Haripur: In a landmark initiative to elevate Pakistan’s technical education standards, Pak Austria Fachhochschule Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology (PAF-IAST) has secured international accreditation from City & Guilds UK, a globally revered skills authority with a 148-year legacy. This achievement, part of a nationwide effort to accredit over 30 institutions, was driven by the National Vocational & Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) in collaboration with GEMS Pathways Middle East, underscoring their joint commitment to aligning Pakistan’s workforce with global demands.
City & Guilds UK, a Royal Chartered Institute established in 1876, is synonymous with excellence in vocational training, offering certifications prized by employers across GCC nations, Europe, and beyond. Its credentials are a gold standard for employability, equipping graduates to thrive in dynamic international markets.
Dr. Mohammad Mujahid, Rector of PAF-IAST, lauded the accreditation as a “strategic leap forward,” emphasizing its role in integrating Pakistani talent into global value chains.
NAVTTC Chairperson Ms. Gulmina Bilal, who conferred the accreditation at a ceremony in Haripur, highlighted the commission’s transformative agenda: “Our vision is to embed world-class quality into Pakistan’s vocational training through globally recognized certifications, while actively forging pathways for post-training employment. We are cultivating an ecosystem where skills translate not only into employability but also into sustainable livelihoods, elevating both individual potential and national prosperity.”
This milestone marks a pivotal shift in Pakistan’s technical education framework, harnessing global partnerships to empower youth with skills that transcend borders and fuel socioeconomic progress.
