Islamabad (Special Report): A high-level delegation comprising elected members of the United States Congress (House of Representatives) visited Islamabad, where they held detailed discussions with Pakistani officials on enhancing bilateral cooperation in higher education, cultural exchanges, technical and vocational training, mining, and cybersecurity.

During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening educational, technological, and economic ties between Pakistan and the United States.

Engineer Qamar-ul-Islam Raja, Chairman of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), also participated in the discussions. He briefed the delegation on Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to develop a skilled workforce, modernize technical and vocational education, promote digital skills, and equip young people with internationally competitive training.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on promoting joint initiatives in higher education, cultural exchanges, technical education, mining, and cybersecurity. Both sides also agreed to explore collaborative projects aimed at capacity building, technology transfer, and the launch of specialized training programs.

The U.S. delegation appreciated the potential and capabilities of Pakistan’s youth and expressed interest in expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.

Speaking on the occasion, Engineer Qamar-ul-Islam Raja stated that aligning Pakistan’s youth with the demands of the global job market through modern technical education, digital skills, and international partnerships remains a top government priority. He added that enhanced international cooperation would create new opportunities for skills development and contribute to the country’s economic growth.