(APP): President Dr. Arif Alvi on Tuesday, terming data protection the dynamic facet of a nation’s defence line, said Pakistan needs to train a bulk of human resources capable of fulfilling the needs of cyber security.
Addressing here at the 28th convocation of Military College of Signals (MCS), the president said cyber security was a rapidly growing field that required a targeted approach in education to continually update the set of relevant skills and resources.
President Alvi said globally, millions of people with skills in information technology and telecommunication were in demand to analyze the flood of available data.
In Pakistan, he said, the capacity to process data was only five percent, which needed professionals through capacity building, skill development, and training programmes.
He emphasized setting the direction of students right from the primary level up to higher education to make them aware of the importance of information technology in the contemporary world.
He said enhancing the security of national information systems was of dire significance in view of the frequent cyber attacks faced by the country.
Dr Alvi said for a country, the connotation of a strong defence was not limited to the physical buildup of weapons or fighter jets, but to what extent its professionals could decipher or jam the telecommunication signals of the enemy.
He lauded the Military College of Signals for preparing the highly skilled force of graduates in the field of information security, and electrical and computer software engineering, saying that Pakistan needed such ‘smart and intelligent’ professionals.
He also stressed the need for an ‘intellectual investment’ in the rapidly changing era of technological development.
Transforming the energies of the country’s big youth bulge can make the country stand strong among the comity of nations, he added.
The president recalled that around two million youth had applied for basic skills under the Digi-Skills Programme of the Ministry of Information Technology, of which 1.6 million reached the next level.
He said fulfilling its responsibility, the government had introduced a single national curriculum to provide unified opportunities to the students across the country.
Commandant Military College of Signals Brigadier Syed Ali Raza said MCS was focusing on communication, information technology, information assurance, cyber security and cryptology.
Established in 1947, he said, the MCS was selected as the first constituent college of the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), the country’s premier institution.
The President awarded degrees to the PhD, Master and Bachelor of Engineering degrees to the students on successful completion of their engineering programme.
Captain Ahsan Bilal Tariq was given the President’s gold medal and also the Chief of the Army Staff gold medal for bagging first position in computer software engineering.
Others, who received the President’s gold medal included Eng. Wajeeha Munir, Eng. Maliha Safdar, Sq Ldr Ahsan Waleed Nazar, Maj Jawad Ahmed Jamil, Eng. Aiman Sultan, Lt Col Khurram Shahzad, Maj Aamer Latif Malik, Maj Umer Malik, Eng. Mahnoor Ehtasham, Eng. Rabia Ramzan, and Capt Nabeel Ahmed.
– Video credits: Asad Yar Khan, Senior Reporter Pakistan Television News(PTV)
As summer deepens across Pakistan, a much-awaited delight arrives with it—the mango season. Revered as the “King of Fruits,” the mango is more than just a seasonal treat; it is a symbol of Pakistan’s agricultural strength, cultural richness, and global identity.
A Natural Bond Between Pakistan and Mangoes
Pakistan ranks among the world’s leading mango-producing countries. The fertile lands of Punjab and Sindh, combined with an ideal climate, create perfect conditions for cultivating premium-quality mangoes. Regions like Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, Mirpur Khas, and Hyderabad are internationally recognized for producing some of the finest varieties.
Iconic Varieties — Every Taste Tells a Story
Pakistan offers an extraordinary range of mango varieties, each with its own flavor profile, aroma, and texture:
Chaunsa — exceptionally sweet, juicy, and globally loved
Sindhri — large in size, aromatic, and smooth-textured
Anwar Ratol — small but intensely sweet and flavorful
Dussehri — soft, fragrant, and delicately textured
Langra — unique taste with a balanced sweet-tangy note
These varieties are cherished both locally and internationally, making Pakistani mangoes a global favorite.
Exports — Sharing Pakistan’s Sweetness with the World
Every year, Pakistan exports thousands of tons of mangoes to the Middle East, Europe, the United Kingdom, and North America. Their natural sweetness, rich aroma, and superior quality give them a competitive edge in international markets.
For overseas Pakistanis, mangoes are more than fruit—they are a taste of home, a memory of childhood, and a connection to their roots.
Agricultural Value and Farmers’ Dedication
Mango cultivation is a labor-intensive process that requires:
Careful orchard management
Protection from extreme weather
Timely harvesting
Proper packaging and logistics
Pakistani farmers are increasingly adopting modern techniques to improve yield and maintain global quality standards, ensuring sustainability and competitiveness.
Cultural Significance — More Than Just a Fruit
In Pakistan, mangoes are not merely eaten—they are celebrated:
Family gatherings often revolve around mango feasts
Traditional “mango parties” are a seasonal highlight
Generations share memories tied to this beloved fruit
Mangoes hold a special place in the country’s cultural fabric.
Health Benefits
Beyond their irresistible taste, mangoes offer numerous health benefits:
Rich in Vitamins A and C
Boost immunity
Aid digestion
Provide natural energy
A Season of Celebration
From June to August, Pakistan transforms into a vibrant mango hub:
Markets overflow with golden hues
The fragrance fills streets and homes
People travel far to buy the best quality mangoes
“This is not just a mango—it is the taste of Pakistan, reaching the world.”
Today, April 1, 2026, marks the 90th birth anniversary of Abdul Qadeer Khan — the renowned scientist widely celebrated as the “Father of Pakistan’s Nuclear Program.”
On this day, the nation remembers not just a scientist, but a symbol of determination, resilience, and national sovereignty. His name is deeply etched in the history of Pakistan as the man who transformed the country’s strategic future and strengthened its defense.
Early Life and Education
Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan was born on April 1, 1936, in Bhopal, then part of British India. After the partition of 1947, his family migrated to Pakistan, where his journey of excellence began.
With a strong passion for science and engineering, he pursued higher education in Europe, specializing in metallurgy and nuclear science. His academic journey equipped him with the expertise that would later change the destiny of Pakistan.
The Defining Mission
The turning point in Dr. Khan’s life came after the 1971 war, which exposed Pakistan’s strategic vulnerabilities. At a time when the nation needed strength and confidence, Dr. Khan stepped forward with a vision.
He returned to Pakistan and joined efforts to develop the country’s nuclear capability. Through his leadership, dedication, and scientific brilliance, Pakistan moved closer to achieving strategic deterrence.
Building a National Capability
Dr. Khan played a central role in establishing the Kahuta Research Laboratories, later named in his honor. His work focused on uranium enrichment, a critical component of nuclear technology.
Despite facing:
International pressure
Limited resources
Technological challenges
He and his team worked tirelessly, driven by a single goal: to ensure Pakistan’s security and independence.
A Historic Milestone
On May 28, 1998, Pakistan conducted its nuclear tests, becoming the first Muslim nuclear power and the seventh nuclear state in the world.
This historic achievement marked a defining moment in Pakistan’s history. It was seen as a demonstration of national strength and scientific capability, and Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan became a national hero.
A Complex but Powerful Legacy
Dr. Khan’s life was not without controversy. His later years were marked by international scrutiny and political challenges. However, within Pakistan, he remained a deeply respected figure.
For millions, he symbolized:
National dignity
Scientific achievement
Strategic independence
His contributions sparked important discussions about science, ethics, and national security.
A Human Story Behind the Scientist
Beyond his scientific achievements, Dr. Khan was known for his simplicity and connection with the people. He often spoke about education, self-reliance, and national pride.
He believed that the true strength of a nation lies not only in its defense but in the character and unity of its people.
Lessons for the Future
On his 90th birth anniversary, Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan’s life offers powerful lessons:
Vision can change destiny
Knowledge is power
Nations rise when their people believe in themselves
For the youth of Pakistan, his journey is a reminder that dedication and purpose can shape history.
Pakistan Day is being celebrated with great enthusiasm and national unity across the country today.
The nation is renewing its resolve today to demonstrate more hard work, unity and sacrifice for the development, stability and prosperity of Pakistan.
The day dawned with thirty-one-gun salute in the federal capital and twenty-one-gun salute in provincial capitals.
These salutes were given as a symbol of national dignity, sovereignty and the professional capabilities of the Pakistan’s armed forces.
After Fajr prayer, special prayers were offered for the security, development, prosperity and national unity of the country as well as for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs.
The national flag was hoisted on important government buildings, which is a symbol of national dignity and cohesion.
On the occasion of Pakistan Day, the entire nation is united and adorned with the noble resolve to work together for the progress and prosperity of the country.
