Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) Rana Mashood Ahmad Khan on Tuesday announced that Pakistan’s first ever National Youth Employment Policy had received federal cabinet approval and would soon be formally launched by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, as he highlighted the government’s broader strategy to expand youth employment, entrepreneurship, and technical skills development across the country.
Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of the China Pakistan Technical Cooperation Workshops and WorldSkills Pakistan National Skills Competition 2026 in Islamabad, Mr Khan said the government is focused on creating meaningful opportunities for young people by equipping them with modern skills and connecting them with local and international employment markets.
The event was attended by Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, Executive Director of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) Muhammad Aamir Jan, representatives of Chinese partner institutions, industry leaders, development partners, and youth participants.
Describing the ceremony as a reflection of the deepening partnership between Pakistan and China in technical education and vocational cooperation, Mr Khan said the initiative would help strengthen Pakistan’s skilled workforce and prepare youth for future economic challenges.
He said the newly approved National Youth Employment Policy envisaged a comprehensive framework aimed at improving workforce participation, supporting startups, and enhancing entrepreneurship opportunities for young people.
Highlighting key features of the policy, the PMYP chairman said the government had decided to conduct the Labour Force Survey annually instead of every four years in order to maintain accurate and updated employment data for effective policymaking.
He further stated that the government aimed to ensure at least a 10 per cent annual increase in new company registrations while extending institutional support to startups and young entrepreneurs nationwide.
Emphasising women’s economic inclusion, Mr Khan said the policy targeted a minimum 35pc participation of women in the labour force, adding that sustainable and dignified employment opportunities for women remained a key government priority.
The PMYP chairman also praised the performance of NAVTTC and commended its leadership for transforming the organisation into an effective platform for technical and vocational education and training.
He particularly acknowledged Brigadier Sajid Khokhar for his role in advancing vocational training initiatives in Punjab, while stressing that balanced development across all provinces was essential for Pakistan’s national progress.
Quoting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, he said sustainable national development could only be achieved when all provinces progressed together.
Addressing participants selected for overseas training opportunities, Mr Khan expressed confidence that young trainees travelling to China would acquire valuable expertise and contribute towards Pakistan’s economic growth upon their return.
He concluded by congratulating the participants and encouraging them to continue striving for excellence in order to secure a brighter future for themselves and the country.
