The Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) has introduced the CM’s Skilled Punjab Program – International Placement, a groundbreaking initiative designed to equip Pakistan’s youth with the skills needed to excel in global markets.
In 2021, remittances accounted for a significant 21% of Pakistan’s GDP, underlining their critical role in the nation’s economy, as highlighted by the Asian Development Bank. To capitalize on this, PSDF is focusing on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, particularly Saudi Arabia, as a prime destination for skilled workers from Punjab.
The program’s first phase will train 10,000 individuals in demand-driven skills tailored to international jobs in healthcare, construction, hospitality, and retail. These sectors have shown a high demand for skilled labor globally.
Adnan Afzal Chattha, Chairperson of the CM Task Force on Skills Development, emphasized that the program is designed to provide sector-specific training to maximize employment opportunities abroad. He noted that this effort would promote knowledge exchange and innovation between nations.
Ahmed Khan, CEO of PSDF, highlighted the program’s potential to establish Pakistan as a reliable source of highly skilled professionals while offering financial stability to the youth and reducing the country’s economic burden through increased remittances.