LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif officially launched the ‘Parwaaz Card,’ a pioneering initiative aimed at empowering skilled youth and boosting employment opportunities both within Pakistan and abroad. The government describes it as the first-ever card of its kind designed to support aspiring workers.
During the ceremony, CM Maryam announced the provision of interest-free financial assistance of up to Rs. 300,000 for skilled workers, especially those planning to seek employment overseas. This move aims to reduce reliance on traditional overseas employment agents and facilitate direct access to financial support.
Addressing the gathering, the chief minister highlighted that over 250,000 young individuals in Punjab have completed technical training courses, with more than 114,000 securing jobs. Of these, approximately 97,000 have found employment domestically, while around 33,000 have migrated abroad for work.
In addition to the Parwaaz Card, several new initiatives were unveiled, including ‘Creative Hands,’ ‘Rah-e-Rozgar,’ and a dedicated ‘Skills Development Portal,’ all designed to enhance technical education and streamline job placement processes.
Maryam Nawaz also interacted with 90 students who had recently completed training in various trades at institutions managed by the Punjab Skills Development and Entrepreneurship Department. She also engaged with transgender students, praising their resilience and potential.
A centralized Skills Information System has been introduced to oversee and monitor training institutes across Punjab. CM Maryam explained that this dashboard will track everything from curriculum content to the employment transition process, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
She emphasized that the government not only provides scholarships during training but also actively arranges employment opportunities post-completion, reaffirming that every rupee spent from Punjab’s treasury is an investment in the youth’s future.
Furthermore, the chief minister shared that a delegation has been dispatched to Gulf countries to explore new job markets for Pakistani workers, aiming to expand employment avenues for young talent.
