In a significant stride towards enhancing Pakistan’s workforce on the global stage, over 300 students recently completed specialized training under the Prime Minister’s Overseas Employment Programme, administered by the National Vocational & Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC). The milestone was marked by a visa issuance ceremony held in Islamabad, where officials emphasized the importance of professionalism and skill development to boost overseas employment opportunities for Pakistani youth.
The ceremony was graced by Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, who urged stakeholders involved in overseas employment to collaborate closely with government efforts. He highlighted the critical role these trained individuals would play as ambassadors of Pakistan, representing the country’s talent and work ethic abroad. him, their success would not only secure their personal futures but also enhance Pakistan’s reputation internationally, fostering greater confidence in Pakistani manpower across global markets.
Expanding on the program’s objectives, Executive Director of NAVTTC, Aamir Jan, explained that the initiative is designed to equip Pakistani youth with specialized skills tailored for international labor markets, ensuring they receive competitive wages and sustainable employment. This recent batch, comprising more than 300 skilled trainees, marks the second group to be deployed overseas under this program. He also noted that future training sessions would be further refined to align more closely with evolving market demands, thereby increasing the chances of successful job placements.
Addressing some of the challenges faced by Pakistani workers abroad, Aamir Jan acknowledged the vital contribution of overseas labor to the national economy, particularly through remittances that support millions of families back home. He stressed the need for continuous improvement in training quality and support systems to help workers navigate difficulties in foreign environments.
Chairperson NAVTTC, Gulmina Bilal, also spoke at the event, underscoring the transformative changes NAVTTC has undergone in recent years. She pointed out that the commission’s role has expanded beyond mere regulation and training to actively ensuring that skill development translates into tangible employment outcomes. She emphasized NAVTTC’s commitment to producing ‘plug-and-play’ skilled youth who can immediately meet the demands of international employers.
Gulmina Bilal further urged the trainees to uphold Pakistan’s cultural values and professional standards while working abroad, noting that their conduct would directly influence future opportunities for Pakistani workers globally. She revealed that the Prime Minister has set an ambitious target of placing 10,000 Pakistani youth overseas, with NAVTTC already having initiated training for 5,000 candidates under this program. Acknowledging the initial challenges faced due to the novelty of the initiative, she assured that rigorous monitoring and third-party evaluations are in place to maintain high training standards.
The ceremony was attended by policymakers, training officials, and the graduating students themselves, reflecting a collective commitment to expanding Pakistan’s footprint in the international labor market. This program not only aims to provide employment but also to empower young Pakistanis with the skills and confidence necessary to thrive abroad, ultimately contributing to the country’s economic growth and global image.
