How the government is backing technical education to future-proof Pakistan’s workforce

By Javaid Imran PakUpTech | July 2025

Pakistan is making a serious bet on skills. The Education Minister, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, recently called for a stronger focus on vocational training, emphasizing that global competitiveness now hinges on real-world technical expertise. radio.gov.pk

The timing couldn’t be better. Under the Prime Minister’s Youth Skills Program, NAVTTC (National Vocational & Technical Training Commission) is partnering with industry to deliver digital skills training to thousands of young people. internews.pk+2pid.gov.pk+2 In the first phase alone, 200 trainers are being trained in AI, e-commerce, data analytics, and digital marketing. These trainers will, in turn, deliver those skills more widely — making this a cascade-style initiative. internews.pk

This push isn’t just about helping youth; it’s a deliberate economic strategy. As Minister Siddiqui said during a national skills dialogue, skilled Pakistanis are a national asset, and there’s growing effort to connect them with international opportunities. Dawn Vocational and technical training programs are being reformed and aligned with market demand and global standards. Dawn+1

At a provincial level, Punjab is stepping up in a big way. The provincial government has allocated Rs 26 billion for its FY 2025-26 budget explicitly for youth skills development and integration of TEVTA, PSDF, PVTC, and other training bodies under a streamlined department. Business Recorder This consolidation is meant to make skill training more efficient, transparent, and relevant to both local industry and youth aspirations.

The implications are very real: Pakistan’s young population (more than 60% of the population is under 30) can become a highly skilled workforce rather than an under-employed demographic. When young people are trained in digital and technical domains, they’re better placed to launch startups, join high-value firms, or even export their labour and expertise.

But the plan is not without its challenges. Scaling technical training across urban and rural areas requires infrastructure, digital connectivity, and sustained funding. Ensuring quality — not just quantity — of trainers will be key. If the trainers themselves are not well equipped, the cascade model will struggle. And there is always the risk that, without proper job placements or market connections, trained youth might not turn that new knowledge into employment.

Despite that, this moment could mark a turning point. If Pakistan can successfully align its youth training ecosystem with both global market needs and domestic economic goals, the country could close several structural gaps: skills-mismatch, youth unemployment, and weak export capacity. Essentially, skill-based education isn’t just a developmental goal — it’s a tool for reshaping Pakistan’s economy.