IBA Karachi launches a new office in Islamabad expanding its nationwide imprint.

The Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi, in collaboration with the National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) Islamabad, has inaugurated a dedicated facility in the federal capital.

The inauguration was attended by more than 200 participants from diverse fields. Focusing on IBA Karachi's executive and organizational development philosophy, the new office will offer leadership and management development programs for family businesses, public sectors, state-owned enterprises, and corporates in the northern regions. IBA aims to bring opportunities for organizations and individuals through action learning-based capacity-building initiatives, research, forums, think tanks, and consultancies. This venture will help meet the increasing demands of today's business world.

Attendees from IBA included Dr. S Akbar Zaidi, Executive Director; Dr. Asad Ilyas, Registrar; Dr. Abdullah Zafar Sheikh, Dean, School of Business Studies (SBS); Dr. Shakeel Khoja, Dean, School of Mathematics and Computer Science (SMCS); Dr. Irum Saba, Associate Professor, SBS; Kamran Bilgrami, Director CEE; Dr. Sharjeel Hasnie, Head of Testing Services; and members of the Board of Governors (BoG), namely, Nadeem Hussain, Saba Kamal, Muhammad Mureed Rahimoon, and Mohammed Sohail, Alumni Representative on the BoG.

The event commenced with a welcome note from IBA alumnus and MOC, Sibtain Naqvi. The IBA Islamabad Office at NIBAF was inaugurated by Akif Saeed, Chief Guest and Chairman, Securities, and Exchange Commission of Pakistan; Riaz Chunara, Managing Director, NIBAF; and Dr. Zaidi.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the collaboration, Mr. Bilgrami stated, "This transformative partnership will open new avenues for our students and faculty to engage with industry professionals. By combining our strengths, we can bridge the gap between academia and industry and create a positive impact on education, fostering innovation in Pakistan."

Mr. Chunara emphasized the importance of academia-industry collaboration, stating, "We believe that through this partnership, we can address critical issues such as corporate governance and digital transformation. By working together, we can foster a culture of innovation and equip professionals with the skills needed to excel in their respective fields."

Dr. Zaidi commented on IBA’s new facility: "I am truly impressed by the transformative potential of this collaboration between IBA and NIBAF. This strategic alliance opens new horizons for executive education and knowledge exchange, particularly in the areas of corporate governance, public policy, and digital transformation. I am confident that this partnership will pave the way for impactful initiatives and create a lasting impact on our education and learning landscape." He added that together, we can empower professionals across various sectors to enhance their skills and contribute to the progress of Pakistan.

A panel discussion on the future of executive education in Pakistan also took place. Panelists included Sadia Khan, Javed Iqbal, and Dr. Khoja. CEE Trainer, Bulent Sohail, moderated the discussion.

Earlier, IBA and NIBAF inked an MoU to establish a remote IBA office at NIBAF, Islamabad. Under this agreement, the two institutes will offer joint leadership and management development programs. Mementos were presented to the esteemed guests by Dr. Zaidi.

Mr. Bilgrami concluded the evening by sharing his final thoughts and thanking the attendees for their participation. The evening came to an end with a networking dinner.

About IBA-CEE: IBA Karachi has been offering Professional Development Programs since its inception in 1955, and the CEE was formally established in 2004. The CEE has a strong network of local and global faculty members and collaborations. 

Currently, it offers capacity-building programs in several cities for Enterprises, Public Sector Organizations, and Family Businesses. 

Google Career Certificates 2.0 Official Launch in Pakistan: Addressing the Digital Skills Gap and Empowering the Workforce

Fahd Haroon, Emphasized the Need for Courses on Business Intelligence, Advanced Data Analytics, and Cyber Security for Pakistani youth to Learn and become Part of the Global Workforce.

Google, in partnership with TechValley and the Institute of Rural Management (IRM), officially launched Google Career Certificates 2.0 in Pakistan at a prestigious event attended by key figures from the government and the IT sector. The event was graced by Federal Minister for IT & Telecom Syed Amin Ul Haque, Mr. Fahd Haroon, Minister of State/Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Public Communication and Digital Platforms, and Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, SAPM on Youth Affairs and Senior Google representatives from the region.

Mr. Fahd Haroon emphasized the need for training and skills development as priority areas, highlighting the significant gap in digital skills within the Pakistani workforce. He underscored the importance of digital skills in today's economy and called for a collaborative approach between stakeholders, including Google, TechValley, IRM, the government, and educational institutions, to advance Pakistan's digital workforce together.

Mr. Haroon expressed his gratitude to Google for creating 44,500 new scholarships, with a special emphasis on offering 50% of these scholarships to the female population in the country. He also acknowledged Google's commitment to Pakistan's digital growth by launching three new courses - Business Intelligence, Advanced Data Analytics, and Cyber Security.

Farhan Qureshi, Country Director, Google Pakistan, said, "We are proud to introduce digital skills along with soft skills courses for Pakistani talent to rise into this new world of technology, with a particular focus on women and youth."

Pakistan has a working-age population of approximately 85.75 million, with a significant portion of the population under the age of 30. This young and growing workforce requires access to quality education and training opportunities to realize their potential and contribute to the country's economic development.

Google Career Certificates 2.0, a program designed to make (aspiring) professionals job-ready in six months, was introduced at the event. The program aims to provide targeted skills training to help participants rapidly qualify for in-demand jobs. Industry experts and thought leaders also attended the launch, discussing strategies and initiatives for advancing Pakistan's digital economy collectively.

During the event, Google presented various case studies and shared success stories of recently graduated professionals from the Google Career Certificate program in Pakistan. The program has already made a significant impact on the lives of many Pakistani professionals, equipping them with the necessary digital skills to excel in their careers and contribute to the country's digital economy.

The Google Career Certificates 2.0 program is a testament to the importance of addressing the digital skills gap in Pakistan and empowering the workforce with the right tools and training. With the continued support of key stakeholders and the government, this program aims to create a brighter future for Pakistan's digital workforce and economy.

The Future of Jobs Report 2023 shows that cognitive skills and management skills are the most critical skills required by the workforce, with 25% and 19% of organizations ranking them as essential, respectively. Other critical skills include technical skills, attitudes, and working with others, with 18%, 15%, and 9% of organizations ranking them as essential, respectively. The Report also shows that the skills required for reskilling focus on creative thinking, AI and big data, leadership and social influence, design and user experience, and analytical thinking, among others.

For more information on the Google Career Certificates 2.0 program, visit https://grow.google/intl/en_pk/certificates/

Pakistan and UAE Discuss Food Security Initiatives for Vulnerable Populations

Pakistan and UAE Discuss Food Security Initiatives for Vulnerable Populations

Minister of State and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Public Communication and Digital Platforms, Fahd Haroon, meets with UAE Consul General in Karachi, H.E. Bakheet Al Romaithi to discuss the importance of public communication and UAE's food program for Pakistan.

 

The Minister of State and Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Public Communication and Digital Platforms, Fahd Haroon, met with H.E. Bakheet Al Romaithi, United Arab Emirates Consul General in Karachi. They both discussed the importance of public communication in raising awareness about food security and the impacts of climate change. The meeting centered around the UAE food program for Pakistan, initiated by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

During the meeting, Mr. Haroon also informed a visiting media delegation from the UAE about the initiatives taken by Pakistan, particularly in the Sindh province, to combat food insecurity. The Consul General expressed satisfaction with the cooperation between the government of Sindh and UAE on the ‘Emirates Humanitarian’ medical campaign in Pakistan's southern Sindh province to provide health facilities to the poor.

 

Pakistan and UAE have a long history of friendly relations, with the UAE serving as a trusted ally for Pakistan. The UAE Pakistan Assistance Programme (UAE-PAP) reflects His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan's love for the people of Pakistan. The program has provided assistance in various social and humanitarian fields, including health, poverty alleviation, education, and disaster relief.

 

According to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Acute Malnutrition analysis, acute malnutrition is at a Critical level in eight districts in Sindh and at a Serious level in one district. The UAE's food assistance program aims to address this pressing issue. As per the data, the overall malnutrition prevalence in Pakistan is 38.3%, with 17.7 million stunted and 9.7 million wasted children under five years of age.

 

In the past, UAE has executed several humanitarian assistance programs in Pakistan, including the UAE Polio Vaccination Campaign, which vaccinated over 86 million Pakistani children under the age of five between 2014 and December 2020. UAE's assistance in the healthcare sector has helped Pakistan combat various diseases and increase life expectancy.

 

Pakistan and the UAE share a strong trade relationship with a significant Pakistani population residing in the UAE. According to the State Bank of Pakistan, Pakistan received $531.4 million in remittances from the UAE in 2022. The UAE is Pakistan's biggest trading partner in the Middle East and North Africa region, with exports from the UAE to Pakistan amounting to $7.13 billion in 2021. The main products exported from the UAE to Pakistan were refined petroleum, crude petroleum, and scrap iron. During the last 18 years, exports of the UAE to Pakistan have increased at an annualized rate of 9.57%, from $1.38 billion in 2003 to $7.13 billion in 2021.

Pakistan exported $1.28 billion worth of products to the UAE in 2021, with refined petroleum, bovine meat, and rice being the primary products. The exports of Pakistan to the UAE have increased at an annualized rate of 0.74%, from $1.12 billion in 2003 to $1.28 billion in 2021.

 

The meeting between Mr. Haroon and the Consul General reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and UAE to address food insecurity and improve the well-being of vulnerable populations. The UAE's food assistance program, along with Pakistan's initiatives in the Sindh province, will help address the issue of malnutrition in Pakistan.

Mahaana Wealth Pioneers Pakistan's First Digital Shariah Compliant Money Market Fund under SEC's Digital AMC Framework

First Fund Launched Under the Digital AMC Framework of SEC Pakistan by Mahaana Wealth.

 

Mahaana launches Shariah Compliant Money Market Fund for retail investors. Every step of the process has been automated, making it fast, secure, and hassle-free for investors. Empowering the investors with privacy and security control over their assets.

PK – 27 April 2023 - The recent economic situation in Pakistan has put a large population to face job insecurities and economic hardships for various reasons, including the COVID-19 pandemic, floods, and economic downturns. Families without a steady income are particularly vulnerable during these challenging times. With the absence of a citizen-friendly and efficient safety net in Pakistan, the citizens are left with no option to plan and secure their economic future.

Realizing the economic hardships the country and its citizens are going through, Mahaana Wealth has launched Pakistan’s first fixed income Islamic fund under the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan's (SECP) Digital Asset Management Company (AMC) framework. The launch of this fund marks a major milestone in Pakistan's financial landscape, as the first digital asset management company goes live in the country. The fund will be offered to a limited number of clients till commercial launch is allowed by SECP.

Muhammad Shamoon Tariq,
Founder, and Chief Executive Officer,
Mahaana Wealth Management

This Shariah-compliant Money Market fund offers a secure and stable investment option that aims to provide investors with a potential profit rate of up to 20%, which is significantly higher than the profit rates currently offered by Islamic banks in Pakistan, hovering around 8-10%. CIO, Mahaana Wealth, Mubashir Zuberi, said “We strive to provide higher savings & investments return to retail investors, which were previously available only to the high-net-worth individuals.”

Keeping in mind the socio-economic limitations compounded with non-technical knowledge, people shy away from investing in Pakistan. By making the entire onboarding and back-office operations fully digitized, without the need for any human intervention, Mahaana has made every step of the process automated, making it fast, secure, and hassle-free for investors, but above all with low costs. This will not only ensure complete privacy but also confidence building for the customer to have more control over their assets and also their financial future.

Mahaana Wealth has partnered with IT Minds, a leading provider of technology solutions in Pakistan and a subsidiary of CDC Pakistan, to deliver a comprehensive and streamlined solution for its back-office operations.

Commenting on the launch, Mahaana Wealth CEO, Muhammad Shamoon Tariq, said, "Our vision is to create a seamless digital investment experience that is both accessible and affordable for all Pakistanis. We believe that everyone should have access to the same investment opportunities, regardless of their location, income, or financial knowledge. With this launch, we aim to revolutionize the asset management industry in Pakistan by offering a comprehensive, automated, and user-friendly platform to investors." He added, “I would also like to commend SECP’s role as a front-end regulator, which is continuously working in improving the regulations and frameworks for promoting the Asset Management industry in Pakistan”.

Investing in fixed-income funds enables individuals to create a financial buffer for themselves and their families, ensuring that they have a source of income to fall back on during tough times. By establishing this social safety net, individuals can protect their loved ones from the consequences of job loss or economic challenges, ultimately providing a more secure and stable financial future.

As per the Economic Survey of Pakistan 4.51 million people from the labour force could not get jobs in the FY 2021. Prior to Covid-19, the working population was 55.7 million. During the pandemic, this number declined to 35.04 million which indicates that 20.71 million people either lost their jobs or were not able to work due to COVID-19 impact.

The textile industry representatives have also warned that about 7 million workers have been fired as Pakistan's textile exports dwindle, putting the sector on the edge of collapse due to the global economic recession. Also, a large portion of the cotton crop was destroyed by the devastating floods last year. The floods resulted in the death of more than 1,700 people and affected 33 million more, impacting the socioeconomic stability of families across the country.

Fixed-income funds can serve as a vital financial tool for creating a social safety net for individuals and their loved ones, especially in the face of uncertainty. This steady stream of income can help families cover essential expenses during periods of unemployment or financial instability. By allocating a portion of their savings into Shariah-compliant fixed-income funds, individuals can work towards building a financial cushion that provides a sense of security and resilience in times of economic hardship.

Mahaana is a licensed Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) and a Digital AMC, regulated by SECP. The company is allowed to offer investment management services in Pakistan. With an office in Karachi and Islamabad, Mahaana aims to revolutionize the wealth management industry by offering a comprehensive, automated, and user-friendly platform to retail investors. Mahaana’s mission is to create a seamless digital investment experience that is both accessible and affordable for all Pakistanis. With a team of experienced professionals and credible sponsors, the company strives to offer trusted and transparent wealth management in Pakistan.

Fahd Haroon, Minister of State and Special Assistant to Prime Minister of Pakistan Discusses Public Communication & Digital Engagement for Allied Healthcare Workers' Training at Cordoba Care Institute of Health Management.

Healthcare and digital skills development for training quality allied healthcare resources and engagement via digital platforms for knowledge enhancement of healthcare professionals are crucial for improving the provision of healthcare services across Pakistan.

Karachi, PK - 19th April 2023 - Mr. Fahd Haroon, Minister of State and Special Assistant to Prime Minister for Public Communication and Digital Platforms, attended an Iftar dinner organized by Cordoba Care Institute of Health Management in Karachi. The dinner was attended by leading medical professionals, educationists, members of civil society organizations, and top corporate and media representatives.

Fahd Haroon Discusses Public Communication and Digital Platforms for Healthcare Workers' Training with Malik Ahmad Jalal, CEO and Founder of Cordoba Care Institute in Karachi.

During the event, Mr. Fahd Haroon spoke about the importance of public communication and tech skills development via digital platforms in healthcare, especially with reference to the need for human resource training for quality healthcare professionals. He emphasized that these professionals are required in Pakistan to uplift the local healthcare system and have great potential export demand in the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, and Africa.

Pakistan's Health Workforce

He highlighted that the Government of Pakistan is working on making healthcare services available through digital platforms and means and that in this regard the public communication ecosystem will play an important role in creating awareness and behavior change for the usage of digital healthcare services for the greater good and well-being of society.

Mr. Fahd Haroon also emphasized the significance of international digital platforms in offering substantial learning and knowledge resources for healthcare professionals, providing an ideal mode for disseminating effective healthcare training. He focused on the importance of healthcare professionals keeping themselves updated with the latest trends and developments in healthcare and medicine through not only physical but also tech platforms. Moreover, he highlighted the crucial role of public communication in identifying and addressing the health challenges faced by citizens in their respective communities.

Mr. Malik Ahmad Jalal, CEO & Founder of the Cordoba Care Institute of Health Management (CCI), said, "We are honored to have Mr. Haroon join us to celebrate the achievements of Cordoba Care Institute in the field of healthcare training. CCI strives to provide quality healthcare services through training and capacity building of the healthcare professionals, particularly from underserved communities”.

Pakistan National Health Infrastructure

He said, “Pakistan faces an acute shortage of 600,000 medical technicians or 1/9th of our need as per the World Health Organization standards. Cordoba Care Institute’s mission is to improve public health through practical and soft skills focused training of nursing and allied healthcare professionals.” He said, “CCI actively works on job placement, and career counseling and has an over 90% job placement rate of its graduates, who secure salaries between PKR 23,000 to PKR 33,000 per month for their technical competence and soft skills training.” He further added, “We believe that digital healthcare and skills development initiatives are critical for improving the quality of healthcare services in Pakistan and beyond as they serve to showcase our homegrown talent and skills."

Fahd Haroon, Minister of State and Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Public Communication and Digital Platforms with Malik Ahmad Jalal, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of the Cordoba Care Institute along with his Team in Karachi.

It is essential to note that Pakistan is prioritizing the strengthening of the health sector, especially after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The country is making progress on SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing). Pakistan's healthcare system is facing a dearth of healthcare professionals, particularly in the fields of nursing and allied healthcare. Although the Lady Health Workers (LHW) program has been revitalized through adequate training, support, and a revised service structure, which has improved effective coverage of skilled birth attendants, pre, and post-pregnancy care, and neonatal care, the need for trained professionals is still needed in the peri-urban and rural areas of Pakistan.

Pakistan has been making efforts to achieve health-relevant SDGs. However, progress has been slow due to a lack of resources, infrastructure, and skilled human resources. The government has made skills development initiatives a priority to ensure that the demand for public health service delivery is met with quality and quantity both.

There is a need for the government and private sector to collaborate to improve healthcare services and ensure that quality healthcare is accessible to all. The use of digital platforms and public communication can play a vital role in creating awareness of the need for quality allied health resources and improving behavior-change of patients and care providers. The Cordoba Care Institute provides quality demand-driven curriculum taught with innovative methodologies to achieve these goals.

Pakistan Army’s Role in Conflict Resolution

 

Pakistan Army’s Role in Conflict Resolution

Pakistan Army under the command of General Bajwa played a crucial role in strengthening Pakistani ties with countries across globe through military diplomacy.

In the face of evolving contests and uncertainties in the region, the role played by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa to tackle the rising challenges remained exemplary in managing the hardcore professional tasks as well as helping Pakistan navigate choppy waters during the last six years.

Pakistan Army under the command of General Bajwa played a crucial role in strengthening Pakistani ties with countries across the globe through military diplomacy and played a monumental role in convincing Saudi Arabia and China to rollover of their loans.

General Qamar Javed Bajwa
Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff

Under his leadership, Karkey Karadeniz Electrik Uterim (a Turkish company) dispute settlement was one of the examples of Pakistan Army efforts for the economic welfare of the country. The Turkish company namely Karkey Karadeniz Electrik Uterim (Karkey) was found involved in corruption, a core committee comprised of civil and military leadership led to the uncovering of evidence of corruption in Turkey, Switzerland, Lebanon, Panama, and Dubai (the UAE).

This evidence was presented to the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) Tribunal by the Core Committee. Pakistan Army amicably resolved the Karkey dispute and saved Pakistan USD 1.2 billion in penalties imposed by ICSID. If the dispute had not been settled and Pakistan would have paid the amount, Pakistan’s GDP would have shrunk by nearly 2pc and Pakistan would have defaulted on its international obligations.

Due to the Army’s countless efforts under the leadership of COAS, Pakistan was saved from the $11 billion penalty in the Reko Diq case and reconstituted a project aimed at excavating huge gold and copper reserves from the site in Balochistan. The Reko Diq agreement was a result of COAS’ personnel efforts as he convinced all parties for a National Consensus.

The Reko Diq agreement has been reached after several rounds of negotiations over the past three years. Reko Diq will potentially be the largest gold & copper mine in the world. It will liberate Pakistan from crippling debt & usher in a new era of development & prosperity. Reko Diq will prove to be a game changer for Pakistan at the Federal, Provincial Governments and the people of Balochistan. It shall not only restore an investment-friendly image of Pakistan but will also accrue major economic benefits, development of indigenous mineral exploration capability, and result in a momentous socio-economic boost for the people of Balochistan.

General Bajwa should also be accredited for launching the public version of the country’s first-ever National Security Policy, which positions geoeconomics as a major part of the country’s national security outline. The military’s increasing focus on stabilizing the economy demonstrates that the institution realizes that comprehensive sovereignty and security cannot be achieved in the absenteeism of economic constancy.

During the pandemic, while the entire world was shattered by the looming crisis, Pakistan’s military took lead to strategize and put to effect a novel idea for the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC). The Military’s organizational and administrative skill was put to good use, and a state-of-the-art quick but enduring solution surfaced. It not only contributed to the distribution of food and medical equipment to the poor but also carried out large-scale awareness campaigns about Covid-19. Due to such effective and synergized efforts, Pakistan has not only tackled Covid-19 aftermaths very efficiently but also averted an impending economic tragedy.

Extreme Commerce Launches 150+ Skills on the Video Boot Camp - New Skills Required in the New Era.

New Skills Required in the New Era –
World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report.

Learning new skills through online knowledge platform is an opportunity for freelancers and technology enthusiasts to capture global business prospects. Extreme Commerce launches Pakistan’s digital platform with 150+ skills.

The World Economic Forum in its Future of Jobs Report identifies new skillsets required in the post pandemic economic recovery for Pakistan. Digital Skills are the key to harness market appropriate opportunities.

Developing and enhancing human skills and capabilities through education, learning and meaningful work are key drivers of economic success, of individual well-being and societal cohesion. The global shift to a future of work is defined by an ever-expanding cohort of new technologies, by new sectors and markets, by global economic systems that are more interconnected than in any other point in history, and by information that travels fast and spreads wide. Yet the past decade of technological advancement has also brought about the looming possibility of mass job displacement, untenable skills shortages and a competing claim to the unique nature of human intelligence now challenged by artificial intelligence. The coming decade will require purposeful leadership to arrive at a future of work that fulfils human potential and creates broadly shared prosperity.

Extreme Commerce, Pakistan’s foremost institution working to grow in the arena of E-commerce and digital skills, while creating a learning platform for the “Jobs of Tomorrow”, Extreme Commerce has created interactive learning tools for the new generation of Entrepreneurs and Freelancers. As Pakistan’s foremost EdTech with a focus on e-commerce and digital skills, it aims to bring innovation and quality along with tech, altogether under the same roof and ultimately make Pakistan the hub for Tech practitioners.

Pakistan has been ranked as the 4th fastest growing markets in the world for freelancers, Pakistan is among the top five countries in the world when it comes to freelancing and generates a significant calculated amount of $0.5 billion entirely from freelancing.

Pakistan’s e-commerce industry grew tremendously during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is amongst the fastest growth globally. The progressively evolving entrepreneurs in the ecommerce industry are breaking the barriers of feudal mindset. The Future of Jobs Report by the World Economic Forum also signifies that new knowledge capital around jobs on Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence and Deep Data Mining and Analysis are key to foster economic progress.

Extreme Commerce pursues to be the fulcrum of opportunity and potential via providing extension in income streams by making sales on international and national E-commerce platforms like Amazon, eBay, Shopify, Fiverr, Upwork, etc. with an aim to infuse $1 billion for each annum into the local economy.

To meet the global skills gap with Pakistani experts, Extreme Commerce has expanded its digital learning platform with (Video Boot Camp) VBC 150+. The organization has introduced more e-commerce and freelancing learning opportunities, with its Video Boot Camp revamped and enhanced to 50 additional courses to master the new challenges and opportunities.

Video Boot Camp 100 had an extensive range of e-commerce skills that enabled students to obtain sellable skills. But now the additional 150+ courses are designed to provide team building skills, soft skills, marketing, managerial and communication skills. With 50 additional courses comprised of ecommerce and digital skills & 60+ Zameen interviews, Extreme commerce is trying to make 2021 a remarkable year for big changes in the ecommerce industry of Pakistan.

Language has always been a barrier to entry for skill development. However, the extensive line of courses has been upgraded with SIX additional languages which will now help break past language obstructions. It has opened doors for fresh freelancers by providing them a detailed course on Fiverr and Upwork.

The VBC 150+ has stood out by introducing medical freelancing which is the newest addition to VBC. This offers a range of courses for health and fitness enthusiasts, nutritionists and practicing medical students. Understanding data analysis on medical related platforms is one of the most demanding skill globally. Human wellbeing has been identified as one of the major challenges for humanity in the COVID-19 pandemic, where the medical data has opened new prospects for information technology evangelists. Creating new pathways for emerging technologies to benefit the society at large.

The new paradigm of algorithms has automated businesses and can impact the job markets greatly, however this has created opportunities for freelancers to generate new models for business development and service delivery. The VBC has introduced a revamped program of digital marketing and multimedia as well which offers a new spectrum of skills. In Digital marketing there’s Lead generation, Chatbot & Many chat kind of courses which helps and guides all Entrepreneurs, Freelancers, Digital Marketers in general.

As the Future of Jobs Report identifies the Future of Technology is more mobile and personal, Extreme Commerce has launched the Video Boot Camp on mobile App and Play stores. The New VBC mobile app is ready to roll out with 150 courses and 60 Zameen on Android and iOS. The new 150+ courses are income generating streams that are to rewrite the fate of Pakistan’s economy. This will not only boost the economy but also reduce the unemployment rate.

Extreme Commerce is Pakistan’s first EdTech start up with a sole focus on skills development and capacity building within the ecommerce and digital arena. Founded in 2017, it is the largest community of its kind in Pakistan, with well over 750,000 members to date and with over 100+ courses and income streams to choose from. We estimate that by 2025, our community will be 1 million strong, generating well over $1 billion in inward remittance for Pakistan.

Mishal Pakistan and Extreme Commerce are working jointly to improve the awareness on the skills required for the “Jobs of Tomorrow”. Mishal Pakistan is the country Partner Institute of the New Economy and Societies Platforms, World Economic Forum.