Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has encouraged young Pakistanis to develop professional skills and take advantage of overseas employment opportunities, saying that skilled youth are the country’s greatest strength and a key driver of future progress.
Speaking at a ceremony for graduates of the “Parwaaz Card” training programme, Maryam Nawaz congratulated the trainees on completing their courses and praised their dedication and hard work. She also acknowledged the role of parents who support their children in pursuing education and career goals.
Addressing the gathering, Maryam Nawaz said that young people have an important responsibility not only toward their families but also toward society. She urged them to use their skills positively and contribute to national development through honest work and professional excellence.
She emphasized that overseas jobs can offer more than higher salaries. According to her, working abroad allows young professionals to gain valuable experience, learn modern systems, and understand international workplace standards. She encouraged trainees to observe developed countries and learn from the practices that contribute to their success.
Maryam Nawaz noted that a large portion of Pakistan’s workforce remains unskilled, which often limits employment opportunities and income levels. To address this challenge, the Punjab government is expanding technical and vocational training programmes across multiple sectors. The goal is to train more than 500,000 young people and prepare them for local and international job markets.
She said not every student has the opportunity to earn a university degree, but technical education can still open the door to successful careers. Training programmes are being designed according to market demand and individual abilities to improve employment prospects.
Maryam Nawaz also highlighted that skilled workers receive better salaries and greater respect in foreign markets. She praised the team behind the Parwaaz Card programme and described skill development as one of the government’s top priorities.
The chief minister revealed that training is being offered in fields such as construction, hospitality, transport, logistics, engineering, energy, and healthcare. New sectors including nursing, culinary arts, hydrocarbons, and renewable energy have also been added to align youth with global workforce trends.
Maryam Nawaz said partnerships are being developed with companies in countries such as Saudi Arabia and Malaysia to create safe and dignified employment opportunities for trained workers. She added that financial hurdles, including visa fees, medical expenses, and travel costs, are being addressed through easier loan facilities.
According to officials, 105 young people have already secured jobs through these initiatives. Additional opportunities are also being created for women in various sectors, including construction.
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Maryam Nawaz concluded by saying that investing in skills is essential for youth empowerment, stronger families, and long-term economic growth. She stressed that skilled workers can improve their quality of life while making a valuable contribution to Pakistan’s future.
