Call for Skills-based Education, HR Development to Unlock Pakistan’s Economic Potential
Lahore (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Sep, 2026)
Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol called for a fundamental shift towards skills-based education, character building, and human resource development on Thursday. He stated that Pakistan's greatest potential lies in its young population and that this untapped strength must be transformed into productive economic force through proper education and training.
Addressing the Education & Skills Summit 2026 at LCCI, Saigol was joined by notable guests including Director General PEMRA Ayesha Manzoor Wattoo, Consul General of Turkey Mehmet Eymen Semsek, Vice Chancellor University of South Asia Imran Masood, Country Head Malala Fund Pakistan Nishat Riaz, Founding Chairman PHEC Dr Nizam-ud-Din, Co-Founder UMT Abid Sherwani, and members of the Lahore Chamber.
Saigol emphasized that education is a powerful tool for societal change, highlighting the need for Pakistan to integrate skills development and character building into its educational system. He noted that while several neighboring countries have outperformed Pakistan economically, it still holds immense potential due to its young demographic.
Pakistan boasts approximately 260 million inhabitants with around 60-65% below the age of 35. Saigol argued that this human capital could become a driving force for economic growth if equipped with appropriate skills and education, comparing it to adding value to products through processing.
He urged for developing Pakistan's workforce to compete globally, while also emphasizing the importance of improving business conditions, including reducing power tariffs, interest rates, and enhancing ease of doing business. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups were highlighted as crucial contributors to employment opportunities and economic expansion in a country with a high annual influx of young job seekers.
Consul General of Turkey Mehmet Eymen Semsek appreciated Pakistan's efforts towards education and skill development, expressing his willingness to learn from local expertise instead of presenting himself as an authority on technical education. He noted the strong relations between Turkey and Pakistan in the field of education, with numerous delegations traveling between the two countries over the past year. The Turkish Consulate is ready to facilitate such exchanges.