The Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) and The Bank of Punjab (BOP) have signed a formal agreement to operationalize the Chief Minister's Parwaaz Card Scheme for International Placement. This initiative is designed to facilitate financial access for youth seeking overseas employment opportunities. The agreement was signed by BOP Chief Digital Officer Nofel Daud and PSDF CEO Ahmed Khan.
Strategic Partnership for Outcome-Based Model
This strategic partnership establishes an outcome-based model aimed at removing the barrier of upfront costs for overseas employment opportunities for Punjab's skilled youth. Under the scheme, eligible candidates in sectors including construction, retail, caregiving, hospitality, and allied industries will have access to interest-free loans of up to Rs 1,000,000. These loans will cover pre-departure expenses, enabling a smoother pathway to global employment. The initiative targets 45,000 loan beneficiaries over a period of two years.
Government and Stakeholder Perspectives
Adnan Afzal Chattha, Chairperson of the CM Punjab Taskforce on Skills Development, stated: "With Parwaaz Card, Punjab is investing for the right of youth to access overseas employment opportunities and strengthen the economy through foreign remittances." Nadir Chattha, Secretary of the Skills Development & Employment Department, added: "This intervention reflects Pakistan's significant trained human export potential, which served as a key driver behind the development of Parwaaz Card."
Roles and Responsibilities
PSDF is responsible for applicant onboarding, facilitation, and coordination with Overseas Employment Promoters (OEPs). Meanwhile, BOP will manage KYC verification, loan appraisal, approval, disbursement, and repayment. President BOP Zafar Masud indicated coordination with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to explore early access to Roshan Digital Accounts for Parwaaz Card holders.
Leadership Comments
PSDF CEO Ahmed Khan stated: "With Parwaaz Card and our partnership with BOP, we are ensuring that the journey towards international placement is not interrupted by financial barriers." BOP Chief Digital Officer Nofel Daud added: "With our lending infrastructure, we are creating a model that is not only impactful but sustainable."
Building a Sustainable Skills Export Ecosystem
Together, this partnership builds the institutional architecture for a sustainable skills export ecosystem, connecting Punjab's skilled talent pipeline directly to global demand, while creating a structured remittance corridor that returns lasting economic value to the province and the country.
