ISLAMABAD: As Europe anticipates a demand for around 450 million skilled professionals in the coming years, Pakistan is taking proactive steps to align its workforce with the opportunity.
This development was shared during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, chaired by Senator Zeeshan Khanzada.
Labour Deals and Training Initiatives in Motion
Dr Arshad Mahmood, Secretary of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis, told the committee that Pakistan has signed a labour agreement with Italy. A similar deal with Belarus is in progress. Belarus needs about 150,000 skilled workers. Pakistan is working to send qualified labour there.
To support this workforce shift, Pakistan has launched six-month specialised training programmes at five major universities, including NUST. These courses are designed to secure employment for participants abroad after completion.
Dr Mahmood also highlighted that Italy’s interior minister visited Pakistan recently. During the visit, the minister officially signed the agreement for hiring skilled workers from Pakistan.
Healthcare Access Under Sehat Sahulat Programme
In addition to labour market updates, Muhammad Arshad, CEO of the Sehat Sahulat Programme, addressed the committee. He said that all Pakistani citizens are eligible for free medical treatment under the initiative.
Citizens can send their CNIC number to 8500 to receive details about hospitals and services available in their region.
A separate briefing by a representative from the Foreign Office revealed that Pakistan has signed prisoner repatriation agreements with eight countries. Under these arrangements, 185 convicted individuals have been returned to Pakistan so far.
