CM Maryam launches skilled workforce push as first Parwaaz Card batch heads overseas

• Punjab CM says Pakistan cannot gain global respect without a skilled labour force, saying Parwaaz Card aims to transform lives of 500,000 youth across Punjab

• First batch of 135 trained youth to leave abroad for jobs on June 28, as CM urges departing workers to serve as ambassadors of Pakistan abroad

 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday said Pakistan’s ability to secure a respected place in the global economy depends on the development of a skilled workforce, emphasizing that increasing the number of skilled overseas Pakistanis remains a key priority of her government.

Addressing successful candidates of the “Parwaaz Card” programme who have completed their training and are set to leave for overseas employment, the chief minister announced that a first batch of 135 trained young men and women would depart abroad on June 28 as skilled workers.

وزیراعلیٰ مریم نواز کا مشن، اب ہوگا پنجاب کے نوجوانوں کا مستقبل روشن۔

"پرواز کارڈ" اسکیم کے تحت پنجاب کی ہنرمند ورک فورس کی عالمی مارکیٹ میں پہلی بڑی پرواز!

وزیر اعلیٰ پنجاب کی کامیاب امیدواروں سے الوداعی ملاقات، جذباتی گفتگو اور پاکستان کی بڑی سفارتی فتوحات کا تذکرہ۔… pic.twitter.com/BZqUUnHlZX

— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) June 24, 2026

Congratulating the participants, she praised the determination, resilience, and hard work of young people who shoulder family responsibilities at an early age.

“I salute those youngsters who work hard and support their families. Taking care of sick parents and younger siblings at such a young age is no small responsibility,” she said.

The Punjab government has launched an initiative to facilitate the export of a certified skilled workforce, and under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s flagship “Parwaaz Card” programme, the lives of 500,000 young people across Punjab are expected to be transformed.

A total of 135 young men from across the province, selected under the programme, attended the ceremony. During the farewell meeting, the chief minister held an emotional interaction with the participants and remarked that she was bidding them farewell with prayers, just as a mother would.

The chief minister was also briefed in detail on the Parwaaz Card and Skill City projects. Officials informed the meeting that the selection process had been conducted entirely on merit and that candidates chosen in the first phase would be employed abroad in the hospitality and construction sectors.

نوجوانوں کے خوابوں کو ملی نئی اُڑان!
وزیراعلیٰ مریم نواز شریف کے پرواز کارڈ کے تحت پہلی بار سرٹیفائیڈ اسکلڈ ورک فورس بیرونِ ملک روانہ ہو رہی ہے۔ 135 ہنرمند نوجوان 28 جون کو عالمی مواقع کی جانب قدم بڑھائیں گے۔
"وزیراعلیٰ پنجاب مریم نواز شریف نے نوجوانوں کو نصیحت کی کہ قوم کے… pic.twitter.com/WIs4mWWfux

— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) June 24, 2026

Maryam Nawaz observed that many applicants worked throughout the night while simultaneously preparing for their board examinations, describing them as hardworking individuals determined to improve their lives through honest means.

She said overseas employment would not only provide better income opportunities but would also expose young Pakistanis to modern professional environments and international standards.

The chief minister encouraged the participants to closely observe the factors behind the progress of developed nations and benefit from their experiences.

Referring to overseas employment trends, she noted that a large number of Pakistanis travel to Gulf countries in search of work, but regretted that more than half of them are unskilled workers.

“Until we have a skilled workforce, we will not earn respect or a significant place in the global market,” she said.

Maryam Nawaz said the Punjab government was providing training to 500,000 youth in line with modern international standards and labour market requirements.

She acknowledged the efforts of Punjab Skills Development Fund Chairman Adnan Cheema and Secretary Nadir Chattha, commending their contribution to the successful implementation of the Parwaaz Card initiative.

The chief minister said Pakistan currently receives around $40 billion in remittances annually, but the proportion of skilled workers among overseas Pakistanis remains comparatively low.

She observed that semi-skilled workers often fall victim to exploitation and fraud and are unable to secure dignified employment opportunities abroad.

To address this challenge, she said, the Punjab government is focusing on high-demand sectors including construction, transport, logistics, hospitality, health, and energy, while providing internationally recognized training before facilitating overseas placement.

She added that state-of-the-art training laboratories have been established across Punjab, including South Punjab, to equip workers with modern skills and enhance their competitiveness in international markets.

The chief minister said government teams had visited various countries to assess labour market requirements and that training programmes in Punjab are now being designed strictly according to global demand.

Highlighting transparency, she said the selection of Parwaaz Card candidates was carried out entirely on merit without any political influence, recommendation, or favoritism.

She noted that many talented young people possess the necessary skills but lack the financial resources required to complete the overseas employment process.

“The Punjab government has assumed responsibility for the expenses involved in overseas placement,” she said.

The chief minister further announced that eligible youth under the Parwaaz Card Scheme would be provided interest-free loans of up to Rs300,000.

She said beneficiaries would not be required to make repayments during the first three months, after which the loan could be returned through easy installments.

Addressing the departing workers, Maryam Nawaz reminded them that they would serve as ambassadors of Pakistan abroad.

“Never forget that you are Pakistanis. Your work ethic and your dealings with others will represent your country,” she said.

She urged them to uphold Pakistan’s dignity, remain connected with their parents, and continue supporting them despite the distance.

“Parents are a person’s greatest asset, and obedience and respect for them are essential for success in life,” she added.

Referring to national affairs, the chief minister said Pakistan achieved a major success through Operation Bunyanum Marsoos and surprised the world through prudent diplomacy, which helped play a role in preventing conflict between Iran and the United States.

She said the young people leaving for overseas employment would also contribute to Pakistan’s image abroad and play their part in promoting responsible diplomacy through their conduct and professionalism.

The chief minister prayed for the success of the participants and expressed confidence that they would become a source of pride for Pakistan on the global stage.

She also reiterated her commitment to ensuring justice in harassment cases, saying she did not rest until those responsible were brought to justice.