PM Shehbaz Orders Big Employment Drive for Young Pakistanis

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed the government to implement a nationwide effort aimed at increasing employment opportunities for young Pakistanis, with a special emphasis on women and youth in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This directive was given during a meeting on August 18 in Islamabad to evaluate the progress of the National Youth Employment Policy.

The prime minister emphasized that monthly reviews of the policy's implementation would be held and stressed that providing dignified employment for the country's skilled and talented youth is a top priority. Shehbaz highlighted that effective implementation would necessitate collaboration among various government ministries and the development of a comprehensive strategy.

To better prepare young people, especially women, for emerging employment opportunities, the government has introduced reforms at the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTT) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEEDA). NAVTT is concentrating on workforce development through international certifications and language training for overseas employment. Training programs are being tailored to meet market demands to enhance employment prospects abroad.

The Digital Youth Hub has been established as a centralized platform to provide information about employment opportunities in both the domestic and international sectors. Additionally, Youth Development Cells have been set up in educational institutions to offer career counseling and information regarding job prospects and skill development.

Shehbaz directed the government to launch a public awareness campaign emphasizing the benefits accessible to young people under the policy. He assured that relevant ministries and institutions are working together to execute the policy and develop practical measures to address employment challenges among the young population.