Pakistan Must Shift to Skilled Workforce Export: Finance Minister
Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman said on Wednesday that Pakistan needs to move from the export of manpower to the export of a skilled workforce to effectively integrate its young human capital into the global economy.
He was addressing a special seminar titled “From Pakistan to the World… How? Development, Opportunities and Prosperity”, organized by the Mir Khalil-ur-Rehman Memorial Society, Jang Group of Newspapers, and AS Foreign Education Consultants Group of Companies.
He added:
"The objective of our policy should not be greater migration but a better, safer, and more productive migration. Overseas Pakistanis should not be viewed merely as a source of remittances; they are economic partners, investors, and ambassadors of Pakistan. Their presence abroad can serve as a strong economic bridge between Pakistan and the global economy."
The provincial finance minister argued that Pakistan must equip its youth with modern education, technical and vocational training, market-oriented skills, and access to international labor markets through safe and legal channels. Simultaneously, the government must create quality employment, entrepreneurship, and investment opportunities within Pakistan to provide young people with meaningful choices.
He highlighted the following initiatives:
- Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is offering young people opportunities in education, technical training, employment, and entrepreneurship.
- Reforms are being implemented in the education sector while technical and vocational training institutions are being restructured to meet modern labor market demands.
- Interest-free loans are being provided to promote employment and entrepreneurship.
- Farmers are receiving support with essential agricultural resources to boost domestic production and strengthen export potential.
Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman continued:
International mobility today involves more than just migration; it encompasses the movement of knowledge, skills, experience, capital, and business networks. Pakistan, with its youthful population, possesses a significant strength. Global markets demand skilled professionals in healthcare, engineering, construction, information technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, agriculture, and emerging sectors.
"Instead of focusing on the sheer number of Pakistanis leaving the country, we should concentrate on the number who gain international market access with the right skills, secure and dignified employment, and through legal channels," he emphasized.
He stressed the need to equip prospective migrants with suitable training, reliable information, career guidance, and legal pathways.
