Govt to enhance workforce skills for Middle Eastern job market

The government is taking significant measures to bridge the skills gap and enhance the global competitiveness of workers aspiring to work abroad, particularly in the Middle East.

During a National Assembly session, Parliamentary Secretary for Federal Education and Professional Training, Farah Naz Akbar, outlined the government’s workforce development strategy.

The government has established the Pakistan Skill Company and the Pakistan Skill Development Fund to centralise and improve vocational training across the country.

Revisions to the National Vocational Qualification Framework (NVQF) have also aligned Pakistani qualifications with international standards, particularly for the European Union (EU) and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

The government is incorporating life and soft skills—such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and work ethics—into technical and vocational training programs, aimed at meeting the needs of Middle Eastern employers.

Additionally, the curriculum is being updated to reflect industry trends and technological advancements to ensure that Pakistani workers are prepared for evolving job market demands.

Shifting towards competency-based training programMEs, which focus on practical skills and hands-on experience, the government is ensuring that workers are not only trained but also proficient in the job-specific skills required by employers in the Middle East.

These reforms are part of a broader strategy to boost Pakistan’s labour force and create better employment opportunities for skilled workers abroad. 

Furthermore, in response to concerns over the tragic boat accidents involving illegal immigrants attempting to reach European shores, authorities are also working to open legal employment avenues abroad.