Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has set an ambitious goal of training and securing jobs for 100,000 young people as part of Punjab’s skilled manpower export plan. During a meeting on Wednesday, she instructed officials to create a complete strategy to send skilled workers abroad. She also emphasized that those who complete training should get priority access to business loans and special business cards to support their careers.
“Skills on Wheel” Project for Remote Areas
To help young people in far-off regions, the Punjab government will launch the “Skills on Wheel” project in partnership with private companies. This initiative will bring skill training programs directly to rural areas, ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities to learn and grow.
The CM also approved several new projects, including a ‘plug and play’ call center system, which will provide work-ready spaces for trained individuals.
Call Center Training for 5,000 Youth
In the first phase, 5,000 young people will receive call center training. The training course will last six weeks, and once completed, participants will have job opportunities where they can earn around Rs 100,000 per month.
The government is also considering introducing Skills Cards, which would officially certify trained individuals and improve their chances of getting good jobs.
Empowering Women Through Training Programs
To support women’s employment, the government will provide training for 480 women at the Garment Training Institute in Quaid-i-Azam Business Park. These women will receive:
- Pick-and-drop transportation for convenience
- A monthly stipend of Rs 20,000
- Guaranteed job placements in leading textile companies
This program aims to help women gain financial independence by working in Punjab’s booming textile industry.
Expanding IT & Skills Development Across Punjab
Nadir Chattha, Secretary of Punjab Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, stated that all skill development programs have now been placed under one department for better organization and efficiency.
Under the CM Skilled Punjab Initiative, 4,000 youth have already completed international IT certifications, and the government plans to increase this number to 10,000 in the coming months.
Another major step includes a six-month free hospitality training program in partnership with a British institute. This program will train young people in the hospitality industry and connect them with job opportunities abroad.
Support for Transgender Community and Rural Women
- 1,600 transgender individuals have completed training in textile, makeup, and backstage production. They also received a stipend of Rs 8,000 per month.
- The “Tabeer” job placement program is actively helping these skilled individuals find employment opportunities abroad.
- The Rural Women Digital Training Program has received 27,000 applications. This program offers:
- Free desktop computers
- English language training
- IT skills development
Digital Dashboard for Skill Development
To keep track of all training programs, the Punjab Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Department will launch a centralized digital dashboard by mid-April. This online system will help in monitoring progress and ensuring transparency in all initiatives.
CM Maryam Nawaz: “Youth Are Key to Pakistan’s Future”
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif stressed the importance of equipping young people with practical skills. She stated:
“Pakistan’s future depends on our youth. We are committed to providing training and job opportunities so they can play a role in national development. The Punjab government will fully support skill-building and employment programs.”
CM Maryam Nawaz ordered the immediate cancellation of the fare hike for Punjab’s double-decker sightseeing buses. The increased fares were rolled back, restoring ticket prices to Rs 200 for the Sightseeing Lahore Bus Service and Rs 5,000 for corporate, educational, and commercial bookings.
With these new initiatives, Punjab is taking strong steps toward youth empowerment, economic growth, and international job placements.
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