The Punjab government has announced the launch of the “Maryam Nawaz Free Parwaz Card,” a new initiative aimed at empowering skilled youth and creating more employment opportunities both locally and abroad. The decision was finalized during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, where the performance of the Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Department was reviewed in detail.
During the briefing, officials reported that under the Hunarmand Program, more than 180,000 young individuals have successfully completed skill training in recent months. Out of these, over 75,000 skilled graduates have secured local employment, while approximately 15,000 have found opportunities in international job markets. Furthermore, around 27,500 trainees from TEVTA institutes and 45,000 graduates from the Punjab Vocational Training Council (PVTC) have also entered the workforce, demonstrating the effectiveness of Punjab’s vocational training programs.
Authorities also highlighted that enrollment in technical and vocational education has increased by over 21% compared to the previous five years, reflecting growing interest among the youth in skill-based professions. To further enhance industrial productivity and job creation, the provincial government approved a comprehensive new survey of Punjab’s industrial sector. This survey will identify skill shortages, assess market trends, and align training programs with the evolving demands of the economy.
The meeting also approved the introduction of the Maryam Nawaz Free Parwaz Card, designed to facilitate skilled youth seeking overseas employment and better career development prospects. The initiative will help connect Pakistani workers with global job opportunities while promoting professional growth and financial stability.
In addition to this, under the “Main Digital” initiative, the Punjab government has allocated Rs. 1 billion to provide IT training to 3,000 women from rural areas. The first phase of the program will launch in Bahawalpur, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Lodhran, and Faisalabad, with the goal of training over 2,100 women by April 1, 2026. This digital empowerment project aims to equip women with essential technological skills, enabling them to participate actively in the growing digital economy and improve their livelihoods.
Through these initiatives, the Punjab government continues to advance its mission of building a skilled, self-reliant, and digitally empowered workforce ready to contribute to both national and international markets.
