https://arab.news/yt7xj
- Shehbaz Sharif says professional training should be in line with local and international market needs
- He assures the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission of all necessary funding
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Friday his administration aims to equip young people with professional skills aligned with international market demands while presiding over an inter-ministerial review meeting focused on youth workforce training.
Remittances from overseas Pakistanis, particularly those in the Middle East, are a cornerstone of the national economy, bolstering the country’s external account. According to central bank data, during July to January of fiscal year 2025, workers’ remittances reached $20.8 billion, a 31.7 percent increase from $15.8 billion in the same period of the previous fiscal year.
As Pakistan strives to recover from the impact of a prolonged economic crisis, the government plans to boost exports, attract foreign investment and send more skilled workers abroad to enhance remittance inflows.
Efforts are underway to produce more health care professionals and information technology experts to meet international market needs.
“Pakistan’s talented workforce is the nation’s true asset,” the prime minister said during the meeting. “Equipping Pakistani youth with internationally demanded professional skills is among the government’s top priorities.”
He emphasized increasing the number of institutions offering nursing training in Pakistan whileee ensuring that courses align with global standards.
“Professional training for youth in various sectors should consider the needs of industries and both local and international markets,” he added.
Sharif assured the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) would receive all necessary funding to facilitate youth training programs.
The meeting was told NAVTTC had provided professional training to 60,000 youths across various sectors, including IT, this year.
The organization aims to train an additional 141,000 individuals by June 2025, with plans to train 250,000 in 2026 and 337,000 in 2027.