youth jobs Pakistan

Pakistan has formally launched its first National Youth Employment Policy, introducing a comprehensive framework aimed at expanding employment, entrepreneurship and skills development opportunities for the country’s young population. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched the policy during a ceremony in Islamabad, according to an official press release. The policy seeks to encourage young people to pursue both employment and entrepreneurship while improving their access to modern skills, technology and international training opportunities. A major feature of the policy is the allocation of a 50% quota for women in the labour force, reflecting the government’s focus on increasing female participation in economic activity. The policy also reserves 10% of the annual quota for startups, with the objective of encouraging young people to establish businesses rather than relying solely on conventional employment. National Youth Employment Policy Focuses on Jobs and Entrepreneurship The launch of the National Youth Employment Policy comes as Pakistan seeks to create more opportunities for its growing young population and equip workers with skills relevant to a rapidly changing economy. The startup quota is designed to provide greater encouragement to young entrepreneurs and promote business creation. By allocating a portion of the annual quota to startups, the government aims to shift the focus from job seeking towards job creation. The policy also places significant emphasis on technology and emerging fields, particularly information technology and artificial intelligence. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that 1,000 young men and women will be sent to China for training in Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence on merit. The government will bear all expenses associated with the overseas training programme, giving selected participants an opportunity to gain international exposure and develop skills in sectors considered critical to Pakistan’s future economic growth. The initiative is expected to help develop a skilled workforce capable of contributing to Pakistan’s digital economy and competing for employment opportunities in international markets. Govt Expands Laptop and Digital Education Initiatives The prime minister also highlighted the government’s ongoing laptop distribution programme for students. Shehbaz Sharif said 700,000 laptops have already been distributed among talented students under government initiatives. He further announced that another 250,000 Chromebooks will be distributed to high-achieving students this year. The government sees access to digital devices as an important component of improving education and developing technology skills among young people. Greater access to laptops and Chromebooks can also help students participate in online learning, acquire digital skills and explore opportunities in technology-driven sectors. The measures announced alongside the youth employment policy indicate that the government intends to connect education, skills development and employment more closely. Daanish Schools and New University Highlighted During the ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also discussed the government’s education initiatives, including the establishment of Daanish Schools across Pakistan. He said the schools were designed to provide deserving students with high-quality education comparable to leading institutions such as Aitchison College. The prime minister also announced the establishment of a new Daanish University in Islamabad, with classes expected to begin next year. According to Shehbaz Sharif, the university will focus on technology and technical education, with particular emphasis on modern sciences. He said admission would be based purely on merit, regardless of students’ financial backgrounds. The initiative is intended to provide talented and deserving students with access to quality higher education and modern technical skills. The emphasis on merit is also aimed at widening educational opportunities for students who may not otherwise have access to high-quality institutions because of financial constraints. Women’s Participation Given Major Focus The 50% women’s quota under the policy represents one of its most significant components. Increasing women’s participation in the labour force remains an important challenge for Pakistan, where social, economic and workplace barriers have limited the participation of many women in formal employment and entrepreneurship. The government’s decision to allocate half of the relevant employment quota to women is aimed at creating greater opportunities for female workers and entrepreneurs. The startup allocation also provides an avenue for young women to pursue entrepreneurship and establish businesses. By combining employment opportunities with entrepreneurship support, the policy seeks to address youth unemployment through multiple channels rather than relying exclusively on traditional jobs. New Innovation and Skills Programmes Launched The prime minister also launched the National Power Sector Innovation Programme and the Skills Ambassador Programme during the ceremony. The power-sector innovation programme is expected to promote new ideas and solutions in an industry facing challenges related to efficiency, technology and service delivery. Meanwhile, the Skills Ambassador Programme is intended to further support skills development and connect young people with opportunities to improve their employability. The launch of the National Youth Employment Policy marks a significant policy step as Pakistan seeks to harness its young population for economic development. With measures covering employment, startups, women’s participation, digital skills, overseas training and education, the government aims to create a broader ecosystem for youth development. The success of the policy, however, will depend on effective implementation, transparent selection mechanisms and the creation of sufficient employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. If implemented effectively, the policy could help young Pakistanis acquire market-relevant skills, access better employment opportunities and contribute more actively to the country’s economic growth.