parliamentary Secretary Sabin Ghori humorously said, "There is some fish that cuts the internet cable, but we don't know which fish it is." Earlier, National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology urged for the swift finalisation of its agreement with Starlink, with parliamentary secretary confirming that the service will be available in the country by June 2025. The committee, chaired by Aminul Haq, discussed various key issues, including the Information Technology (IT) Ministry's PSDF for FY 2024-25 and other significant projects. Haq instructed officials to expedite the licensing process for Starlink, the satellite internet service provider owned by Elon Musk, which has been in discussions with Pakistan for nearly two years. Starlink's licensing process had previously stalled due to the absence of a regulatory authority, as pointed out by Barrister Gohar, a member of the committee. The Pakistani authorities aim to complete the necessary paperwork soon, with the potential for Starlink to become operational by mid-2025. Amonth ago, Sharmila Farooqi, PPP lawmaker, expressed her frustration during a National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology meeting, accusing the government of failing to address persistent internet disruptions. The meeting, chaired by Federal Minister for IT Syed Aminul Haque, focused on the slow internet issues. Farooqi criticised State Minister for IT Sheza Fatima Khawaja for her responses, questioning the government's claims of improved internet services. 'Whenever PTI announces a protest, the internet suddenly goes down. Is the government calling e-commerce companies, the public, and us liars?' Farooqi asked, pointing out the financial losses incurred by her husband's e-commerce business due to the issue.
