Punjab sends 135 skilled youth to Saudi Arabia under Parwaz initiative
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Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said youth heading abroad for work should see themselves not only as employees but also as ambassadors of Pakistan. Speaking at a ceremony in Lahore honouring 135 young workers set to leave for Saudi Arabia under the Parwaaz Card initiative, she said empowering Punjab’s youth through high-quality vocational training has been one of her key priorities. Maryam credited the progress to efforts led by the Punjab Skills Development Fund, the Skills Development and Entrepreneurship Department, and the provincial task force on skill development. During her interaction with participants, she asked about their experience with the program and reminded them that travelling abroad under the initiative means carrying Pakistan’s image with them. She urged them to positively represent the nation that had created opportunities for their professional growth. The CM said her vision extends beyond Punjab, adding that she hopes vocational training opportunities can eventually benefit young people across all provinces, enabling them to secure better employment prospects in international markets. Addressing the selected candidates, she described them as responsible ambassadors of the country. She said she wanted to see them off with the same care a mother shows her children, expressing hope that they remain safe overseas while continuing to make Pakistan proud. Chairman of the Punjab Taskforce on Skill Development, Adnan Afzal Chattha, briefed the ceremony that 135 candidates had secured jobs in Saudi Arabia through the program in sectors including hospitality, healthcare, construction, and other industries. He said the initiative aligns with the CM’s vision of equipping youth with market-oriented vocational and professional skills to help them find dignified employment opportunities both locally and internationally. Officials said the first batch includes 105 candidates selected for hospitality sector roles, particularly in Quick Service Restaur