Planning Minister Prof. Ahsan Iqbal chaired the third meeting of the Taskforce on Human Resource and Skill Development, emphasizing the need for a robust strategy to align Pakistan's workforce with future global and local requirements. The meeting was attended by senior officials including Chairman HEC Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Rector NUTECH Lt. Gen. (R) Moazzam Ejaz, Secretary Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, Director NAVTTC, and senior officials from the Ministry of Science and Technology, FPCCI, NHMP, and OEC.
Speaking about SCO held on October 16, 2024, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal acknowledged that Pakistan's image on the global stage has significantly improved, noting that the successful hosting of international leaders, including those from Russia and China, demonstrated Pakistan’s capability to engage positively. "Pakistan's turnaround is underway, and we must meet both national and international expectations through our performance. The future of the country hinges on human resource development, which is our greatest strength and also our greatest challenge," remarked the Minister.
He emphasized that the taskforce holds a critical role in shaping the country’s future by focusing on human resource development in key sectors.
The Planning Minister directed the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to collaborate with industry leaders to assess and fulfill the human resource needs of Pakistan's manufacturing sectors, such as textiles, automotive, sports and surgical goods, and pharmaceuticals. "Manufacturing clusters must be identified, and universities should align their programs with the demands of these sectors to ensure that Pakistan becomes a global player in exports," said Prof. Iqbal.
In the agriculture sector, Prof. Iqbal highlighted the importance of crop experts in fields like horticulture, dairy, seed development, GIS, and drone technology. "Pakistan's agriculture workforce must be equipped with modern tools and techniques to support future farming needs and improve productivity."
The technology sector is pivotal to Pakistan's future. The Minister emphasized the need for developing skills in areas like space programs, biotechnology, and IT. "We need to prepare our youth to not only meet today’s needs but also to anticipate future demands in cutting-edge fields," Prof. Iqbal remarked.
The service sector, including financial services, tourism, hospitality, and health, was also identified as crucial. Universities and training institutions were directed to focus on these areas to ensure that Pakistan’s workforce is competitive globally.
The Minister highlighted that Pakistan is rich in natural resources, particularly in marble and other minerals. He urged the development of value-added capabilities in the mining sector. "Pakistan must become a world leader in marble processing technology and other mining operations, adding value to its abundant resources."
Prof. Iqbal stressed the need for retraining Pakistan’s manpower, particularly those working in construction in the Gulf region, to meet modern industry standards. "The parameters of the construction industry have changed with automation, and we must retrain our workforce to ensure they remain relevant in global markets."
Planning Minister further highlighted the importance of developing creative industry skills. "Pakistan must nurture creativity within its youth, enabling them to thrive in fields such as media, arts, and culture, which hold significant global opportunities."
Referring to the blue economy as the "5th province of Pakistan," Prof. Iqbal stressed the need to focus on maritime trade, shipping, and port management. "Our skills must align with the vast potential of the blue economy, which can become a major contributor to Pakistan's future growth."
Prof. Iqbal directed HEC Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed to ensure that university programs are aligned with the future demands of these sectors. He stressed that Pakistan’s higher education institutions must focus on market-based skills and prepare the youth for the job market. The youth must also be equipped with e-commerce knowledge to tap into emerging digital opportunities.
Prof. Iqbal directed the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) to accelerate the development of certified training programs and ensure that our workforce is certified meeting the global requirements and is capable of meeting these demands.
He also instructed the taskforce to develop a comprehensive action plan within the next 15 days, focusing on these key sectors and ensuring practical steps are taken to enhance Pakistan's workforce capabilities. The plan should incorporate feedback from embassies and international partners to align Pakistan’s human resource strategies with global standards.
The Planning Minister reiterated that the primary goal of Pakistan’s human resource development should be to generate foreign exchange through exports. He stressed that the task force should identify sectors with export potential and ensure that the workforce is trained to meet international standards. The Minister highlighted the importance of improving the integrity, work ethic, and emotional intelligence of Pakistan’s workforce to enhance the country’s global reputation.
Prof. Iqbal also underscored the critical role of remittances in Pakistan’s economy, noting that the country receives $30 billion annually in remittances. He emphasized that with a focused effort, this figure could rise to $50-60 billion, providing a much-needed financial lifeline for the country. He called for targeted efforts to maximize the potential of Pakistani workers abroad by providing them with internationally recognized certifications and skills.
In concluding the meeting, Prof. Iqbal emphasized the importance of setting "smart goals" and continuously monitoring the progress of the task force. He instructed that the task force meet quarterly to review progress and adjust strategies as needed. The Minister reaffirmed that Pakistan’s human resource is its most valuable asset and called for a united effort to prepare the nation’s youth for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
The meeting concluded with a commitment from all stakeholders to work collaboratively towards these ambitious goals, ensuring that Pakistan's human resource development efforts are aligned with the country's broader economic vision.
Speaking about SCO held on October 16, 2024, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal acknowledged that Pakistan's image on the global stage has significantly improved, noting that the successful hosting of international leaders, including those from Russia and China, demonstrated Pakistan’s capability to engage positively. "Pakistan's turnaround is underway, and we must meet both national and international expectations through our performance. The future of the country hinges on human resource development, which is our greatest strength and also our greatest challenge," remarked the Minister.
He emphasized that the taskforce holds a critical role in shaping the country’s future by focusing on human resource development in key sectors.
The Planning Minister directed the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to collaborate with industry leaders to assess and fulfill the human resource needs of Pakistan's manufacturing sectors, such as textiles, automotive, sports and surgical goods, and pharmaceuticals. "Manufacturing clusters must be identified, and universities should align their programs with the demands of these sectors to ensure that Pakistan becomes a global player in exports," said Prof. Iqbal.
In the agriculture sector, Prof. Iqbal highlighted the importance of crop experts in fields like horticulture, dairy, seed development, GIS, and drone technology. "Pakistan's agriculture workforce must be equipped with modern tools and techniques to support future farming needs and improve productivity."
The technology sector is pivotal to Pakistan's future. The Minister emphasized the need for developing skills in areas like space programs, biotechnology, and IT. "We need to prepare our youth to not only meet today’s needs but also to anticipate future demands in cutting-edge fields," Prof. Iqbal remarked.
The service sector, including financial services, tourism, hospitality, and health, was also identified as crucial. Universities and training institutions were directed to focus on these areas to ensure that Pakistan’s workforce is competitive globally.
The Minister highlighted that Pakistan is rich in natural resources, particularly in marble and other minerals. He urged the development of value-added capabilities in the mining sector. "Pakistan must become a world leader in marble processing technology and other mining operations, adding value to its abundant resources."
Prof. Iqbal stressed the need for retraining Pakistan’s manpower, particularly those working in construction in the Gulf region, to meet modern industry standards. "The parameters of the construction industry have changed with automation, and we must retrain our workforce to ensure they remain relevant in global markets."
Planning Minister further highlighted the importance of developing creative industry skills. "Pakistan must nurture creativity within its youth, enabling them to thrive in fields such as media, arts, and culture, which hold significant global opportunities."
Referring to the blue economy as the "5th province of Pakistan," Prof. Iqbal stressed the need to focus on maritime trade, shipping, and port management. "Our skills must align with the vast potential of the blue economy, which can become a major contributor to Pakistan's future growth."
Prof. Iqbal directed HEC Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed to ensure that university programs are aligned with the future demands of these sectors. He stressed that Pakistan’s higher education institutions must focus on market-based skills and prepare the youth for the job market. The youth must also be equipped with e-commerce knowledge to tap into emerging digital opportunities.
Prof. Iqbal directed the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) to accelerate the development of certified training programs and ensure that our workforce is certified meeting the global requirements and is capable of meeting these demands.
He also instructed the taskforce to develop a comprehensive action plan within the next 15 days, focusing on these key sectors and ensuring practical steps are taken to enhance Pakistan's workforce capabilities. The plan should incorporate feedback from embassies and international partners to align Pakistan’s human resource strategies with global standards.
The Planning Minister reiterated that the primary goal of Pakistan’s human resource development should be to generate foreign exchange through exports. He stressed that the task force should identify sectors with export potential and ensure that the workforce is trained to meet international standards. The Minister highlighted the importance of improving the integrity, work ethic, and emotional intelligence of Pakistan’s workforce to enhance the country’s global reputation.
Prof. Iqbal also underscored the critical role of remittances in Pakistan’s economy, noting that the country receives $30 billion annually in remittances. He emphasized that with a focused effort, this figure could rise to $50-60 billion, providing a much-needed financial lifeline for the country. He called for targeted efforts to maximize the potential of Pakistani workers abroad by providing them with internationally recognized certifications and skills.
In concluding the meeting, Prof. Iqbal emphasized the importance of setting "smart goals" and continuously monitoring the progress of the task force. He instructed that the task force meet quarterly to review progress and adjust strategies as needed. The Minister reaffirmed that Pakistan’s human resource is its most valuable asset and called for a united effort to prepare the nation’s youth for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
The meeting concluded with a commitment from all stakeholders to work collaboratively towards these ambitious goals, ensuring that Pakistan's human resource development efforts are aligned with the country's broader economic vision.