In a groundbreaking move to enhance youth employability, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has introduced the Punjab Skill Development Program 2025. This initiative, under the Punjab Skilled Manpower Export Plan, is set to equip 100,000 young individuals with valuable skills, paving the way for better job opportunities both in Pakistan and abroad.
Key Highlights of the Program
✔ 100,000 youth to undergo professional training 🎓
✔ Special access to business cards and loans for skilled individuals 💼
✔ Skills on Wheel project to bring training to remote areas 🏞️
✔ Launch of a plug-and-play call center system 📞
✔ Phase 1: Training 5,000 youth for call center jobs 💻
✔ Salary potential: Rs 100,000/month after a six-week course 💰
✔ Proposal for introducing Skills Cards for certified trainees 🏆
Empowering Women Through Training 👩🎓
The Punjab government is focusing on women empowerment by providing specialized training at the Garment Training Institute in Quaid-i-Azam Business Park. This initiative will train 480 women in textile and garment manufacturing.
📌 Financial & Logistical Support:
- Monthly stipend of Rs 20,000 💳
- Pick-and-drop facility for participants 🚍
- Employment opportunities in leading textile groups 🎟️
Expansion of IT & Skills Development Programs 🌟
Punjab is making great strides in IT and vocational training:
🔹 4,000 youth have already received international IT certifications, with a new target of 10,000 💻
🔹 A six-month free hospitality training program in collaboration with a British institute 🇬🇧
🔹 Training for 1,600 transgender individuals in textile, makeup, and backstage production (stipend: Rs 8,000/month) 🎀
🔹 The Tabeer job placement program is helping skilled youth secure international jobs 🌍
🔹 27,000 rural women have enrolled in a digital training program, receiving free desktop computers, English, and IT training 📚
A centralized digital dashboard for the Punjab Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Department will be launched by mid-April, streamlining access to training programs.
CM Maryam Nawaz’s Vision for Youth Empowerment 🚀
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasized the importance of skill-based training in shaping the nation’s future:
🔍 “Training and job opportunities will integrate our youth into the economic development process. Pakistan’s progress depends on equipping our talented youth with the right skills. The Punjab government is fully committed to supporting them.”
Immediate Rollback of Double-Decker Bus Fare Hike 🚍
In another significant decision, CM Maryam Nawaz ordered an immediate reversal of the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP) double-decker sightseeing bus fare increase:
✅ The fare was raised from Rs 200 to Rs 500, but has now been rolled back 🚗
✅ Corporate, educational, and commercial bookings had increased from Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000, but this hike has been canceled 💸
✅ The CM stressed keeping fares affordable to boost tourism in Lahore 🌍
Conclusion 🎯
The Punjab Skill Development Program 2025 is a game-changer for youth employment and economic progress. From IT and call center training to women’s textile programs and international job placements, the initiative is set to empower Pakistan’s youth for a brighter future. With government-backed training, financial support, and job placements, Punjab is taking a bold step towards sustainable economic growth.