Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 13 August 2025
UNIC-Islamabad
13 August 2025
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ILO
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad Healthcare Authority and ILO launch revised standards to improve worker safety and patient care
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (ILO News) – Health facilities in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) will now follow strengthened standards designed to protect healthcare workers and improve patient care, following the launch of the revised Minimum Service Delivery Standards (MSDS) by the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Introduced under the ILO–Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) –World Health Organization (WHO) Working for Health Programme, the updated MSDS were developed by the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority with ILO support. They align with key international labour standards, including ILO Conventions No. 155, 187, and 190, and provide hospitals with practical guidance to enhance workplace safety, quality of care, and overall working conditions—serving as a model for nationwide reforms.
The MSDS serve as the regulatory benchmark for healthcare facilities in Islamabad. The revised standards introduce systematic risk assessments, protections against violence and harassment—especially for female staff—better working conditions to retain skilled health workers, and improved patient care. Initially rolled out in ICT, they will guide immediate reforms in hospitals and clinics, with plans to replicate the model in Punjab to advance safer, fairer healthcare across Pakistan.
The event brought together senior government officials, IHRA Board of Authority, representatives from the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination, the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis & Human Resource Development, the Health Services Academy, and management teams from leading hospitals across ICT.
Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath, Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination, said “Infection prevention and control—tackling hospital-acquired infections and antimicrobial resistance—must be top priorities. The Ministry will stand squarely behind IHRA to register and license facilities, end unsafe practices, and make Islamabad a model healthy city for all.”
Geir Tonstol, Country Director for ILO Pakistan stressed that occupational safety and health is a fundamental right at work. “With the revised MSDS, we are placing workplace safety, dignity, and social dialogue at the heart of health service delivery—because a healthcare system can only thrive when it protects both its patients and its workers.”
IHRA Chairman Dr. Muhammad Riaz Shahbaz Janjua reaffirmed the shift from a policing role to a facilitation approach, engaging stakeholders throughout the revision process. “Regulation is about partnership, facilitation, and building a health system where standards are credible, reliable, and fair for all.”
Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan, Dean and Vice Chancellor of the Health Services Academy, commended IHRA and ILO’s collaboration in revising the MSDS and demystifying its purpose for healthcare professionals. “The revised MSDS is a vital step towards integrating standards across primary, secondary, and tertiary care, reducing system delays, and ensuring that health workers can deliver quality care and patients receive timely and safe treatment.”
Government ministries, IHRA, and the ILO concluded with a joint commitment to roll out the standards, with IHRA overseeing compliance and the ILO continuing to provide technical assistance, capacity building, and awareness raising.
For further information, please contact:
Muhammad Numan
Communication Officer
Email: nu...@ilo.org
Mobile: +92 303 5000041
UNESCO
PRESS RELEASE
UNESCO Celebrates International Youth Day 2025, Spotlighting “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond”
Islamabad, 12 August 2025 — UNESCO Islamabad, in collaboration with the Pakistan National Commission for UNESCO (PNCU) and with the support of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), celebrated International Youth Day 2025 under the theme “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond” at the National Skills University. The event brought together young leaders, government representatives, UN agencies, and development partners to recognize and amplify the role of youth in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The celebration featured a vibrant line-up of activities, including an SDG Pledge Wall, a SDG-themed art competition, a cultural story circle, youth-led dialogues, and inspirational speeches from youth change-makers. The afternoon segment showcased instrumental performances, a youth quiz competition, and a cultural segment, fostering creativity, collaboration, and exchange among participants.
In his remarks, Mr. Fuad Pashavey, Head of the UNESCO Islamabad Office, emphasized that with over 60% of Pakistan’s population under the age of 30, young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but the change-makers of today. He highlighted examples of youth-led initiatives across Pakistan — from climate action and digital innovation to cultural heritage preservation — and stressed that youth must not only participate in development but shape it.
Mr. Pashavey also underscored UNESCO’s continued commitment to empowering young people through initiatives such as Smart Classrooms for girls’ education in remote areas, Radio Education Programme for hard-to-reach communities, the development of Pakistan’s first National Media and Information Literacy Strategy, and Global Citizenship Education (GCED) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) exchanges with APCEIU. He extended heartfelt thanks to Mr. Aftab Muhammad Khan, Secretary General of PNCU, for his leadership and dedication, and to the entire PNCU team for their tireless efforts in organizing the event. He also expressed appreciation to AICS for enabling impactful education and youth projects across the country.
Ms. Farah Naz Akbar, Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, joined as Chief Guest and commended the active role of youth in driving positive change at the grassroots level.
The event concluded with an awards ceremony, recognizing outstanding contributions from youth participants, and a networking lunch connecting young leaders with government and UN representatives.
Through this celebration, UNESCO reaffirmed its dedication to standing with youth, listening to their voices, and working alongside them to transform ideas into impactful actions for a sustainable and inclusive future.
About UNESCO
With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13 000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions.
- Message from Ms Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, on the occasion of International Youth Day, 12 August 2025 is also available under this link.
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