135 skilled workers ready for Saudi Arabia

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday saw off the first batch of 135 skilled workers heading to Saudi Arabia under the provincial government's Parwaaz Card programme, describing them as ambassadors of Pakistan and urging them to positively represent the country abroad. Addressing a ceremony, the chief minister said the youth travelling overseas for employment would not merely be workers but responsible representatives of the country. She said providing quality vocational training to young people was among her key priorities and that efforts were under way to equip them with skills needed in international labour markets.

"When you travel abroad under this programme, you will represent Pakistan. The country that has empowered you deserves to be portrayed positively before the world," she told the participants.

CM Maryam said skilled workers were a valuable national asset, capable of improving the economic prospects of their families while contributing to the country's development. She added that overseas employment opportunities were important for young people because they offered better incomes, experience and professional skills.

The chief minister said her government was providing skills training in trades preferred by young people and aimed to expand opportunities for vocational education beyond Punjab, wherever such support was needed.

She noted that more than half of Pakistani workers travelling abroad for employment fell into the unskilled category, limiting their access to better salaries, career advancement and professional recognition. Skilled workers, she said, generally received greater respect and compensation overseas.

The first batch comprises 105 candidates selected for jobs in the hospitality sector, particularly quick service restaurants, and 30 employed in the construction industry. Their departures to Saudi Arabia will begin on June 28.