Engr. Qamar ul Islam Raja has officially assumed charge as Chairman of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), outlining a vision focused on strengthening Pakistan’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem. In his first public message after taking office, he emphasized the importance of developing a skilled workforce capable of meeting the country’s evolving economic and industrial needs.
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Government of Pakistan for their trust and confidence, the new chairman reaffirmed his commitment to advancing skills development across the country. He stated that his priority will be to strengthen the TVET sector by expanding learning opportunities, enhancing innovation and creating stronger partnerships between training institutions and industry.
Engr. Raja highlighted the need to improve industry linkages so that vocational training remains aligned with current market demands. By promoting closer collaboration with employers and the private sector, NAVTTC aims to ensure that graduates possess practical, job-ready skills that increase their employability both within Pakistan and in international markets.
He also stressed the importance of equipping the country’s workforce with future-ready competencies that support national development and global competitiveness. As technology continues to reshape industries, the chairman underscored the need for continuous modernization of technical education and greater emphasis on innovation, digital skills and workforce adaptability.
Addressing Pakistan’s youth, Engr. Raja said quality skills development can play a transformative role in creating employment opportunities, promoting entrepreneurship and contributing to sustainable economic growth. He expressed his commitment to empowering young people by expanding access to vocational education and creating pathways that enable them to build successful careers.
Concluding his message, the new chairman called for the support, prayers and constructive suggestions of stakeholders as NAVTTC begins its next phase. His appointment signals continued efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s skills development ecosystem, improve workforce readiness and position technical and vocational education as a key driver of economic progress and human capital development.
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