Maryam Nawaz Sharif has formally inaugurated the Parwaaz Card, which the Punjab government describes as the country’s first card-based initiative for skilled youth. The programme aims to promote employment in Pakistan and overseas.
The chief minister also announced interest-free financial assistance of up to Rs300,000 for skilled workers. The support targets young people seeking overseas employment. Officials said the initiative would reduce reliance on private employment agents.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Maryam Nawaz said more than 250,000 young people had completed technical training programmes across Punjab. She said over 114,000 trained individuals had already secured jobs.
According to official data, about 97,000 trained youth found employment within Pakistan. Another 33,000 secured jobs abroad through skill-based placements.
Deeply moved to launch the historic Parwaaz Card today. A true game-changer for our youth.
Over the last two years, we have trained 200,000+ youngsters across hospitality & culinary arts, construction, AI & robotics, e-commerce, e-merchandising, graphic design, and… https://t.co/4esP7wmSd3
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) January 28, 2026Alongside the Parwaaz Card, the chief minister launched several complementary initiatives. These include Creative Hands, Rah-e-Rozgar, and a new Skills Development Portal. The programmes aim to strengthen technical education and improve job matching.
During the event, Maryam Nawaz met 90 students who completed technical training in various trades. These students studied at institutions run by the Punjab Skills Development and Entrepreneurship Department.
Inauguration of Punjab’s first-ever "Parwaz Card"
🔹The launch of the unique programs Creative Hand, Rah-e-Rozgar, and the Skill Development Portal was also announced.
🔹Under the Parwaz Card initiative, skilled youth will be provided interest-free loans of up to PKR 300,000 to… pic.twitter.com/WA2muDxY5Y
— PMLN (@pmln_org) January 28, 2026She also interacted with transgender students and praised their determination and professional capabilities. She said equal access to skills and employment remains a government priority.
The chief minister announced the launch of a central Skills Information System. The system will monitor training institutes across the province. It will track course quality and employment outcomes through a single digital dashboard.
Maryam Nawaz said the provincial government provides scholarships during training. She added that authorities also help graduates secure jobs after completion. She stressed that public funds must serve the future of Punjab’s youth.
She said more than 200,000 children and young people have already benefited from these initiatives. She added that the government has sent a delegation to Gulf countries to explore new job markets for Pakistani workers.
