PM Shehbaz orders stronger push to create youth jobs

Summary Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the government to take coordinated and effective steps to expand employment opportunities for young Pakistanis under the National Youth Employment Policy. The prime minister directed authorities to give special attention to employment opportunities for young people in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Shehbaz Sharif ordered the launch of an awareness campaign so that young people can better understand the benefits and opportunities available under the National Youth Employment Policy. AI Generated Summary Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the government to take coordinated and effective steps to expand employment opportunities for young Pakistanis under the National Youth Employment Policy. Chairing a meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday to review progress on the policy, the prime minister said providing decent jobs to the country's skilled and talented youth remained a key priority of the government. He called for a comprehensive strategy involving relevant ministries and institutions to ensure the policy delivers practical employment opportunities. He also stressed the need to focus on skills development, particularly for young women, so they can compete for emerging jobs in both Pakistan and international markets. The prime minister directed authorities to give special attention to employment opportunities for young people in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Officials briefed the meeting on reforms introduced in the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA). The reforms are aimed at connecting Pakistan's skilled workforce with the changing requirements of local industries and international employers. NAVTTC is working to help Pakistani workers obtain internationally recognised certifications and improve their language skills for overseas employment. Training programmes are also being aligned with market demand to increase the chances of young people securing jobs abroad. The meeting was informed that the Digital Youth Hub is providing information about employment opportunities in Pakistan and overseas through a single platform. Youth Development Cells are also being established in educational institutions to offer career counselling, guidance and information about skills and employment opportunities. Shehbaz Sharif ordered the launch of an awareness campaign so that young people can better understand the benefits and opportunities available under the National Youth Employment Policy. Chairman of the Prime Minister's Youth Programme Rana Mashhood briefed the meeting on progress made under the government's directives. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik, IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja and other senior officials also attended. The government has recently increased its focus on preparing young Pakistanis for a changing labour market through technical education, information technology, artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship. The prime minister has also stressed greater access to quality education and skills training, particularly for disadvantaged youth. Under the youth employment policy, the government has set a target for women to make up 35 per cent of the labour force, while at least 10 per cent of the allocation is intended for startups.