PM Shehbaz lauds NAVTTC, orders expansion of skills training

WEB DESK: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday expressed satisfaction over the recent performance of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) and directed authorities to set new targets for technical and vocational training programmes while ensuring strict implementation of the apprenticeship law.

The prime minister was chairing a review meeting in Islamabad on the newly introduced vocational training ecosystem in the country, during which a detailed briefing was given on training programmes being implemented under NAVTTC.

PM Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the provision of international certifications to Pakistani workers, saying it would help make the country’s workforce more competitive in the global job market. He instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis to expedite efforts to increase the deployment of skilled Pakistani labour to Gulf countries.

The prime minister said Pakistan’s youth possessed immense potential and that a comprehensive programme had been launched through Navttc to harness their capabilities. He noted that, by the grace of Allah, the technical and vocational training initiatives under Navttc were already yielding positive results.

He also directed that biometric attendance systems be introduced for students and instructors across all partner training institutions. Stressing the need for wider outreach, the prime minister called for enhanced coordination with provincial institutions to expand Navttc programmes and train a larger workforce.

Shehbaz Sharif said priority must be given to training youth in high-demand skills, coupled with internationally recognised certifications. He ordered action against underperforming institutions, including suspension of their Navttc membership, and called for further strengthening the commission’s digitalisation and online monitoring systems.