Punjab to get first Skill City as CM Maryam drives youth skills revolution

• Chief minister approves in-principle province’s first Skill City, unveils plan for matric-level technical education

• Orders industry-aligned curriculum, qualified instructors, reaffirming commitment to youth empowerment, employability

  LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has granted in-principle approval for the establishment of the province’s first “Skill City”, directing authorities to submit detailed proposals and implementation plans at the earliest as part of a “broader push to modernize technical education” and “equip youth with market-driven skills,” according to a handout issued by Punjab DGPR.

The proposed project will include state-of-the-art technical education institutes aligned with evolving industry requirements, while existing skill education institutions across Punjab will be upgraded into Centres of Excellence, said a statement issued from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

It was also agreed in principle that the Punjab Technical and Vocational Education Board will be affiliated with institutions in Scotland and the United Kingdom to enhance the quality, standards, and global recognition of technical education in the province.

During the meeting, a comprehensive plan was presented to introduce market-oriented technical education at the matriculation level, aimed at enabling students to acquire employable skills immediately after completing their schooling, the CMO said.

Under this initiative, students will receive technical and practical training in diverse fields, including graphic designing, media production, fashion designing, data coding, tourism, industrial electrician work, plumbing, solar water heating systems, professional cooking, and allied health professions.

Chairing a special meeting on “Matric Tech” and school-based skill development, the chief minister directed that highly qualified instructors be engaged and curricula be developed in consultation with industry experts to ensure relevance, quality, and effectiveness, the statement added.

Emphasizing her vision, Maryam Nawaz said that every young person in Punjab must be equipped with modern skills and professional expertise. She affirmed that all available resources will be utilized to provide youth with market-oriented technical education, enabling them to emerge as a strong and productive force for the province.

CM’s message on World Down Syndrome Day

Meanwhile, in her message on the occasion of World Down Syndrome Day, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said that children affected by Down syndrome deserve special care, attention, and inclusion from society.

She stressed the need for an integrated system to ensure effective treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term support for such children.

Highlighting government efforts, the chief minister said that several initiatives have been undertaken for the welfare and rehabilitation of special children across Punjab. Facilities for education and training in specialized institutions have been improved, while transportation services, including buses, have been provided to facilitate access to these institutions.

CM urges tree plantation on International Day of Forests

On the occasion of the International Day of Forests, the chief minister urged citizens to actively participate in tree plantation, even if they may not personally benefit from their shade.

Encouraging a culture of responsibility, she called upon children to plant trees in the names of their parents and teachers as a gesture of respect and environmental stewardship.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating environmental pollution and ensuring a clean and healthy ecosystem for future generations, noting that forests are vital for the environment, economy, and public well-being.

Maryam Nawaz emphasized that afforestation is essential to counter climate change and urged the public to contribute to efforts aimed at reducing smog and improving environmental conditions.

She further highlighted that modern technologies, including thermal sensors, are being used to protect forests and wildlife, while compartment-level mapping is being carried out to clearly define forest boundaries.

A detection intelligence system has also been activated for timely response to forest fires, she added, noting that a dedicated helpline (1084) has been established to address forest-related emergencies.