Pakistan Allocates Rs. 4.3 Billion for Youth Skill Development Program

Strategic Insights -

The federal government has introduced the Prime Minister's Youth Skill Development Program, aiming to train 161,500 young individuals in various technical fields. This initiative is part of the 2025-26 budget, providing Rs. 4.3 billion for the program. The program focuses on equipping youth with market-driven skills to secure better jobs and boost economic growth. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb explained that the program will provide training in three key areas, including IT, industrial trades, and traditional trades.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Prime Minister's Youth Skill Development Program has been allocated Rs. 4.3 billion in the 2025-26 budget, aiming to train 161,500 youth.
  • The program will provide training in three key areas: IT, industrial trades, and traditional trades, with 56,000, 64,000, and 49,000 trainees respectively.
  • 2,500 trainees will come from newly merged districts of FATA, ensuring inclusive skill development.
  • The government plans to establish eight new IT training centers in urban areas of Sindh to support digital education.
  • The program also focuses on vocational training, offering certifications in high-demand fields, and aims to increase workforce exports.
  • Special training initiatives have already benefited thousands of students, including women and madrassa students, through targeted skill-building programs.
  • The National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) has played a key role in implementing these efforts.
  • The initiative reflects the government's commitment to youth empowerment and economic growth.

Statistics:

  • Rs. 4.3 billion allocated for the Prime Minister's Youth Skill Development Program in the 2025-26 budget.
  • 161,500 youth to be trained in various technical fields through the program.
  • 56,000 youth to receive IT training, 64,000 to be trained in industrial trades, and 49,000 to learn traditional trades.
  • 2,500 trainees from newly merged districts of FATA to receive training.
  • 8 new IT training centers to be established in urban areas of Sindh to support digital education.
  • Rs. 5 billion allocated for IT startups and specialized training programs.

Sources:

  • Ayesha Rehman (2023) "Pakistan introduces Prime Minister's Youth Skill Development Program". ___.