Govt unveils National Youth Employment Policy to boost job opportunities

LAHORE: Prime Minister Youth Program (PMYP) Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan on Monday announced the launch of Pakistan’s National Youth Employment Policy (NYEP), which aims to create robust employment opportunities for youth both domestically and internationally.

Unveiling the salient features of the National Youth Employment Policy (NYEP) at Aiwan-e-Iqbal in Lahore, he announced a comprehensive package of measures, including overseas employment opportunities for 1.8 million Pakistani youth, establishment of employment exchanges in every district, registration of new businesses, and launching green jobs.

Rana Mashhood revealed that the government has secured employment opportunities abroad, with countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the US, Turkey, and Belarus providing opportunities for skilled workers.

Highlighting the comprehensive nature of the policy, he said that it has been designed for all sections of youth, whether they are in schools, colleges, universities, or outside the education system.

“Every young Pakistani should be given a chance to build a dignified life,” he said, adding that women would be an integral part of employment programs by 2029.

A dedicated committee on technical education and IT, headed by the prime minister, meets every two months to monitor progress and expand employment initiatives. The policy includes language and vocational skills training to prepare youth for international labor markets.

Rana Mashhood announced that ten new businesses would be registered to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation. He added that youth involved in negative activities would also be rehabilitated and constructive opportunities would be provided under initiatives like Green Jobs.

He said that employment exchanges are being set up in every district to facilitate job seekers not only through online platforms but also through doorstep services.