Islamabad, 15 January 2026–H.E. Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez, Philippine Ambassador to Pakistan, received a delegation from the Government of Punjab’s Skills Development Department at the Philippine Embassy in Islamabad on 15 January 2026.

The delegation was led by *Mr. Nadir Chattha*, Secretary for Skills Development and Entrepreneurship Department (SDED) of the Government of Punjab, and included senior officials from Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF). The group paid a courtesy call on Ambassador Fernandez to explore avenues for enhanced cooperation between Punjab and the Philippines in the fields of technical and vocational education and training (TVET), particularly in hospitality services.

During the meeting, Secretary Chattha presented an overview of Punjab’s expanding skills ecosystem, highlighting the provincial government’s strong commitment to upgrading technical and vocational training and securing internationally recognized certifications for its youth. He expressed interest in partnering with Philippine institutions, drawing on the Philippines’ well-known strengths in hospitality services and nursing education, including training for international examinations such as NCLEX and those administered by Prometric.

Ambassador Fernandez welcomed Punjab’s interest in collaborating with the Philippines and underscored the potential mutual benefits of closer cooperation in skills development and human capital formation. He noted that the Embassy stands ready to facilitate contacts between Punjab’s institutions and relevant agencies and training providers in the Philippines, including in the areas of TVET certification, nursing and allied health training, and hospitality management.

Both sides agreed that initial engagements would be conducted via virtual meetings between Philippine and Punjab institutions, followed by potential study visits and delegations to the Philippines in 2026. The proposed delegations include representatives from the business sector, medical and nursing colleges, universities, and the private sector, aimed at deepening institutional linkages and exploring concrete collaboration projects.

The courtesy call forms part of ongoing efforts to further strengthen Philippines–Pakistan relations, particularly in education, skills development, and economic cooperation, in support of broader objectives to enhance employment opportunities and promote people-to-people exchanges. END