Islamabad: Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Syed Imran Ahmed Shah, emphasized the critical need to link technically skilled young individuals with job opportunities through enhanced partnerships with the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) and the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP). The minister made these comments during a visit to the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF).

During the visit, Shah, accompanied by Secretary Naveed Ahmed Sheikh, received a comprehensive briefing from PPAF Chief Executive Officer Nadir Gul Barech. The CEO outlined the organization’s current initiatives, operational strategies, and expansive efforts in social development across 150 districts in Pakistan. PPAF collaborates with 163 organizations to support over 300,000 households, with more than 100,000 attaining self-reliance over the past two decades.

Shah called for increased transparency, strong audit processes, and effective follow-up mechanisms in development programs. He instructed officials to develop a clear and executable plan to ensure that beneficiaries of training programs achieve sustainable livelihoods.

Additionally, Secretary Naveed Ahmed Sheikh expressed concerns about the rising threat of man-made disasters in Balochistan, urging the development of adaptive strategies to address these challenges.