Education
Sports
KPK
NCHD, ICP Collaboration to Strengthen Social Services
TP REPORT
PESHAWAR: National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) and Islamia College Peshawar have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at increasing the literacy rate and promoting social inclusion among youth.
The agreement, signed in line with the guidelines of the Higher Education Commission, will enable students to actively participate in social service initiatives, particularly the “Each One Teaches One” program.
The initiative is part of the broader framework of the education emergency declared by the Prime Minister of Pakistan in 2024, focusing on collective national efforts to eradicate illiteracy.
The MoU was formally signed by NCHD Director Operations Anwar Iqbal and Vice Chancellor of Islamia College Peshawar, Prof. Dr. Ahmad-ur-Rehman Saljuqi.
The ceremony was attended by Registrar Dr. Mansoor Jalali, State Officer Junaid Mahmood, university faculty members, and NCHD representatives including Shams Khan, Ijaz Khan, and Ibrahim Jan.
Speakers on the occasion reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration between educational and national institutions, emphasizing that such partnerships will not only improve literacy rates but also foster a spirit of social responsibility and national service among youth.
The initiative highlights a shared vision for social betterment and sustainable development through education.
National
Policy Rate Hike Raises Serious Concerns for Business Community: Aun Ali Syed
Aun Ali Syed, Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry, has expressed deep concern over the recent increase in the policy rate announced by the State Bank of Pakistan, stating that the decision could have far-reaching negative implications for Pakistan’s already strained business environment.
He noted that while the objective of controlling inflation is understandable, the continuation of aggressive monetary tightening at this stage poses a serious threat to economic activity. The business community, particularly the trade and industrial sectors, is already grappling with rising costs, reduced demand, and limited access to affordable financing.
Aun Ali Syed emphasized that higher interest rates substantially increase the cost of doing business, making it increasingly difficult for traders, exporters, and manufacturers to secure working capital and sustain their operations. He warned that such measures may discourage new investments and could compel small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to scale down or cease operations altogether, leading to job losses and further economic slowdown.
Highlighting sector specific concerns, he pointed out that the textile and cloth markets considered a backbone of Pakistan’s commercial landscape are especially vulnerable. With declining consumer purchasing power coupled with elevated financing costs, these markets are likely to face reduced activity, ultimately impacting overall economic momentum.
He urged policymakers to adopt a more balanced and consultative approach, ensuring that the challenges faced by the business community are duly considered in monetary policy decisions. Sustainable economic growth, he stressed, requires a policy framework that simultaneously supports industry, promotes investment, and safeguards livelihoods while addressing inflationary pressures.
Aun Ali Syed reaffirmed that the business community remains committed to constructive engagement with the government and the State Bank of Pakistan to identify pragmatic solutions that ensure both price stability and long-term economic progress.
