Islamabad: Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, Rana Mashood Ahmad Khan, at the Inauguration Ceremony of the China-Pakistan Technical Cooperation Workshops and WorldSkills Pakistan National Skills Competition 2026, underscored the government’s commitment to empowering young people through employment and skills development initiatives.

According to Press Information Department, Rana Mashood Ahmad Khan welcomed dignitaries including the Ambassador of China to Pakistan, H.E. Jiang Zaidong, and various leaders and participants. He described the event as a significant milestone reflecting the cooperation between Pakistan and China in technical education.

During his address, Khan announced the approval of Pakistan’s first-ever National Youth Employment Policy by the federal cabinet, to be launched by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He highlighted that the policy involves conducting the Labour Force Survey annually to ensure accurate data on employment trends.

The policy aims for a 10 percent annual increase in new company registrations and supports startups and young entrepreneurs. It also targets a 35 percent participation rate for women in the labor force, emphasizing women’s economic empowerment and sustainable opportunities.

Khan commended the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission and Brigadier Sajid Khokhar for their contributions to vocational training. He emphasized the importance of development across all provinces for national progress, quoting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the need for collective advancement.

He expressed optimism for youth participating in overseas training in China, believing they will return with valuable experience. Khan concluded by congratulating the participants and urging continued hard work for a prosperous future.