Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has set an ambitious target of training and securing employment for 100,000 youth as part of the province’s skilled manpower export plan. Chairing a high-level meeting on Wednesday, she directed officials to develop a comprehensive strategy for sending skilled workers abroad while ensuring they receive priority access to business cards and loans. The initiative is aimed at equipping young people with in-demand skills that will help them secure better job opportunities both locally and internationally.
To extend training opportunities to remote areas, the government has decided to launch the “Skills on Wheel” project in collaboration with the private sector. This mobile training initiative will allow individuals in underserved communities to receive skill development programs at their doorstep. Additionally, the chief minister approved the introduction of a ‘plug and play’ call center system, which will create immediate employment opportunities for trained professionals. In the first phase, 5,000 youth will undergo call center training, and upon completion of the six-week course, they are expected to secure jobs with salaries averaging Rs 100,000 per month. The proposal to introduce Skills Cards was also discussed, which would serve as official certification for trained individuals and improve their employability.
A strong focus has also been placed on empowering women through training programs. Officials reported that 480 women will receive specialized training at the Garment Training Institute in Quaid-i-Azam Business Park. These trainees will not only benefit from a monthly stipend of Rs 20,000 but will also receive pick-and-drop facilities to ensure their participation. Upon successful completion of the program, they will be placed in major textile groups to secure employment. This initiative is part of a broader effort to integrate more women into the workforce and enhance their financial independence.
Expanding IT and skills development initiatives remains a top priority for the Punjab government. Punjab Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Secretary Nadir Chattha stated that all skill development institutions have now been consolidated under a single department to streamline training efforts. Under the CM Skilled Punjab Initiative, 4,000 young individuals have already completed international IT certifications, and the program is being expanded to accommodate 10,000 participants. To further enhance opportunities in the hospitality sector, the government is launching a six-month free training program in collaboration with a British institution. Graduates of this program will receive job placements upon completion, helping to boost employment in the growing hospitality industry.
In a notable step towards inclusivity, the government has provided skills training to 1,600 transgender individuals in areas such as textile work, makeup artistry, and backstage production. These individuals have also received a stipend of Rs 8,000 per month during their training period. The government’s “Tabeer” job placement program is actively working to help these skilled youth find employment abroad, ensuring that marginalized communities are not left behind in the province’s development plans. Meanwhile, the response to the rural women digital training program has been overwhelming, with 27,000 applications received. This program provides free desktop computers and training in English and IT, equipping women in rural areas with essential digital skills.
To ensure seamless execution and monitoring of these initiatives, a centralized digital dashboard for the Punjab Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Department will be launched by mid-April. This platform will provide real-time updates on the progress of various training programs and employment placements, improving transparency and efficiency in implementation.
Reaffirming her commitment to youth empowerment, CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasized that these initiatives are not just about training but about integrating young people into the country’s economic development. She stated, “Training and job opportunities will integrate youth into the development process. Pakistan’s future depends on equipping our talented youth with skills. The Punjab government will offer full support for training and job placement.” Her remarks underscore the government’s long-term vision of transforming Punjab into a hub of skilled labor and innovation.
In a separate decision, the chief minister ordered an immediate rollback of the recent fare hike for the double-decker sightseeing buses operated by the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP). Expressing dissatisfaction over the fare increase, she directed officials to withdraw the revised pricing, restoring the original ticket rates. The Sightseeing Lahore Bus Service fare, which had been raised from Rs 200 to Rs 500, was reversed, along with the increase for corporate, educational, and commercial bookings, which had jumped from Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000. She stressed that the bus service, which operates on three routes in Lahore, should remain affordable to encourage tourism and make the city’s cultural landmarks accessible to the public.
By taking decisive steps to expand skills training, create employment opportunities, and ensure affordability in public services, CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif is positioning Punjab as a leader in workforce development and inclusive economic growth. The initiatives approved under her leadership reflect a clear commitment to empowering the youth, strengthening the province’s labor market, and making Pakistan a more competitive player in the global economy.
