ISLAMABAD — More than 400 skilled Pakistani youth have secured overseas employment in Saudi Arabia after completing technical training and skill verification under the Prime Minister’s overseas employment initiative, officials said on Sunday.
A ceremony marking their placement was held on March 2, 2026, at the NAVTTC Center of Excellence in Sector H-9/4, Islamabad. The event highlighted ongoing government efforts to expand structured overseas employment opportunities aligned with international labor market requirements.
The program is being implemented through the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) as part of the broader Prime Minister’s Youth Programme.
Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, attended the ceremony as chief guest. Other participants included Gulmina Bilal Ahmad, Chairperson NAVTTC; Muhammad Amir Jan, Executive Director NAVTTC; Member of the National Assembly Anjum Aqeel; Parliamentary Secretary Rabia Naseem Farooqi; and representatives of training institutions.
Training and selection process
Officials said the selected candidates underwent technical training, standardized skill assessment and visa processing before placement. According to NAVTTC, the initiative follows a merit-based selection process and includes monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance with international competency standards.
Addressing the ceremony, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan said the initiative reflects efforts to equip young Pakistanis with market-relevant skills and facilitate legal and structured employment abroad. He added that the selected trainees would represent Pakistan professionally in the host country.
NAVTTC Chairperson Gulmina Bilal Ahmad said the program is part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector through quality assurance and international alignment.
Executive Director Muhammad Amir Jan said the framework includes standardized training delivery, transparent selection procedures and coordination with overseas employers to match skills with labor market demand.
The ceremony concluded with officials reiterating their commitment to expanding overseas employment pathways and strengthening institutional collaboration to support youth workforce development.
