By Irfan Siddiqi
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Chairman and Adviser to the Prime Minister, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, has announced a major Rs77 billion youth development initiative aimed at equipping young Pakistanis with modern skills, technical training, and international employment opportunities.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Jang, Rana Mashhood said the ambitious programme is being developed with the support of UNICEF and several international development organizations. He described it as one of the largest youth-focused initiatives in the country’s history, designed to transform Pakistan’s young population into a skilled and globally competitive workforce.
According to Rana Mashhood, the programme will focus on technical and vocational training, language education, and professional development. Young people will be trained in various sectors where international demand for skilled workers is increasing. Special emphasis will also be placed on teaching foreign languages to help Pakistani youth qualify for employment opportunities in different countries.
He said the government plans to send at least 100,000 skilled young Pakistanis abroad during the initial phase of the programme. The broader target, however, is much larger. Over time, more than one million Pakistanis are expected to benefit from overseas employment opportunities through various training and placement initiatives being developed under the project.
“The world needs skilled manpower, and Pakistan has a young population full of talent and potential. Our goal is to prepare our youth according to international standards so they can compete successfully in global markets,” Rana Mashhood said.
He added that the programme is not only intended to create employment opportunities but also to increase foreign remittances, strengthen Pakistan’s economy, and provide long-term career prospects for young people.
The Prime Minister’s adviser emphasized that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is personally supporting the initiative and considers youth development a key component of the government’s economic and social agenda. He said the prime minister has directed all relevant institutions to work together to ensure the programme’s success and maximize its impact.
Rana Mashhood noted that Pakistan’s youth represent the country’s greatest asset, and investing in their education, skills, and professional growth is essential for sustainable national development. He said partnerships with international organizations will help ensure that training programmes meet global standards and align with the needs of international employers.
The initiative is expected to create new pathways for employment, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment. Officials believe it could significantly reduce unemployment while enhancing the country’s human resource exports.
“This is not just a training programme; it is a national investment in Pakistan’s future,” Rana Mashhood said. “We want our youth to become ambassadors of Pakistan’s talent and professionalism across the world.”
The government is expected to announce further details of the programme, including implementation timelines and training sectors, in the coming months.
