In a striking display of solidarity following the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed in Riyadh, the flags of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan illuminated the buildings of National Skills University Islamabad late last night. The display served as a public symbol of the growing partnership between the two countries and underscored the broader context of Strategic Defence cooperation.
National Skills University Islamabad, operating under the Federal Ministry for Education and Professional Training led by Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, used the occasion to highlight its collaboration with the National Vocational & Technical Training Commission. Through the Takamol Skill Verification Program (SVP), the NAVTTC and Saudi Arabia’s Takamol have formalized a certification and testing partnership to ensure Pakistani skilled workers receive internationally recognized credentials.
The glowing green flags reflected more than ceremonial support; they signalled a strengthening of educational and vocational links that complement the Strategic Defence agenda. By aligning skills certification with international standards, Pakistan is positioning its workforce to benefit from new opportunities in Saudi Arabia and other markets while reinforcing national capacities tied to the defence agreement.
For Pakistani trainees and employers, the partnership promises clearer pathways to recognition abroad and a boost to the country’s human capital. The emphasis on certified skills through Takamol SVP aims to translate the diplomatic milestone into concrete vocational gains, reflecting how Strategic Defence ties can be paired with practical programs that expand employment and training prospects.
