Prime Minister Orders Acceleration of Overseas Employment Efforts
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed relevant ministries and Pakistani missions abroad to intensify efforts to create employment opportunities for the country's youth, with a particular focus on overseas jobs. Chairing a review meeting on employment generation, the prime minister instructed Pakistani embassies to actively identify job opportunities for skilled Pakistani workers and provide timely information on vacancies and required qualifications.
Digitization of Protectorate of Emigration System
The prime minister directed that the entire Protectorate of Emigration system be digitized to improve efficiency and facilitate overseas employment. This step aims to streamline processes for workers seeking jobs abroad, reducing bureaucratic delays and enhancing transparency.
Skills Training and International Certification
Shehbaz Sharif instructed the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), and the Prime Minister's Youth Programme to ensure that young people receive technical skills training, foreign language courses, and internationally recognized certifications. He emphasized that Pakistan's workforce is highly capable and that the government is taking every possible step to provide education and training that meets international standards, thereby improving global employability.
Cooperation with Foreign Countries
The prime minister further directed all relevant institutions to strengthen cooperation with foreign countries to align Pakistani certifications with international standards. He stressed the importance of providing language training and certifications for countries where employment opportunities for Pakistani skilled workers are available, such as those in the Gulf region, Europe, and Asia.
Performance Review of NAVTTC and Country of Destination Centres
Shehbaz Sharif sought a detailed report on the performance of technical and vocational training institutes operating under NAVTTC, as well as progress on establishing Country of Destination Centres. These centres are designed to prepare workers for overseas employment by offering pre-departure orientation, language training, and cultural familiarization.
Digital Youth Hub and Job Opportunities
During the meeting, officials gave a detailed briefing on employment initiatives for the youth. The meeting was informed that more than 800,000 young people have registered on the Digital Youth Hub portal, a platform that connects job seekers with employers. Officials said overseas employment opportunities currently exist in sectors including construction, agriculture, tourism, healthcare, transport, biotechnology, manufacturing, shipbuilding, information technology, engineering, nursing, pharmaceuticals, and food production. Training programmes are already underway to prepare Pakistani workers for these sectors.
Additionally, Pakistani embassies will upload information on overseas job opportunities and required qualifications to the Digital Youth Hub portal, enabling young job seekers to access updated information in real time.
Attendees
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Dr. Musadik Malik, Attaullah Tarar, and Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, NAVTTC Chairman Raja Qamar-ul-Islam, Prime Minister's Youth Programme Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, and senior government officials.
