Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said that the government was taking multiple steps to equip young people with professional skills and integrate them into the workforce, describing youth as “the future of our nation.” Chairing a review meeting on measures to increase job opportunities for youth, the prime minister expressed satisfaction that efforts to provide technical and vocational training were accelerating in line with contemporary demands.
ISLAMABAD – According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Shehbaz observed that recent reforms in the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) have significantly improved the delivery of technical education. The comprehensive training programmes launched through NAVTTC were already yielding positive results, tapping into the potential of the youth workforce.
The prime minister emphasized the importance of preparing youth for international competition, stressing the need for them to focus on obtaining international certifications alongside vocational training in high-demand skills for the global market.
International Employment Opportunities
During the meeting, officials briefed the prime minister on efforts to create employment opportunities at both national and international levels. The PM Youth Programme and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have already identified multiple international employment opportunities for young Pakistanis and are working to expand them further.
“The PM Youth Hub has assumed a central role in providing information on employment opportunities both nationally and internationally,” the briefing noted. Employment opportunities are available in IT, healthcare, construction, tourism, logistics, and other sectors abroad.
The Higher Education Commission was tracking graduate employment from 282 universities across the country through a digital app—a system intended to inform future education policy.
Vocational Training Initiatives
The prime minister was briefed that 32 institutions under the Federal Ministry of Education have introduced Matric-Tech, a vocational programme for secondary-level students. An Inter-Tech programme for higher-level technical training was also planned.
The Matric-Tech initiative aims to integrate vocational training into mainstream secondary education, allowing students to acquire practical skills alongside their academic studies. The Inter-Tech programme would extend this approach to the higher secondary level, preparing students for technical careers or further specialized training.
Meeting Attendees
The review meeting was attended by federal ministers, including Dr Musadik Malik, Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Attaullah Tarar, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Dr Ahsan Iqbal, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, and Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kiani, alongside the Chairman of the PM Youth Programme, the HEC Chairman, and senior officials from relevant institutions.
Analysis: A Focus on Future-Ready Skills
The prime minister’s emphasis on international certifications and vocational training reflects a recognition that Pakistan’s youth workforce must compete in an increasingly globalized economy. With millions of young Pakistanis entering the job market each year, equipping them with skills that are in demand both domestically and internationally is a critical national priority.
The PM Youth Hub’s role in providing information on employment opportunities abroad is significant, particularly as the Middle East conflict has disrupted traditional labor markets in the Gulf—a major destination for Pakistani workers. By diversifying the range of sectors and countries where employment opportunities are sought, the government aims to reduce vulnerability to regional instability.
The digital tracking of graduate employment by the Higher Education Commission represents a data-driven approach to education policy. By understanding which programs lead to successful employment outcomes, the government can better align educational offerings with market demands.
For Pakistan’s youth, the message from the prime minister is clear: the government is creating pathways, but success will require a commitment to acquiring internationally recognized credentials and skills that are in demand. As the country navigates economic challenges, investing in human capital remains the most sustainable path to prosperity.
